Resource created by M&S Archive.

Learning Objectives 

• PSHE, Careers, English: Pupils will understand the concept of career pathways and the value of transferable skills by exploring real-life journeys within a major UK business. 

• Design & Technology, Business Studies, Art & Design: Pupils will analyse how creativity, design, and innovation contribute to customer experience and business success in the retail sector. 

• Citizenship, PSHE, English: Pupils will explore how diversity, resilience, and collaboration shape workplace success, and reflect on their own strengths and aspirations. 

Curriculum Links 

English (KS2–KS4) 

• Reading Comprehension: Understanding a range of texts for meaning and purpose. 

• Writing (KS3/4): Using real-life examples to inform, explain, and describe in various formats. 

• Spoken Language: Developing questioning, debating, and presentation skills. 

Design and Technology (KS2–KS4) 

• Design Process: Understanding user needs, planning, testing, and refining ideas. 

• Architecture & Retail Design: Exploring how design affects user experience in spaces like stores. 

Citizenship & PSHE (KS2–KS4) 

• Careers Education: Understanding different career paths and progression. 

• Diversity & Inclusion: Exploring representation, workplace equity, and role models from diverse backgrounds. 

Art and Design (KS2–KS4) 

• Visual Communication: Using visual merchandising and window design as forms of creative expression. 

Discussion Ideas 

What is Visual Merchandising (VM)? 

• How does it affect the way we shop? Can good design change your behaviour? 

Diverse Journeys and Role Models 

• What challenges might the people featured in the stories above have faced in their careers? 

• Why is it important to see different types of people in different careers? 

What Makes a Good Designer? 

• Discuss the five key skills Catherine identifies (resilience, collaboration, etc.). Which do you think is most important, and why? 

From Saturday Job to Head Office 

• How do jobs and careers change over time? 

• Why might someone not end up doing what they studied? 

• What skills would Janice have been able to use in both her career paths?  

Innovation vs Tradition 

• Why do you think M&S wants to be bold and try new ideas while still honouring the heritage of the company? 

Activity Ideas 

KS2–KS3 Art & Design / English: Design a Store Window 

• Design a window display for an M&S Food store promoting a seasonal product (e.g., Christmas or Summer picnic). 

• Write a short persuasive script to present your design to the class. 

KS3–KS4 PSHE / Careers: Career Path Timeline 

• Create a timeline of Catherine or Murray’s career path, including roles, key decisions, and turning points. 

• Reflect on what qualities helped them move forward. 

KS3–KS4 English / Business Studies: Debate – Is Creativity or Commerciality More Important in Retail Design? 

• Prepare arguments on both sides. Explore real examples from the M&S text to support positions. 

KS2–KS3 PSHE / Citizenship: “My Skills” Poster 

• Create a poster of your personal strengths using the five core skills listed by Catherine. 

• Reflect on which ones you’d like to develop and how.