Head of Department:
Mrs J Cardnell, Cert CEG

Adviser:
Mrs J Burton, Cert CEG; i/c Work Experience
Mrs S O'Leary

The Careers Department operates an open door policy and members of staff try to be freely available to consult with pupils and are happy to speak with parents by appointment. The department has a well stocked library of books and prospectuses and full access through the school network to the Internet and Careers Websites. The Careers Library is located on the ground floor of the school library.

Formal careers activities begin in Year 10.  Years 10 and 11 each have a Careers session under the PSHEE programme when they are introduced to ideas about the world of work and universities, Gap Years, CV writing and Work Experience. Year 11 are also given an individual interview which follows the receipt of their Morrisby Psychometric Profile, which they undertake at the end of Year 10. As a Gold Futurewise/ISCO member school, pupils have access to their services until their 23rd birthdays.   In the Sixth Form our focus is largely towards university as the majority of Colfe’s pupils go on to Higher Education. Various lectures and presentations are given under the Enrichment Programme in Year 12 and in the Spring each student has an interview to help them make decisions about their life after school. Students who wish to go straight into employment are given equal support in preparing their applications. After AS exams a full programme prepares them for the UCAS application process.  In Year 13 much advice is given about universities, courses and personal statements, as the department works alongside the Sixth Form Team to ensure that correct choices are made. Colfe’s uses the UCAS Apply online application system which allows pupils to check their progress online and sometimes even receive confirmation of their university place before they have their results on results day! Pupils are given all the support and advice needed following the publication of results as are those in Year 11 after their results are received. Careful advice and support is also offered to all Oxbridge candidates.

The department organises a Careers and Higher Education Convention every two years. Many career areas are represented, often by old Colfeians or parents of current or former pupils. Universities also send advisers, and pupils from Year 11 and 12 are expected to attend and speak in an informal way to all or any of the advisers. Other year groups are welcome if they choose to attend. The next Convention will be held in March 2014. If anyone would like to offer their services as an adviser, they should contact Mrs Cardnell.

At the end of Year 11 pupils are encouraged to undertake one week’s work experience. Mrs Burton attempts to place all participants in career areas in which they are interested and pupils are welcome to arrange their own placements. All Health and Safety checks (including for privately arranged placements) are carried out by Education Business Partnership at Greenwich. The Sixth Form are also encouraged to arrange work experience during the school holidays. Any offers of Work Experience placements will be gratefully received by Mrs Burton.

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