Academic Departments - Careers

St David's School is currently applying for the elite award of Investor in Careers.

From years 7 to 9, Careers education is delivered by Form Tutors through PSE sessions, in conjunction with the Head of Careers, and this pattern is also followed for Years 10 and 11.

All students will have access to a Careers clinic run by the Head of Careers. This is arranged informally, but provides professional guidance to any queries raised. Careers counselling, practice interviews, UCAS preparation and university choices are all delivered on an individual basis.

Year 9
As students approach the Spring term they will need to make their Option Choices for GCSE study. The Form and Subject teachers will help guide students into making an informed choice. This will be aided by the Head of Careers, who will be able to provide information, on the wider implication of the choices and future career plans.

Year 10
The main aim is to build on aspects developed from Year 7, and to help pupils to develop the skills to plan for their future, based on their knowledge of themselves and the available options in a changing world. Decision-making skills are emphasised. The program will be delivered by the Head of Careers and the Form Tutor during the weekly lesson of PHSE.

During these sessions students will receive practice at completing application forms and professional interview techniques. The aim to get the girls to think about planning their future, and to learn to ask the appropriate questions and find out where to obtain the information they want. Students will also prepare to organise their one week Work Experience Placement, which will take place during the first part of the Autumn term of Year 11.

Careers Convention

The resources in the Career’s Library are available to all pupils in the school. There is a great amount of information on applying for further education and higher education, including prospectuses, videos and CD ROMS. A wide selection of careers resources is also available on the Internet - accessible through the workstation in the computer rooms. At the end of Year 10, pupils will be offered the opportunity to take a Morrisby Psychometric test. This will be carried out at the beginning of Year 11 for a nominal fee. Preparation and information about the test will be provided beforehand by the Head of Careers.

Year 11
In Year 11, all pupils continue to receive careers education and guidance through their PSE lessons. The focus is on raising awareness, decision making, researching jobs/careers, making applications and understanding how personal attributes and interests should influence or affect choice of careers. A 6th form evening in the Autumn Term and a ‘Day in the life of a Sixth Former’ are provided for all students.

Work Experience is scheduled to take place in the first half of the Autumn Term.

A Careers Convention is held every year, either at St. David’s or Halliford School, and students from Years 9 to 13 are encouraged to attend.

A structured ongoing programme of Careers Advice and information is provided within the Sixth Form. The majority of this programme is geared towards Higher Education entry.

Year 12

Year 13

Careers Clinic
All students will have access to a Careers clinic run by the Head of Careers. This is arranged informally, but provides professional guidance to any queries raised. Careers counselling, practice interviews, UCAS preparation and university choices are all delivered on an individual basis.

Individual Requirements
In addition to the guidance the school offers, you should be aware that in applications to Higher Education courses, Higher Education institutions place importance on:

	Students having shown an interest in their possible future career paths by taking part in relevant work experience.
	Any additional responsibilities fulfilled within the school and in the community.
	Any other courses, eg, Duke of Edinburgh undertaken.
	Any examinations taken / predicted grades.

The bulleted points above will form part of a personal statement, which must be completed when applying for Higher Education courses. The above will also be a significant factor in the school reference. As can be seen from the above Higher Education institutions and employers are looking for people who can take on responsibility, work unsupervised and who are able to plan their use of time with adequate time allocated to academic work and recreational activities.

Higher Education applications require a School Reference.This is prepared by the Head of the Sixth form in conjunction with the Head, Tutors and Subject Staff. We are usually asked to comment on the following: Intellectual Qualities Independence of Mind Academic Ability Personality Powers of Expression Leadership Contribution to the Community Motivation Creativity Character Determination Interest and Hobbies Health

Careers Convention

Work Experience
It is essential for success both in UCAS entry and employment after school that relevant work experience has been undertaken prior to Year 13 studies.

Universities place much emphasis on gaining work experience, eg, if you want to take a veterinary course then entry is subject not only to A Level grades obtained, but also to considerable work experience having been undertaken.

Resource Available
The following resources are available:

	CAREER CLINIC – Professional career counselling, help and advice with University choices, courses, voluntary work and work experience.
	UCAS Handbook
	University of Higher Education Institution Handbooks / Prospectuses
	Videos and CD Roms
	The Internet
	Various Books on Interview Techniques etc
	Odyssey / Iscope Programmes in the IT Rooms

Note: These Resources Are Held In The School Library, the Sixth Form and on the Internet.

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