Sixth Form Programmes

Careers Information, Education and Guidance is mainly delivered through the PSHE programme. All students spend time familiarising themselves with the sources of information available, learning about the progression opportunities open to them at the end of their courses, formulating their individual plans for progression, and developing their own skills in handling CVs, covering letters and application forms.

The programme for GNVQ Intermediate students centres on Work Experience and Progression into further education and employment. Students are given guidance and support in making their decisions. They also have a day of Mock Interviews with local employers, organised through the Newham Education Business Partnership.

The programme for students on advanced courses (GNVQ Advanced and A level) particularly concentrates on preparation for higher education. All students are encouraged to become fully informed about higher education and explore the issues involved before making their decisions. They are given help and guidance, as required, in making their choices and preparing their applications.

Group visits are organised for Year 12 students to a campus university, one of the University of London colleges, a college of higher education, and the East London Higher Education Fair. They also attend the annual Newham Higher Education Day organised by the Newham Education Business Partnership, where they attend seminars delivered by university lecturers on university entrance and a large range of courses of study. Such occasions are seen as essential components in the process of preparing students for higher education and facilitation access to it.

A special programme is arranged for students interested in applying to Oxford and Cambridge Universities, enabling them to learn about the opportunities available there and to prepare for applying, with input given by both school staff and visiting speakers, in addition to visits made to the universities themselves.

A specialist Careers Adviser form the Newham office of Future Careers Guidance comes into the centre regularly, usually for one day each week, to conduct interviews with individual students and hold group sessions.

The facilities of the main Careers Library are available for sixth form students to use at most times of the day. In addition, there is a small Careers section within the Sixth Form Library providing information on higher education and employment opportunities. All the computer programs available in the main Careers Library can be accessed in the Sixth Form Computer Room, where students can also use the ECCTIS 2003 program, a comprehensive database of courses available in higher and further education.