Careers education and guidance serves to complement the academic
curriculum. Our aim is to provide high-quality impartial careers
advice and support to each pupil throughout his education. During
his time in the Boys' Division the Careers Department plays a key
role in helping each pupil develop transferable skills through
work-related learning. We prepare him to be successful,
enterprising and vocationally aware and ready for the challenges
that lie ahead in the world of work and in Higher Education.
In the Lower School (Years 7 - 9) we believe that it is
important for each pupil to develop an awareness of his personal
skills, abilities and qualities. He will take part in the Work
Sampling Day with a parent, relative or family friend. PSHE teaches
him about the issues of the workplace (e.g. Equal Opportunities and
Health & Safety). He is required to submit a careers project in
Year 9 using resources from the Careers Library and computer
network. These activities enhance the curriculum and are key to the
development of the whole individual.
In the Middle School (Years 10 and 11) careers guidance becomes
more personalised. In order to assist each pupil with medium-term
planning, we use the Morrisby Profile. This consists of a
questionnaire, psychometric test and an individual feedback session
with an independent Careers Advisor. The advice, taken from the
computerised profile of results, is of immense value and helps him
make informed decisions about subjects to study in Year 12.
Together with guidance from the Form Tutor and Heads of Year each
pupil is prepared for the period of transition into the Senior
School. Vocational awareness and transferable skills are further
practiced at the end of Year 11 when all boys go on Work Experience
placement for 1-2 weeks. This provides valuable insights which
support many applications to university later on.
In the Senior School careers guidance gathers pace. Regular
individual interviews with Form Tutors serve to encourage informed
decision-making for higher education and career targets. During his
first term in Year 12 each pupil attends a 3 day vocational skills
training course, "Business Enterprise and Awareness Training", held
at Patterdale Hall in the Lake District.
Parents and pupils are invited to attend a Careers Convention
held jointly with the Girls' Division. All Year 12 pupils are taken
to a Higher Education Convention and this is further enhanced by
the 'World of Work" programme and the Interview Skills Evening.
Pupils attend a Higher Education and Finance lecture given by a
University Admissions Tutor. Parents are also invited to attend a
similar talk. Later in the year pupils are given up-to-date
information on UCAS application guidelines (including a talk on how
to write their Personal Statements.
The Careers Department also runs a programme of lunchtime talks
from visiting speakers and employers on topics of general
vocational and academic interest.
Head of Careers: Mr R A
Catterall
Careers Assistants: Mrs C Sutcliffe
and Mrs K Bell
Download the Careers Brochure.