From Year 9 onwards St Dunstan’s students have to make a range of choices that will govern their options for higher education and future careers. We appreciate the importance of these decisions and offer support in every way possible.
A Year 9 PSHE programme has been created for use by tutors as part of their PSHE programme, incorporating the COA Probe programme.
A Year 10 careers programme is given to the students through the PSHE carousel, focusing on Selling Yourself – CV’s, applications and hazards in the work place. By the end these units, each student will have a working CV that they can regularly update and review and have an awareness of the potential hazards that they might encounter during their work placement.
Work Experience takes place for all Year 10 students during Activities Week at the end of the Summer term. Information is presented to students who return a form to the Head of Careers.
'The College provides excellent careers advice and preparation for higher education'. 2011 Independent Schools Inspectorate report
The Preview Careers and Decision Making Programme is delivered to all Year 10 students in the Summer term. This involves individual interviews with trained staff, independent research and investigation by the student, parental involvement and individual review.
A Careers and Higher Education Convention is arranged for all Year 11 students in the Lent Term. Approximately 50 professionals give advice and guidance about their specialist field. All students are also invited.
A database of delegates is compiled and reviewed by the Head of Careers with support from the Headmistress’ PA. New contacts are added, where possible, from contact with parents, Old Dunstonians or interested individuals. The aim is to get the widest cross-section of different career areas and the broadest range of advice to reflect the interests of the students.
Sixth Form advice and guidance is focused upon Higher Education advice, and is directed by the Head of Sixth Form and his team. Advice is provided by the Head of Careers on an ad hoc basis.