Careers Advice and Guidance
Throughout the Sixth Form our students receive help and advice to assist them in developing their post Sixth Form plans and choice of future career.
Students continuing in Further or Higher Education
All students contemplating Further or Higher Education are invited to the UCAS Higher Education Conference in April each year and are encouraged to attend university and college Open Days during the summer and autumn term. Every teacher who delivers a course to an individual student will complete an academic reference that is used by the student's tutor when writing the school reference. We instruct our students in using 'Apply' (the UCAS website) and all UCAS applications are approved by the Head of Sixth Form before submission.
Students seeking employment
Students who intend to seek employment following Sixth Form study are given guidance in the construction of an effective CV during PSHE or tutorial sessions. We have close links with the Connexions service and students may book consultations with the Connexions Careers Advisor who is based at the College part time. We advise students to build up a database of employers - whether local, national or international - that offer management training programmes and apprenticeships to 17-19 year olds so that they begin to develop a network of contacts in industry. Students are also encouraged to seek an industrial placement where, ideally, they can work shadow a senior employee in their chosen field. We are fortunate in that many employment opportunities also come into the schools.
Students taking a Gap Year
Students intending to take a Gap Year are encouraged to undertake a worthwhile project, such as charitable work abroad: in recent years our students have helped build schools in Kenya, taught in schools in Africa, undertaken mission work to Brazil and spent a year in industry (YINI) preparing for specific university courses. Although working locally may appear tempting, it does not have the same currency as the experience of someone who has stretched their comfort zone and undertaken a personal challenge.
Supporting our students
From Christmas of Year 12 onwards during PSHE sessions at The John of Gaunt School and each June at Clarendon's Next Step Conference for Year 12 students, speakers from HE and FE institutions, Gap Year organisations and national employers are invited to run seminars and workshops emphasising aspects of the above and providing up-to-date, detailed information covering finance, prospects and specific advice about completing job applications and interview skills.
