Progressive careers support is provided throughout the School. In B Block, advice is given to pupils about GCSE subject choices and their relation to certain careers; in A Block, pupils are introduced to the resources of the Careers Library and how to use these effectively.
O Block sees Careers play a more important role; with each student taking the Futurewise test through ISCO, psychometric tests giving an insight into a pupil’s personal strengths and aptitudes. Feedback is given to each pupil along with a personal interview by a member of ISCO’s dedicated careers team. This encourages pupils to question their career possibilities and arms them with valuable information with which they can make more informed decisions. Pupils are also encouraged to start writing their Curriculum Vitae and to arrange work experience in areas of personal interest.
In the Sixth Form there is a structured programme of careers advice which goes hand in hand with pupils’ preparation for the next stage of education. Most pupils at this stage start to establish career ideas that they wish to explore in more detail. Tutor groups act as a valuable forum for discussion and pupils may also find inspiration from a range of guest speakers. Pupils are encouraged to explore and develop their thoughts on careers through their Sixth Form academic studies, the Lower Sixth “Civics” courses and the Upper Sixth Lecture Programme.
The Lent term of the Lower Sixth offers Reptonians a programme of talks about universities, degree courses, UCAS and student life. Pupils attend the annual Careers Forum (where visiting professionals within a wide range of fields provide further inspiration), a GAP Fair and a Global Perspectives Conference, encouraging pupils to think about the wider world. Visit the Calendar for dates in the Careers diary.
A range of talks on Higher Education also take place, including topic areas such as ‘Choice of Course’, ‘Choice of University’ and ‘Financial Aspects of HE’ and a number of university officers visit the School to address groups of interested pupils.
In the Lower Sixth students are also aided considerably throughout the University Application process itself, from the writing of personal statements, checking forms and ensuring that all deadlines are met, by Tutors, Careers staff and a dedicated Director of Higher Education. Download the School’s Higher Education Guidance Booklet here.
Before leaving school all Reptonians are briefed on what to do on A-level results day and support is also available on this day for the small number of pupils who do not meet the entrance requirements for their chosen universities. The real success of the system, however, is evident in the high number of Reptonians who settle so quickly and so easily in their new lives at university, confirming that they have made the right choice of institution beyond Repton.