Careers Education and PSCE into the Sixth Form

The Careers Education and PSCE programmes in the Pangbourne Senior School aim to equip students with the skills they need to make the successful transition from the 5^th form to the 6^th form. 

5^th form PSCE programme 

One of the aims of the 5^th form PSCE programme is to provide students with opportunities for Careers Education and Guidance. In the Michaelmas term, the fifth form are involved in the Futurewise Profiling process run by the independent Schools Careers Association (ISCO) which is followed up by a series of guidance interviews with a Futurewise adviser. For some, this will have been their first interview experience and the feedback from the Futurewise staff is always tremendously positive. 

The aim of the profiling is to stimulate discussion by providing objective information which looks at an individuals’ potential ability. By identifying preferred learning styles, study skills and aptitudes - career suggestions are given, which are intended to stimulate further investigation. 

Psychometric profiling is widely used in the workplace to identify suitable candidates for recruitment and promotion. This reflects not only the value of the process, but also the relevance of the experience for young people who are likely to meet it again in the future. It is fully recognised by the British Psychological Society, and because results measure potential they remain consistent over the years. So, although it seems a long way off – students and parents can be reassured of comprehensive assistance with their options at sixth form level and beyond, until they are 23!  

Copies of the full profiles are sent to parents. All students can access their profiles online at www.myfuturewise.org.uk using their user ID and date, found on the front of their profiles. In previous years, Futurewise advisers have been impressed with the number of students that had already accessed their profiles prior to interview. Parents are also sent a personal Parent ID which will allow you to view your son or daughter’s results.

Next term, the profiles will be used as a basis for important student-tutor discussions in relation to their individual study and career options. Mr Read Wilson, myself and subject teachers will also be on hand to guide students through the process of choosing the most suitable combination of A-levels.

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New Perspectives PSCE tutorial programme 

At Sixth Form level, the skills acquired within the 5^th form PSCE programme are developed further and new opportunities provided, in the form of the ‘New Perspectives’ PSCE tutorial programme. 

The aim of the programme is to encourage personal development through a series of integrated Personal, Social and Citizenship Education (PSCE) modules. The content is carved up into 4 broad areas (Study Skills, Health and Well-Being, Careers Education and Citizenship) and modules are tailored to fit with the shape and pattern of the year.

In the Michaelmas term, students are to some extent in unfamiliar territory as they adjust to the more independent approach of the sixth form. During this transition period, the emphasis of the modules lies firmly on the academic progress and well-being of individuals. Modules cover issues such as self development, target setting, methods of study & review and stress management. At the end of the term, students have an opportunity to complete a short psychometric profile called ‘Coursefinder’ which will start to focus their thoughts onto possible Higher Education courses. 

In the Lent term, academic work should be in full flow and in addition to regular academic progress checks, modules focus on areas such as work related learning, Higher Education options and citizenship issues. 

The final term gives students some space for researching Higher Education options and deals with financial issues in a Finance and Banking unit.

The modules have been developed alongside the U6 General Studies programme and are designed to maximise the student’s exposure and awareness of academic, social and citizenship issues. Wherever possible, the expertise of outside speakers is used and modules are delivered as workshops, tutor-led discussions or group activities. 

It is hoped that the combination of both programmes within the sixth form will equip our students with the essential knowledge, skills and attitudes to prepare them for life here at Pangbourne and beyond - in wider society. 

      Dr Beth Reynaert 

Head of Careers