Beyond the Checklist: Visually Mapping Gatsby Across Your Curriculum

The Gatsby Benchmarks provide a vital framework for careers guidance in UK schools. While progress has been significant nationwide, Benchmark 4: Linking curriculum learning to careers, remains one of the most challenging to implement and evidence effectively.

Careers Leaders often face a time-consuming struggle: how do you truly know – and show – how every subject department is contributing? How do you move beyond anecdotal examples to a clear, whole-school picture of embedded careers learning? Spreadsheets get unwieldy, and chasing individual teachers for evidence isn't sustainable.

The Power of a Visual Grid Approach

Imagine seeing your entire school's contribution to Gatsby Benchmark 4 and related benchmarks laid out clearly, subject by subject. That's the power of a visual mapping approach, like the one central to our GridMaker platform.

A grid format allows you to instantly:

• See Coverage: Identify which subjects are actively making links to careers, LMI, pathways, skills, and encounters.

• Spot Gaps: Immediately recognise subjects or specific Gatsby criteria needing more attention.

• Identify Strengths: Pinpoint areas of excellent practice that can be shared across departments.

• Track Progress: Monitor improvements over time as new activities are logged.

  
  

This "helicopter view" transforms auditing from a burdensome task into a strategic tool for improvement, directly supporting the Ofsted focus on the Intent, Implementation, and Impact of your careers provision within the curriculum.

Introducing the Gatsby Grid Criteria Set

To specifically support this, we've developed a dedicated Gatsby Grid criteria set. Built upon extensive research into the latest Gatsby guidance, DfE requirements, Ofsted expectations, and best practices, these 10 criteria provide a focused framework for tracking subject contributions:

1. Curriculum Maps Career Links (GB4, GB1)

2. Uses Subject-Relevant LMI (GB2, GB4)

3. Highlights Diverse Post-School Pathways (GB7, GB2, PAL)

4. Develops Transferable Workplace Skills (GB4, GB5, GB3)

5. Uses Real-World Work Contexts (GB4)

6. Hosts Subject-Relevant Employer Encounters (GB5, GB4)

7. Hosts Subject-Relevant Provider Encounters (GB7, GB4)

8. Links Subject to Workplace Experiences (GB6, GB4)

9. Assesses Careers-Related Learning (GB4 Impact, GB3, GB1)

10. Challenges Career Stereotypes (GB3, GB4)

    
    

Using these criteria allows for a consistent, meaningful audit across all departments.

How GridMaker Helps You Implement This

We offer two ways to leverage this powerful approach:

1. For Existing GridMaker Customers:

Great news! The Gatsby Grid criteria set can be added to your existing GridMaker platform at no extra cost. You already have the tool to easily log evidence (<60 seconds per entry), visualise the data on the grid, filter by subject, and generate reports.

To help you get the most out of this, remember your subscription includes unlimited support. We can:

• Activate the Gatsby Grid criteria set for you.

• Run a free online INSET session for your Subject Leaders, focused on understanding Gatsby Benchmark 4 and collaboratively starting the mapping process.

• Review your current careers tracking setup and offer suggestions.

• Chat with your Careers Leader about aligning the grid with their strategic goals.

  
  

Simply get in touch with the support team on 0115 929 3419 or info@gridmaker.co.uk to discuss how we can help.

2. For Schools New to GridMaker:

If you're looking for a focused solution to tackle Gatsby curriculum mapping, our Gatsby Grid INSET Package is the perfect starting point. For just £295 + VAT per year, you get:

• The practical Kickstart INSET session for your Subject Leaders to ensure buy-in and immediate progress.

• 12 months' full access to the intuitive Gatsby Grid online tool, pre-loaded with the research-backed criteria.

• Our complete support package, including setup, training resources, and unlimited help for all staff.

  
  

This package provides everything needed to establish a sustainable system for tracking and evidencing subject contributions to Gatsby.

Benefits for Your School

Whichever route you choose, adopting a visual grid approach for Gatsby tracking offers significant advantages:

• Saves Time: Drastically reduces admin for Careers Leaders and input time for teachers.

• Boosts Engagement: Empowers Subject Leaders and fosters collaboration.

• Provides Clarity: Offers instant oversight of strengths and weaknesses.

• Supports Ofsted: Delivers clear evidence for the Personal Development judgment.

• Drives Improvement: Enables data-informed strategic planning.

Take the Next Step

• New to GridMaker? Learn more about the Gatsby Grid INSET Package, Book a Demo, or Start a 30-Day Free Trial of the tool.

• Existing Customer? Contact us on 0115 929 3419 or info@gridmaker.co.uk to activate the Gatsby criteria or book your included INSET session.

  
  

Stop chasing paper trails and start building a clear, strategic picture of your careers education across the curriculum today.