Future Pathways Handbook

All-Girls

Boarding & Day

Catholic

FUTURE PATHWAYS

IB

YOUR FUTURE BEGINS WITH POSSIBILITY Dear Parents and Students, There is no single definition of success — and no single route towards it.

At Marymount, Future Pathways is about helping every student discover what genuinely interests her, understand where her strengths could take her, and make informed decisions about life beyond school.

For some students, that will mean applying to universities in the UK, the United States, Europe, Asia or destinations further afield. For others, the right path may include a degree apprenticeship, foundation programme, community college, coding bootcamp or a structured gap year. These alternatives can offer valuable skills, meaningful real-world experience and greater clarity about future academic and career goals.

Our role is not to choose a future for each student, but to ensure she understands the breadth of opportunities available to her and has the knowledge, confidence and personalised support to shape that future for herself.

Through individual guidance, global university expertise and opportunities for meaningful exploration, we encourage students to look beyond conventional routes, remain open to possibility and make choices that reflect their individual strengths, interests and ambitions.

Because the right path is different for every student — and success comes from moving forward with curiosity, confidence and a strong sense of purpose.

Ms Hayes Mooney Director of Future Pathways

THE MARYMOUNT DIFFERENCE 01

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Individual Guidance

Student Ownership

Every student receives guidance shaped around her interest, aspirations, academic profile and personal circumstances.

Students are supported throughout the process, but they remain at the centre of it. They research, reflect, ask questions and make informed choices.

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A Global Outlook

Preparation with Purpose

Marymount students consider opportunities around the world, including the UK, the United States, Europe, Asia and beyond.

Students develop the skills required for applications and for life beyond school: independence, communication, organisation, reflection and adaptability.

03 Support that Begins Early Future planning develops gradually from Middle School, helping students understand themselves before asking them to make important decisions.

06 More than One Successful Pathway University is one option among many. We help students explore the route that best reflects their ambitions, values and vision for the future.

A JOURNEY THAT BEGINS LONG BEFORE AN APPLICATION Years 7-9 Discover Students begin by identifying their interests, values, strengths and talents.

They are encouraged to stay curious, try new experiences and begin thinking about the many different ways their talents could develop.

Years 10-11 Explore Students connect subjects, skills and interests to future study and career possibilities.

They encounter speakers, workshops and activities that broaden their understanding of the world .

Year 12 Prepare Each student begins developing an individual Future Pathways plan.

She researches courses and destinations, attends university events, explores admissions requirements and prepares her application.

Year 13 Apply & Decide Students receive detailed support as they complete applications, prepare for interviews, manage offers and make final decisions.

A SHARED JOURNEY STUDENT OWNERSHIP Reflects honestly on her strengths and ambitions Researches courses and destinations thoroughly Attends meetings and communicates regularly Meets internal and external deadlines Prepares carefully for tests, interviews and applications Maintains a strong academic commitment Makes thoughtful, informed decisions

FUTURE PATHWAYS DEPARTMENT GUIDANCE Provides individual student guidance throughout the process Holds meetings and information sessions for families Supports application planning and review Prepares transcripts, references and predicted grades Provides support with essays and personal statements Prepares students for interviews and assessments Organises university events and visiting speakers

FAMILY SUPPORT Encourages independence Provides guidance without taking control Remains open to a broad range of destinations Considers fit rather than reputation alone Supports visits, forms and deadlines Discusses financial and practical considerations early

GOING BEYOND THE CLASSROOM EXPLORE Read beyond the school curriculum.

Attend lectures.

Listen to podcasts.

Visit exhibitions.

Complete an online course.

Enter a competition.

Conduct independent research.

Seek work experience.

CONNECT

REFLECT Ask yourself: What did I learn?

What surprised or challenged me?

Did this experience change my thinking?

What questions do I now want to explore?

How does this connect to what I’ve learned in school?

RECORD

Be ready to explain how your experiences have developed your interests, knowledge, and understanding.

Keep an academic journal, recording books, articles, lectures, podcasts, projects and experiences that have influenced you.

Universities are not interested only in what you have done. They want to understand what you gained from it.

A short, thoughtful reflection will be more useful than a long list of activities when preparing for applications and interviews.

A WORLD OF As an international school, Marymount London students apply to universities and programmes across the world.

UNITED KINGDOM Course First UK applications are primarily focused on the subject a student wants to study.

Students usually apply through UCAS and can select up to five choices. Universities consider academic performance, subject preparation, the personal statement and, for some courses, admissions tests, interviews, portfolios or auditions.

UNITED STATES The Whole Student US universities use a more holistic process.

They may consider academic performance across several years alongside essays, recommendations, activities, personal qualities and the context in which a student has achieved.

Students may apply through the Common Application or through an institution’s own platform.

OPPORTUNITY Different countries use different admissions systems, but the principle remains the same: every application should begin with careful research and a clear understanding of the student’s goals.

EUROPE Diverse Systems European application systems vary significantly by country and institution.

Some universities offer programmes taught fully in English, while others may require additional forms, motivation letters, tests, interviews or evidence of language proficiency.

ASIA & THE WIDER WORLD Tailored Guidance Applications to universities in Asia, Canada, Australia and other global destinations often combine elements of UK, US and European admissions.

Students receive individual guidance based on the specific requirements of each destination.

FURTHER RESOURCES SUPERCURRICULAR DEVELOPMENT University of Cambridge's HE+ University of Cambridge's "How to Explore Your Subject" University of Oxford's Oxplore University of Oxford's Digital Resources and Suggested Resources University College Oxford's Guide to Exploring Subjects University College Oxford's Resource Hub

OXBRIDGE INTERVIEW PREPARATION Cambridge's Interview Page Oxford's Interview Page Cambridge's Choosing a College Oxford's Do you choose a college?

Cambridge: Applying to Cambridge, International Student, Applicant Webinar Series Oxford: Annual Webinars (includes previous webinar recordings), Applying to Oxford, International Students (register for the International Student Mailing List)

MEDICAL SCHOOL PREPARATION Cambridge's My HE+ Medicine Resources Medic Mentor offers support network for aspiring medics Medical Schools Council, especially, Resources for Teachers and Students Publications - search for "UK Medical School Entry" for current summary of all medical school entry (typically updated in June or July by MSC) The Medic Portal (includes interview, UCAT, personal statement tips, guides and free resources)

OTHER PATHWAYS There are multiple options for students who feel they would be best served outside the traditional post-secondary education system or want to develop other skills before heading to university.

Degree Apprenticeships in the UK combine the academic study of a university degree with the practical experience of an apprenticeship. Courses vary, but you will typically work for three or four days a week alongside studying at university for one or two days, with extra time off from work around exams to revise. You get a salary and a pension, and your university fees are paid by your employer. You will graduate with a full university bachelor’s degree, but unlike other UK courses, you apply directly through the employer, rather than UCAS. Search via UCAS or GOV.UK. Foundation Degrees (UK & Canada) are a one-to-two-year program for students who may not know exactly what they want to study, are lacking specific qualifications for a full degree, or want to develop their knowledge further in a specific area. A foundation degree is part of a full bachelor’s degree in the UK and sometimes Canada.

Community Colleges (USA) offer a variety of two-year associate degrees or certificates that prepare both domestic and international students immediately for their first job. Community colleges offer traditional academic classes like math and history that will transfer to a four-year university. They are more affordable than traditional U.S. universities, so some students elect to complete their prerequisites at community college before transferring to a four-year institution.

Coding Schools or Bootcamps (International) offer programs or certifications to learn skills quickly and effectively, such as JavaScript and Python, so you can enter the workforce quickly. Many of these programs are free, such as Codecademy, making them accessible to everyone. Many programming jobs are well paid and do not require a university degree.

Gap Years can be a great way of gaining valuable life experience, developing independence, exploring interests and preparing for future study or career pathways.

For students who are considering a gap year, we maintain a list of companies offering a wide range of opportunities across different countries and activities. The library also provides a selection of travel books, brochures and guides to help students research destinations, programmes and ways to organise their experience.

YEAR 12 (GRADE 11) JOURNEY AUTUMN - BEGIN THE CONVERSATION Attend Future Pathways events Reflect on interests, strengths and priorities Begin broad course, career and destination research.

WINTER - BUILD YOUR PLAN Meet with the Director of Future Pathways Investigate entry requirements, costs and application systems Identify possible admissions tests or portfolio requirements.

SPRING - DEVELOP YOUR EVIDENCE Begin personal-statement and essay development Continue super-curricular exploration Plan purposeful summer activities, visits or work experience.

SUMMER - PREPARE WITH PURPOSE Refine the university list Develop first drafts Prepare for relevant tests Continue reading, projects, service or work experience.

YEAR 12 (GRADE 11) SUMMER prepare with purpose Make the summer meaningful.

A productive summer does not need to be highly structured.

Use your time with curiosity, initiative and purpose.

EXPLORE A SUBJECT

GAIN EXPERIENCE

SERVE THE COMMUNITY

Read, complete a free online course, follow a lecture series or design an independent research question.

Find part-time work, work shadowing or a placement that develops responsibility and insight.

Volunteer, support a local organisation or create a project responding to a genuine need.

CREATE SOMETHING

VISIT & COMPARE

REST & RECONNECT

Start a portfolio, write, code, make, perform, investigate or build a project that reflects a real interest.

Attend university tours, information sessions, open days and subject taster events.

Time with family, friends and personal interests also matters. A balanced student is better prepared for the year ahead.

YEAR 13 (GRADE 12) JOURNEY August - September Finalise Confirm the application list; check current requirements and policies; refine essays, statements and supporting materials; ensure all application accounts are active.

October - November Submit Early Applications Complete applications with early deadlines; register or submit required test scores; monitor email and applicant portals carefully.

December - January Complete Remaining Applications Submit regular applications; confirm that all documents have been received; continue focusing strongly on academic work.

February - March Respond & Prepare Review decisions as they arrive; provide any requested mid-year information; research accommodation, funding and enrolment requirements.

April - May Decide Compare offers carefully; understand conditions; confirm a final destination by the relevant deadline; discuss any concerns with the Future Pathways team.

June - July Transition Complete final examinations; submit any required documentation; prepare for results, visas, accommodation and the move to the next stage.

NEXT STEPS

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STUDENTS

FAMILIES

CONNECT

Explore your BridgeU account and bring your questions to your next Future Pathways meeting.

Attend information sessions and begin conversations about aspirations, location and fit.

Contact the Director of Future Pathways to access current resources, dates and opportunities.

YOUR FUTURE STARTS NOW.

marymountlondon.com | +44 (0)20 8949 0571 admissions@marymountlondon.com