p THE FOCUS schools
TOP SCHOOLS CAREER GUIDANCE AT THE COAST’S
We approach Aloha College, Laude San Pedro International College, the Sotogrande International School and Swans International School inviting them to answer important questions on career guidance for pupils.
ALOHA COLLEGE 1 In the secondary section, (age 11 to 18), students begin their career development through their PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education) programme. Their tutor helps them to identify areas that they are strong in, and leads a range of discussions to support them in considering careers and courses in which they may be interested. To give students a flavour of entrepreneurship, they participate in an Enterprise Fair in Years 7, 8 and 9. In Year 8, one of our partnership organisations from the UK offers an activity called ‘Chocolate Challenge’, in which students work in teams to design, develop and market a product and then pitch this to the senior leadership team of the school. All students are assessed using psychometric tests at the ages of 11, 14 and 16. These tests not only identify academic potential, but also give teachers, students and parents an insight into areas where they are most likely to be successful as well as how they best learn in class. At the age of 14, students are asked to make their first option choices for IGCSE. After an assembly with Heads of Department and then a parent question and answer session, all students are
counselled by a member of the senior leadership team. In this session, a discussion about future aspirations, both academic and vocational, takes place, and students are guided towards option subjects that best suit them. At the age of 16, a professionally qualified guidance team delivers support to students through a mix of online psychometric profiling (similar to those used for university and graduate recruitment), face-to-face guidance discussions, up-to-date careers information and resources, a careers helpline for ongoing support, skills workshops and career insight events. 2 Our careers department informs students and parents about scholarships or grants available for further education. As some universities also have bursaries available, students are given all the necessary information about them. The same information is given for specialist schemes such as sponsorships for many subjects. 3 One student has been offered vocational training as a teaching assistant in the primary section of the school to work alongside and learn from our fully qualified assistants. 4 Students’ potential in a range of
subjects is identified early on, according to the College’s Gifted and Talented policy. Depending on the area of strength, Heads of Key Stages ensure that teachers challenge students in class. The College’s extended curriculum programme offers a range of activities for students to pursue after the normal school day. 5 Selecting appropriate universities requires careful consideration and research. Current students, as well as those who have left the School, are fully supported by the Head of sixth Form. The School offers a comprehensive programme to guide our students through the process, including the completion of the UCAS (UK) and Common Application (USA) forms. Individual meetings are also held to monitor students’ progress. A variety of activities are on offer during the last two years at Aloha College, including visits by representatives from UK, Spanish and USA universities. Our students attend various university fairs held on the coast as well as travelling to the UK for open days. We additionally offer assistance with personal statements and personal essays in conjunction with the English department who support and facilitate students with
the relevant, appropriate guidance in their written expression. Students are also directed to their teachers for subject specific guidance. Students who are interested in applying to Oxbridge are mentored individually and guided accordingly. The Senior School Library is open from 9am to 5pm during term time and contains a full set of university prospectuses, in addition to other literature about higher education in the UK and abroad. Information about careers and gap years is also available. Computers both in the Library and the Sixth Form Centre allow access to Internet resources. 6 It is very rare for our students not to enter Higher Education after leaving Aloha College. However, there are some students who decide that their academic career has come to an end and for these students, the Head of Key Stage will meet with students and parents to advise them on the correct course of action. 7 The most in-demand university courses are Law, Engineering, Economics, Business and Finance and International Relations. i www.aloha-college.com
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