CAREERS EDUCATION, INFORMATION, ADVICE AND GUIDANCE

Some students will be called for an interview, in which case each student will undergo interview practice, often conducted by an outside expert. By the end of March (though in most cases far earlier), institutions will have made their decisions, allowing candidates to hold one firm and one insurance offer for a university place.

When results come through in August following the examinations, universities confirm the places of all those who have met their conditions. There is a safety net, known as ‘clearing’, for those who have not met the conditions of their chosen institution but who may gain acceptance elsewhere. Throughout the post-result period, a team of staff, led by the Head of Sixth Form, is available for consultation and lobbying to secure these valuable places.

CAREERS EDUCATION, INFORMATION, ADVICE AND GUIDANCE

Introduction

The Head of Careers and Enterprise co-ordinates the careers education, information, advice and guidance activities that take place within the College. They work closely with the tutors, the Heads of Section and Housemistresses/Housemasters to provide this service. The Careers Education and PSHCE programmes aim to equip students with the skills they need to make the successful transitions from Year 11 to the Sixth Form and beyond.

The Careers mission statement is as follows:

‘Furnishing pupils with the skills and confidence to make realistic and informed decisions about their futures. Helping them manage the transitions from one stage of their education, training and work to the next.’

In the increasingly competitive world of work, sound careers advice is essential and we aim to enable students to maximise their potential and to have the opportunity to discover the career areas most appropriate to their individual talents and aspirations.

Students are encouraged to carry out their own research using the resources available to them but under the guidance of one or more of the adults mentioned. We subscribe to a number of services offered by MyFutureChoices that help signpost the first steps into researching university options and alternative career paths.

Within the Pupil Hub there is a growing presence in the Careers section, where there are links to useful websites for industry sectors and professions, upcoming external events and initiatives.

There is a successful Sixth Form Careers Conference in the Lent Term where a variety of professions and future choices have a presence. Students also undergo work-related ‘mock interviews’ in the Summer of the Lower Sixth year to encourage and prepare them for getting holiday work and work shadowing in the years that follow.

For those looking at apprenticeships, internships and learning while you work options, we run a number of events with local businesses and organisations offering useful advice in this ever competitive environment.

Whilst we encourage the vast majority of Pangbournians to stay on into the Sixth Form, alternative routes can be discussed for those in the Year 11 who would benefit from a more vocational and less academic regime.