Careers

Head of Careers: Ms Cécile Mayanobe

‘Careers and Higher Education’ is a vital component of any pupil’s curriculum because it helps prepare for life after school.

In the Fourth Form and Lower Fifth (Years 9 and 10), elements of the PHSE programme such as learning to use the Careers Library and the online resources, career talks and decision making, etc - help build up a pupil's view of themselves and the outside world. During the final week of the summer term, all the Lower Fifth undertake some work experience. Monitored by the College, this can be arranged either by the pupil or the College.

The following September, as members of the Upper Fifth, they take the Futurewise Test - an amalgam of questionnaire and psychometric tests. This provides an abilities profile which can help focus an individual's thoughts. Pupils have a general feedback session in October followed by a personal interview with the ISCO regional director Helen Davison or her assistants. In addition, there are number of interactive careers talks. An ISCO professional will also be present to answer any questions at the Options@16 evening in September as well as at the Parents' Evening in January.

In the Lower Sixth, in addition to the Friday lecture programme, ISCO work-experience courses and activities such as Young Enterprise, thoughts turn to Higher Education.  ‘Options at 18’ for both pupils and parents addresses the issues prior to a visit to the Higher Education Fair at Sussex University where pupils can make contact with universities and order prospectuses.  Later in the year, activity sessions on the electronic application procedure and ‘how to make the best choices’ develop the process further.  Pupils are encouraged to use the ISCOM questionnaire on the College intranet.

Applications dominate the thoughts of the Upper Sixth.  To assist them, there is a voluntary ‘Interview Techniques’ course and an activity session on the transition from school to university.

Pupils are members of the ISCO scheme until their 23rd birthday.  The ISCO website is at www.isco.org.uk and they provide a termly magazine about current careers issues.

www.sussexcareers.com - the local careers service and part of Connexions – can be consulted on all issues appertaining to careers matters.

www.gapadvice.org - provides independet advice on gap years, particularly for young people in Year 12/13 who are making future career plans.

www.ozdegree.com - inform pupils about opportunities to study in Australia.