When I Grow Up: Supporting Children’s Aspirations

This course provides an enriched understanding of what you can do as a parent, carer, or community member to support and nurture the educational and career aspirations of young people.

Underpinned by an extensive program of educational research conducted by leading experts, we delve into the crucial, decision-making period when young people's ideas about their post-school futures form and become entrenched.

Across the four weeks, we'll look at why aspirations are important, explore trends in children's aspirations for different educational and career pathways, break down key factors that influence aspirations, and consider the powerful role of everyday conversations and experiences in shaping the way young people imagine their futuresand engage in decision-making.

You will gain confidence in understanding and actively supporting and equipping young people, in terms of both your knowledge of post-school pathways and practical tools to help them navigate toward desired pathways.

Week 1. What are aspirations and why are aspirations important?

Week 2. An overview of the educational and career aspirations of young people

Week 3. Factors that influence aspiration formation

Week 4. The powerful role of parents, families, schools, and communities in shaping aspirations