A Level Choices Fair

24 January 2017

The New Year heralds the time when our Fifth Form Stoics formally start the process of choosing their Sixth Form programmes. It is fundamentally important that pupils are given the right support in selecting combinations of subjects that will keep their opportunities open for the future and allow them to successfully apply for the most appropriate Higher Education courses. Stoics traditionally choose from an extensive range of degree courses and career areas. Last year’s leavers applied to over 80 different institutions in the UK and abroad with a few opting to move straight into employment.

The Fifth Form all received a career aptitudes report and follow-up interview in the Michaelmas term by the team from Cambridge Occupational Analysts (COA) to help kick-start the slightly daunting task of planning their future programmes and embarking on their career journeys. On Monday 16 January the year group attended a presentation on ‘Making Informed A Level Choices’ which was immediately followed by an A Level Fair. The pupils were invited to discuss their options with the academic Heads of Departments and to speak with Sixth Form Stoics currently studying the subjects, to gain an insight into the skills and aptitudes required for A Level study in each subject.

Taster lessons are provided in the following weeks in those subjects that are new to the pupils in the Sixth Form including Business, Economics, History of Art, Media Studies, Music Technology and Politics. Pupils also have the opportunity to pick up a subject at A Level that they had previously dropped at GCSE level, although they are advised to speak with the relevant Head of Department before making their decisions.

This is a very exciting time for the Stoics and many of the academic staff commented on the pupils’ enthusiasm and engagement in their discussions about their futures. Pupils are strongly encouraged to continue their discussions regarding their A Level programmes with their parents and Tutors and are also invited to make appointments with the Head of Careers (Mandy Dawson), our work experience co-ordinator (Gordon West), Heads of Department or myself for any further advice. Pupils will be asked to confirm their Sixth Form programmes on Monday 13 March following the Fifth Form Parents’ Meeting.

Sally Akam, Senior Tutor