CAREERS NEWSLETTER 2017-18
ISSUE 9 – Friday 16 February 2018
In our latest newsletter, as well as advertising some excellent careers events taking place after half term, Joe Harty reports on this month’s Careers Convention and our former pupils reflect on their GCSE choices.
DID YOU MAKE THE RIGHT GCSE CHOICES? WORDS FROM OUR FORMER PUPILS The Spring Term is a notoriously anxious time for pupils choosing GCSE or A level options, especially with advice from teachers, parents and peers to weigh up. We asked our former pupils to offer objective advice for our Third Year pupils to reflect on and see whether they had got it right for them!
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Daniel wisely reminded pupils to check all course descriptions closely and consider the balance of exams and coursework. Many former pupils urged everyone to stay calm, very much in line with the cry of ‘choose life’ from Jenny who grew up with ‘Trainspotting’ (cert 18)! Of course, it was no surprise a certain former school captain, now teaching at Bablake, suggested Geography was the most interesting and most useful subject. This was soon countered by the History addicts and similar pleas for Religious Studies. There was a chorus of approval for languages too. Ian said: ‘Learn as many languages as you can - so important in life as well as work!’ He should know as his A in German saw him work for 5 Live as a producer at the 2006 World Cup in Germany. Rob added: ‘More people are speaking English - and it’s the language of business - but it’s the social side that matters more. Being able to talk to people in their own language is very important.’ The vast majority of advice was to pick subjects ‘you like and make you happy’ (Alex) and that ‘genuinely interest you, as if you enjoy what you are learning about, then you are more likely to excel’ (Aaran). Approach and attitude would also usually outweigh aptitude, according to Rob. Executive Dean, Allison advised: ‘Choose subjects you enjoy, as you are more likely to reach your full potential. That said make sure you don’t make any choices that limit future choices. Science subjects are always well recognised and full of transferable skills. However, it is never too late to explore new directions.’ In fact, the consensus was definitely to choose the subjects you enjoy and are interested in, but keep options as open as you can. For those unsure of a future path, Faye said: ‘If you don't have specific requirements for a career and don't know what to choose, then pick subjects you are interested in. You'll gain transferable skills regardless of the subjects you choose.’ Thomas added: ‘Make sure you choose subjects that will help you choose relevant A levels in a field you feel like you want to go into later.’ His philosophy also allied with Lara who suggested: ‘See this as a stepping stone and an opportunity to specialise a little, but still be able to enjoy a wide range of subjects. Take the chance to choose subjects even if you don’t think they’ll relate to your current end goal. The time to specialise fully will come soon enough and you’ll end up missing being able to do a little bit of everything!’ Very importantly, Zain reminded pupils not to let anybody else tell them what to study and Andrew stressed that, even at 14, many pupils can clearly see some areas are simply not for them, so ‘be strong and avoid those’. Emily was another who stressed choosing subjects you enjoyed, but added: ‘Keep in mind it's good to have a nice balance to ensure you give everything your best shot.’ And remember that whatever your grades are, you are in control of your future. Charlotte’s immense wisdom confirmed this as she stressed how your choices will not shape and define the rest of your life anywhere near as much as your actions will! Suffice to say, very little has changed! Choosing subjects you may need, excel at and enjoy will offer many positive outcomes. More than ever, for the majority of Bablake teenagers, it is a certainty that their skills, curiosity, resilience and charisma will impress employers most.