The HESG department has as its aim to seek to assist all girls to work towards achieving their declared long-term career objective and, where no definite goal is in mind, to ensure that as broad-based path of subjects as possible is pursued to keep a wide range of options open, at A2/A level and beyond.
To this end it uses a wide range of resources (human and otherwise) and equipment designed to assist the girls in their research, to put before them a range of ideas and to enable them to assess the personal suitability of any given career path for themselves.
The planned programme of information, advice and guidance at St Swithun’s exists to provide a focus for supporting individuals in personal development, encouraging self-confidence and the ability to handle decisions and manage change, providing an understanding of the world of work and the part to be played in it, and exploring one's own abilities and skills, enhancing these where possible.
Advice and guidance given to each girl throughout her time at St Swithun’s includes:
U4
• Real Game materials (PSHE) – this introduces a basic understanding of how the world of work functions, the variety of jobs available, the concept of income and expenditure
L5
• GCSE option choices information evening
• Parents' meeting
• Curriculum lessons (citizenship) – an introduction to HESG resources/IT software programs and guidance on making choices
• Careers-taster workshops – a series of workshops led by current professionals, giving the girls a chance to find out more details about a range of careers.
M5
• World of Work unit in PSHE – this includes guidance on CVs, job applications, interviews, work experience as a preparation for the U5 work experience week.
• Morrisbytype tests with external agencies [ISCO/COA/Babcock]
U5
• A level and AS choices - all girls meet with their allocated HESG tutor on a one-to-one basis to discuss future plans before finalising their decisions
• Feedback interviews to any who opted in to commercial schemes in summer of M5
• Parents’ meeting
• Work experience in post-GCSE period
L6
• Coursefinder – an interest-based questionnaire to suggest possible higher education course options
• An Introduction to UCAS evening with a university admissions tutor for parents and pupils
• Oxbridge information session by invitation hosted by Hampshire Collegiate School
• Visit to the higher education fair at Portsmouth University
• Individual discussions on a one-to-one basis from the Spring half-term
• Open days (girls attend two of their own choice)
• SEP sessions to compile UCAS forms and personal statements. L6 are allocated a nominated member of academic staff (subject specialists) to help with personal statements
• University – the Real Story: An event where former pupils from the school return to share their university experiences
Information about higher education can be found in A Guide to University Applications.
U6
• Post-AS-exam parents’ meeting
• UCAS applications are completed by half term of the autumn-term – others (USA, Hong Kong, Irish universities, art colleges etc.) shortly afterwards
• Mock interviews
• U6 final choices – advice is given to girls on receipt of their university offers
• A level results – advice available in post-results period
Available to all
• Careers fair - GAP or subject-based events are held on rotational basis
• Programme of careers talks in school on Friday lunchtimes
• Talks by admissions tutors, usually in the spring term