The Careers Department

The Aims of the Careers Department are to:

• Develop Educational Awareness about courses available at school, and in centres of further and higher education.
• To provide information about the whole spectrum of possible occupations and the lifestyles associated with these careers.
• Develop self awareness through an understanding of the pupils own abilities, interests, ideas and values.
• Facilitate the skills to make decisions and cope with transitions through out school.
  

An excellent straightforward website with information specific to Scotland, which we recommend for pupils at all stages is, PlanIT Plus.

Senior 2

Pupils have their first real contact with the careers department in Senior Two. Through PSE we deal with the first major academic decision, that of the choice of Standard Grade subjects. Pupils are issued with an options booklet, and parents have an options evening where issues are discussed.

Senior 4

The main aspect of Careers Guidance in Senior Four is the Futurewise Psychometric Test. This is followed by group feedback on the Futurewise Test, then individual Futurewise interviews and reports, which are sent to parents. This covers choosing Highers and a confirmation interview for Higher choices. Pupils are encouraged to utilise the careers library. Careers advice is available every day.

Senior 5

In Fifth year the Careers Department continues to give advice and support in the many areas such as writing CVs and letters of application. This is linked to starting the personal statement and to the Work Experience programme which is implemented in June of S5. We have a very high success rate of placing pupils with employers relevant to their career aspirations. This is vital, particularly when pupils are interested in vocational careers such as Medicine. Pupils are shown how to get the most from Open Days and all S5 visit Edinburgh University Open Day. For those interested in Oxbridge there is also an annual visit to Cambridge. We regularly have guest speakers from Universities and professional bodies to talk about courses and careers during some of our PSE lessons. Former pupils who have just completed their first year at university return for a question and answer session and are encouraged to give their “warts and all” impression of the UCAS process and life as a student. We host a Higher Education Evening when pupils and parents get the chance to meet with staff and gather information from Universities and Colleges.

Senior 6

Immediately the Autumn Term starts the Sixth Year commence the university application process which is done on-line. Guidance and advice is given on how to complete the UCAS application form including writing the personal statement, by staff who have considerable experience and success in the process. Pupils have access to mock interviews and are each seen individually by the AHT in charge of Higher Education.

All pupils are encouraged to attend careers conferences and Open Days at institutions in which they have a genuine interest in attending. We also visit the Higher Education Fair/Careers Scotland. In PSE a variety of speakers cover topics such as Finance for Higher Education, GAP year opportunities, and University life.

ISCO

The Glasgow Academy is a full member of ISCO, the Independent Schools Careers Organisation, a personalised careers guidance and planning service. Once enrolled all pupils are entitled to use the service until their 23 rd birthday. ISCO was established almost 50 years ago to meet the needs of the independent schools for professional careers support. The services include the careers guidance scheme, the Futurewise Test and report, publications, a wide range of courses and training and information services. The process starts with the Futurewise psychometric test, carried out early in Senior Four. This then generates a profile of the individual. The results are compiled in a detailed report, which outlines an individual’s strengths and weaknesses and gives career suggestions that take qualifications and work interests into account. Each pupil then has an individual forty minute interview with a teacher who is trained in careers guidance. Direct contact with Futurewise personnel is always available. The resources provided on-line by Futurewise are significant and will help students make informed choices about their Higher Education options and future career. Parents can access the website and have access to their child’s progress.