Careers Education
The school offers a comprehensive programme of careers guidance for the assistance of boys and their parents. Emphasis is put on an individual approach through consultation. Each Form group from Year 10 onwards has a designated Careers’ advisor.In Year 10 students begin to map out their career paths with a conference on Personal Career Planning. Students have to produce an Action Plan. Following this, students will have a series of LLW classes on careers and several classes focusing on choices they face ahead. Individual interviews with Careers staff can be arranged and consultation at the Parents’ Meeting is also available.
In Year 11 students continue to develop their career path and will have a module of careers classes in LLW. Students participate in a Business Insight Day to develop awareness of skills necessary for the work place, and their own strengths and weaknesses. Students will also have the opportunity to undertake a week’s work placement, to gain a fuller understanding of the world of work.
This career path continues into Year 12 where students are again required to make difficult decisions for the future. To assist this, a module of careers is delivered in LLW classes. Students will have individual interviews with careers staff, to which their parents are invited. Independent advice for potential leavers wishing to pursue a non-academic route is provided by the Department for Employment and Learning.
In the Sixth Form all students will undertake careers classes. In Year 13 there is the opportunity for further Work Experience. A focus on the university application system and its requirements will be undertaken. Issues such as a Gap Year and Finance will be considered. In Year 14 there will be a concentration on the UCAS procedure and advice and guidance on choice of university, colleges of further education or employment.
An Interview Skills Day with a panel of interviewers from the world of work, will help prepare the students for university or employment options. All students will have a programme of LLW classes. Advice on application for Student Loans and contribution to fees will be part of the programme.
The school also has an agreement with the Careers Officer from the Department for Employment and Learning to visit the school to talk to the students about careers. Other outside speakers from organisations such as the Armed Services and the various professions plus representatives from several Universities will also visit the school. There are, in addition, opportunities to attend other careers conferences and a UCAS convention.