Higher Education and Careers

As pupils progress through the school, we aim to ensure that careers advice and guidance is provided at key points, enabling pupils to make sensible and informed decisions regarding subject options and career and higher education choices.

During Year 9 (Lower Remove), pupils are introduced to KUDOS, an online package that can help to match pupils to careers they may be interested in, based on their answers to questions about likes and dislikes. The programme then helps pupils to research what jobs entail and the skills and qualifications required for careers in these fields. It also enables pupils to start thinking about their strengths and aptitudes, as well as their personal preferences. At the end of Year 10 and early in Year 11, we introduce a careers guidance package called Preview, which helps pupils select A level subjects relevant to their academic and recreational strengths and interests. The package consists of a series of aptitude tests and a questionnaire that gathers information about attitudes to work-related issues and academic strengths. Students receive a detailed report, and a 1:1 interview with a specialist careers adviser, providing a starting point for research into potential career options.

The Sixth Form curriculum includes guidance and support for all students in researching higher education courses. This happens through the Key Skills programme and a series of talks and seminars. The Department also arranges a number of before-school and lunchtime careers talks given by people working in various professions. Recent talks have included forensic science, accountancy, finance, medical research, architecture, law, housing the homeless, journalism, Formula 1 and engineering, as well as Headstart, the Year in Industry scheme, and other Gap Year programmes.

Increasing numbers of OVs are undertaking a Gap Year before beginning undergraduate study.  Experience tells us that admissions tutors look positively on applicants who have spent a worthwhile year involved in work experience and volunteering.  It provides opportunities to develop self-reliance, confidence and independence as well as new skills.  We provide resources on the organisations offering placements, funding and safety issues.

Given the current level of interest in medical careers, the Department arranged a Healthcare Conference in November 2010 which was attended by nearly 200 students from local state and independent schools. Aspects of healthcare covered included consultancy, general practice, midwifery, nursing, surgery, dentistry, physiotherapy and mental health. Harrison Clark provided for us a fascinating Law Day in November 2008, the highlight of which was a mock trial in which our students participated and which was presided over by a real judge.We will have another Law Day in November 2011.  We held a very successful Media Day in the Spring Term, 2010 and an Engineering Conference in the Spring Term, 2011.  Plans are under way for a Modern Foreign Languages Conference in February 2012 and a Finance Day in November 2012.

A Business and Industry Conference is held at the end of the year; students are taken through a series of challenges and workshops, led by representatives from local businesses and companies. Following this, all Lower Sixth students undertake a week of work experience. The range of placements has recently included work at The Sunday Times, Fulham Football Club, The Olympic Delivery Office, The House Of Commons, The National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit and Aerosystems International. Other students have helped in local schools, shadowed in law firms and hospitals, repaired dry stone walls and rescued swans. The department enjoys a challenge and does its best to accommodate even the more unusual requests: aspiring bullfighters, astronauts and herpetologists have all been to see us.

Students are encouraged to find work experience out of the Worcester area and placements have been arranged by the MFL Department in France and Germany. London placements have also become increasingly popular.

We are grateful to all parents and OVs who have helped arrange work placements. Mrs Helen Isaacs would be delighted to hear from you if, as a parent or OV, you are able to offer work experience. She can be contacted on 01905 721693 or at .