C A R E E R S

INTRODUCTION
As the final follow up to the Careers Department’s work from Year 9 to Year 11, the Sixth Form careers structure is as follows:

At the beginning of the Autumn Term there is an “Induction Conference” when information and guidelines are given for combining GCSE and “A” levels, with a view to having the correct profile for Higher Education and subsequently the “World of Work”.

The timetable allows for groups of career seminars to be held throughout two years, when preplanning and information is given on Higher Education, other courses and the World of Work. Students have the opportunity to attend courses, seminars, and our own Higher Education convention. There is a visit to a University open day/information day for students. Centigrade Analysis is carried out to allow the Cambridge Occupational Analysts to match student profiles with appropriate University courses.

“Shadowing” - a worthwhile experience for Lower Sixth students - can be arranged. This is a scheme whereby students follow someone in the work environment for one day, in order to see the company, the person’s role in that company and a typical day in that profession.

Sixth formers can undertake some community service if they wish, such as visiting the elderly in hospital, residential homes or their own homes. Some students visit handicapped people and others help in the Kindergarten and local primary schools. It is a very worthwhile experience and one that is encouraged for all future medical students, teachers, lawyers, psychologists, occupational therapists or other vocational career areas.

Students are given information and guidance on application forms, Curriculum Vitae, letters of application, and interviewing. All applications are carefully monitored by the Head of Careers together with Tutors and the Headmaster. For those considering Oxbridge, additional guidance and preparation is given. UCAS forms are processed electronically.

The school is a member of ISCO - Independent Schools Careers Organisation, and as such, can offer all the facilities of this service. We have access to their computerised programmes. One great advantage of our ISCO membership is the work experience and taster courses that they offer. Students have access to “Higher Ideas” and ECCTIS computer programmes which allow them to search over 80,000 higher education courses.

The Head of Careers offers one to one counselling sessions and students are free to have these after school hours if necessary, and she will be pleased to have contact with parents on THURSDAY mornings, 9.15am-10.15am in the Careers Office

After publication of “A” level results, the Department is open to help with any matters arising and help is always available for the two weeks following the results date. Students should make contact with the Head of Careers if they are having any difficulties or to check on how their application is progressing.

The Department itself has a very good reference section - all literature and information is kept up to date each year and we have Accredited Careers Library standard. Y12 Teambuilding Students in Japan fro MUN