CAREERS AND FUTURES
All students are supported by their form tutors and subject teachers when making their Higher Education choices. The Heads of Sixth Form organise workshops and University visits and students are given individual guidance on their UCAS application and personal statements. The Careers Team arranges a programme of talks and networking events designed to give insight into a range of careers and routes into employment. Our alumni and current parents are generous with their time, sharing their knowledge and experience with the student body and individual sessions with an independent careers adviser can also be arranged through the school.
Battle Abbey School uses the on-line resource Unifrog, which offers interest based careers guidance and education for teenagers. As well as helping students identify careers that match their interests and ambitions, Unifrog has access to the full UCAS database, directs students to relevant courses and their entry requirements, and provides up to date job market data. It also has a wide range of video resources providing useful information about different careers, apprenticeships and different courses, as well as helping students write CVs, plan personal statements, and hone their interview techniques.
The School runs an annual careers fair where business owners, former pupils now in a profession and other extensive contacts the school has in the world of work visit the Abbey to talk to current pupils.
Former pupils now at University also return annually in spring to talk to current pupils about university life, what their courses are like and answer any other questions pupils may have about life post A Levels.
UCAS APPLICATIONS
Students are fully supported when it comes to deciding about what to do post BTec and A Levels. For many, it can be a daunting prospect, taking into account the extensive range of options that are available.
Many of the teaching staff are experts in their given fields and have knowledge about what careers and degree pathways are available to students. We have a close partnership with the University of Sussex, an aspect of which involves key Sussex University staff visiting the Abbey throughout the year to talk to students and parents alike. We also take students to a UCAS convention so that they can meet representatives from most UK universities to gain an understanding of what is on offer. In addition, we invite ex Battle Abbey Students back in to talk about their experiences and offer advice.
The school uses a step by step approach when it comes to introducing pupils to the complexities of applying to university, a process which starts in the first term of Year 12. By the beginning of Year 13, students are well versed in what to do and are sending off their applications, generally three months before the national deadline. But we do understand that university is not for everyone and so we are careful to expose students to other career alternatives such as apprenticeships, taking a gap year, or perhaps studying abroad. Our careers Team provide additional support and information on job opportunities through their careers bulletin.
