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Careers Education
Careers Education is taught as part of the PDE programme.
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In Year 10, you are encouraged to start thinking about your own needs and interests in preparation for making a decision about the step after GCSE. You should consider the variety of courses and subjects available in post-16 education; representatives from local schools and colleges will come into school to provide you and your parents with information. You are encouraged to develop confidence and skill both in written applications and in interview situations. You will prepare a CV, study interview techniques, examine your transferable skills and find out about your rights and responsibilities in the world of work.
Morrisby Profile
You will complete the Morrisby Profile test and have the opportunity to discuss the results with a representative of the company. The profile uses psychometric testing to identify strengths and weaknesses and then comprehensively considers your interests, talents and working preferences to suggest post-16 and post-18 subjects, qualifications and careers.
Sixth Form Forum
A Sixth Form Forum is held in September; Year 10 and 11 pupils are invited to attend with their parents. Preparation sessions are held so that you gain the maximum benefit from the event. A range of local independent and maintained schools are invited to answer your questions and provide prospectuses; they often bring Abbot’s Hill alumni along with them.
Year 11 Mock interviews and work experience
In Year 11, you have the opportunity to have a formal mock interview in preparation for your post GCSE applications. Towards the end of the summer term, when the examinations are over, you will undertake a week of work experience in order to gain a taste of a real working environment. This is a valuable opportunity to develop further personal and social skills as well as allowing an insight into specific areas of employment.
Throughout both Years 10 and 11, talks are given during PDE lessons from outside speakers on a variety of careers’ experiences and routes. This includes parents, alumni and industry representatives. Talks on different A-level subjects and wider post-16 options are also available.
Career Resources
Career resources are to be found in the Careers Room and are updated regularly. These include prospectuses for popular maintained and independent schools, colleges and universities. Books about job applications and information about a variety of professions are also provided. The Success at School website, which all pupils have individual access to, provides a wealth of guidance on choosing subjects, applying for jobs, work experience, higher education, study skills and also allows students to share their views in a range of polls and forums.
Career Mentors
Career mentors are appointed from Year 11 to provide a significant role of responsibility; pupils are given the opportunity to provide directional guidance to peers, write a termly newsletter and assist The Head of Careers with the development of the department.
The Head of Careers is available at a variety of times during the week to advise you and is always happy to be contacted by your parents to deal with any queries.
