Careers and Higher Education Guidance
Our Guidance
At Battle Abbey our aim is to inform and excite pupils about the opportunities available to them while in School, while also looking ahead to the future. The Careers Department engages and inspires pupils so they feel confident about their decisions and choices when planning the next stage in their academic lives. We offer a comprehensive and blended programme of Higher Education lessons, one-to-one guidance sessions, interactive events, weekly e-bulletins, career briefings, specialist speakers, interview training, GAP year planning, and assistance with targeted and productive work experience taster days or placements.
The department works closely with teaching staff and tutors to guide and support pupils through their selection of GCSE and A Level subjects, and then university and course choices. We ensure pupils are well informed and move on from Battle Abbey with an action plan for the future supported by a good academic record, a developing CV and a readiness to meet the challenges of university and the working world beyond.
If any parents or former pupils would like to speak at a Networking Lunch or Sixth Form enrichment session please get in touch with our Careers Department: careers@battleabbeyschool.com
Career and University Guides:
A useful guide ‘Informed Choices’ produced by the Russell Group for Year 10 – Year 13 pupils can be found here www.informedchoices.ac.uk
University Fairs:
Battle Abbey holds regular university fairs, inviting recent leavers to come back to School and represent their particular university. In addition, there are opportunities to attend external presentations, open days, and find out more about studying at universities abroad. The School also has a dedicated ‘Oxbridge coordinator’ to guide and support pupils applying to Oxford or Cambridge University.
Useful websites to help with research and decision making:
www.yourfuturecareer.co.uk – careers information, advice and case studies
www.targetcareers.co.uk/futurewise – career advice, guidance and planning programmes
www.myunichoices.com – (previously known as Centigrade) information on UCAS courses and updated courses for those going through clearing
www.prospects.ac.uk – jobs and work experience, careers advice, university & postgraduate study
www.futurelearn.com/courses/career-planning-and-your-degree – courses to help you with your career
www.apprenticeships.gov.uk – connecting people with ambition to businesses with vision
Further information on careers and higher education guidance for current pupils and parents can be viewed on Firefly, our virtual learning platform: bas.fireflycloud.net
Gap Year ideas:
www.etrust.org.uk/the-year-in-industry – UK student placement experts
https://independentgapadvice.org/advice – impartial advice on taking gap years and gap year providers
Whatever point a pupil is at, whether choosing subjects for GCSE or A level, degree courses or gap year options, career or jobs, it is vital that they decide what matters to them, carry out their own research, ask questions and then weigh up the pros and cons of each option.