PSHE and Careers and Higher Education

YEARBOOK 2020 - 2021

HIGHER EDUCATION AND

CAREERS / PHSE

Mr Alistair Hind

Head of PSHE and Careers

Higher Education and Careers The pandemic has brought challenges, yet also opportunities, regarding careers and university applications. As day to day business has moved online, so has the ability to connect with universities and employers; previously all interactions of this nature were conducted in person. This year, for the first time, we were able to conduct all careers advice, University visits and employer interactions virtually. This academic year BISR has hosted virtually over 15 visits of top global Universities, including: UCL, Kings College, Durham University, University of British Columbia, Maastricht University, and Jacobs University Bremen Germany. All Universities were able to give tailored presentations specially for BISR students. A big concern this year has been what to add to university personal statements, BISR students continue to be sought after by the top higher education institutions globally due to their value added. Increasingly universities are looking to see students who can bring an added passion to the course, something which BISR students possess in abundance. The additional reading, attending webinars, and project work BISR students undertake as part of their personal statement writing journey, adds huge weight to their applications. Some university courses require interviews, especially those related to Medicine and Veterinary Science. To assist our students this year, we were still able to provide mock medical interviews virtually, enlisting the support of some of the top UK trained doctors locally to fine tune the interview skills of our aspiring medical students. Throughout the pandemic we have maintained our strong links with the local business community within Riyadh, enabling us to host Work Experience Interviews virtually for our year 12 students. We wish to thank the following employers for generously giving up their time to support this process: Mr Brian Christie, Draeger Arabia Co. Ltd Mr David Sparks, Red Latitude Mr Neal Beavers, Deloitte Dr Sarah Fraser, Princess Nourah Bint University Ms Jo Taylor, independent consultant, Mr John Taylor, ALJOMAIHBEV Dr. Dalia Samra-Rohte, AHK Mr Zaki Sumar, Ernst & Young Mr Ben Agyekum, Buildings & Places | KSA Dr Asma Siddiki Ms Aneela Haider

Alive/PSHE Even though the school has been virtual throughout this year, there have still been issues important to the development of students at BISR as global citizens which have been pertinent as a result of the pandemic.

The basic themes of the course have been maintained, which is designed to empower our students to become future global leaders: Year 7: Yourself and the local community; Year 8: The national and wider community; Year 9: The global community.

This year the course has continued to evolve due to recent international events through the inclusion of the issues surrounding Fake News and the anti-vaccine debate; the recent election of President Biden; and the recent military coup in Myanmar (Burma). There also continues to be a focus on issues which affect the BISR community, particularly around personal well-being and learning to learn. In addition to Alive lessons, from September 2020 PSHE is now also taught once fortnightly on a Sunday afternoon to all year groups.

We have also held numerous Alive events in years 10 and 11, including: Fake News, Citizens Rights, The Vaccine Debate, Consent, Stress and Anxiety, and Women’s rights and safety.

The subject content of Alive will be continually updated to ensure our students can engage in discussion as active global citizens, allowing them to play a role in the community wherever they live.

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YEARBOOK 2020 - 2021