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Professional Guidance

The Professional Guidance Centre (PGC) draws together Higher Education and Careers advice and prepares our girls for the challenges of working in today’s fast-changing, high-tech and competitive global market. 

Years 9 (Lower College)

Through group work on decision-making girls reach sensible and rational decisions on selecting GCSE options.  The PGC supports discussion on wider subjects such as AS/A/IB choices, University, GAP years and the working world. The girls research careers of their choice, using the resources of the Careers Library, Lower College Library and the Internet.

Years 10 – 11 (Upper College)

Working closely with their tutors and the PGC girls are encouraged to take on a more self-motivated and active approach to their own futures and reach decisions for the Sixth Form and beyond.

In Year 10 (UC4) every girl attends career sessions to learn more about different jobs and the qualifications, skills and qualities required. In smaller tutor groups they explore their strengths and capabilities and how these might link to future higher education and career decisions.

In Year 11 (UC5) we take these concepts further so that girls can make informed decisions about choice of subjects for the Sixth Form. We work closely with the Head of International Section and IB DP Co-coordinator and Subject Departments to explore IB vs A Level options. We also work with the Independent Schools Careers Organisation (ISCO) to ensure every girl has the opportunity to undertake an in-depth psychometric test which gives pointers to personality, skills and potential job fits.

Work shadowing and work experience are introduced to the girls and they are encouraged to carry out work placements by using contacts developed through Guild, PGC and parents. There are career sessions throughout the year open to all Year 11 and Sixth Form (SFC) girls at which a range of speakers talk about opportunities in their sectors. Every girl is encouraged to start making use of the facilities of the PGC and in particular have at least one coaching and mentoring session with a member of staff in the centre. Parents are also invited to a number of higher education sessions.

Sixth Form College

Deciding on plans for higher education and careers is a key part of Sixth Form life and one to which College attaches a great deal of importance. Through the PGC working very closely with class tutors and subject departments we ensure girls are familiar with and understand all the options that are open to them.

Year 12 (SFC1)

All girls have higher education sessions within their tutor group which focus on what resources are available for research and how to access them.  Any new girls to SFC are given the option to take the ISCO test. During the first 2 terms College hosts conferences and workshops that cover applications to higher education institutes of importance: examples include US applications attended by Admissions Officers from various USA universities and a University of London Forum attended by representatives from five colleges of the University and Imperial College. Cambridge and Oxford applicants are assigned a subject teacher as mentor. During the third term and through the summer the girls are encouraged to visit potential universities of choice via university and subject department Open Days. A Higher Education Week is organised after AS Exams with external speakers and specialist advisers which focuses in helping the girls make the right choices. These include “Facing the Future-life beyond University”, a Gap Year Fair, writing a personal statement, Oxbridge talks with representatives from both universities, Creative Arts Fair covering applications to Art, Drama and Music schools, talks from representatives of selected Russell Group universities and UCAS application training. SFC1 girls can attend external courses and workshops relevant to potential areas of study and careers. These include ISCO Career Courses, London University Taster Days, organised workshops such as Medlink and Vetlink and specific master classes. Career talks continue throughout the year led by old girls, parents and work contacts. A university forum is also run for parents of SFC1’s to review the university application process from the perspective of what university admissions tutors are looking for.

Year 13 (SFC2)

Higher education sessions continue into SFC2 with particular focus on applying to UCAS, Art Colleges and other universities outside of the UK. A thorough review of all applications is made prior to final submission. Post A level applicants are included in this process. Focus is also on registering and taking admissions tests eg. BMAT, UKCAT, LNAT and Oxford Aptitude Tests. The PGC supports a mock interview programme for all girls planning to go into higher education and geared towards their institution of choice. Following receipt of offers (and rejections) from universities and colleges the PGC works very closely with each girl, her parents and tutor to ensure final decisions on choice are made with the best available information. Full support is provided to Post A-level applicants. Girls receive information on university and college financing. Career talks continue for all SFC2 girls to increase their portfolio of knowledge of types of jobs.

Conclusion

We are committed to providing a planned programme of Professional Guidance activities that will inform and guide all girls through College so that they are able to make well informed decisions about their futures. This programme is instrumental in preparing girls for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of life. We will work closely with all staff to support activities that also promote personal and social development. Each girl at College is treated as an individual whose future is important.

 

The Professional Guidance Team

Mrs Justine Hale Manager of Higher Education Advice

Mr Geoff Bott Head of Careers

Mrs Lola Roca-Aguilera US Adviser

Miss Ann Jackson Administrative Assistant

Mr Vince Pizzoni Head of Professional Guidance

 

 

News

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