Careers advice in the Senior School

Careers conventions are held each year and every student at the end of the Fifth Form (Year 11) has an opportunity to spend two days attending careers seminars in school led by professionals from many different walks of life. View the programme for the 2009 Fifth Form Careers Event.

Although the main thrust of advice for the future is directed at higher education, it is recognised that some students are uncertain about their future and seek advice not only about education but also about careers.

The careers education programme seeks to enable students to progressively acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to make well-informed and realistic choices. There is a concentration of effort in year 9 for GCSE subject choices, in year 11 for A level and entry into the sixth form and, during the sixth form, for higher education and work.

Through the promotion of a career planning process, the school equips students to recognise, manage and exploit opportunities throughout their lives. The Head of Sixth Form works closely with the local Careers Connexions organisation in providing an advisory programme that targets principally the more senior students.

The PSE programme in the middle and lower school also has careers-related input so that students are encouraged to explore their ideas from a relatively early age.