Careers Advice

The choice of Sixth Form subjects should reflect Higher Education intentions, and, as far as possible, career aspirations. The Morrisby Guidance Report helps to indicate the broad direction in which a pupil should aim. It is available to the present Fifth Formers by the end of the Spring term and to the new Lower Sixth Formers by the end of their first term.

During the Sixth Form years there are opportunities to explore careers and higher education through such events as: the Higher Education Fair (held in March of the Lower Sixth year alternately at Strathallan and Kilgraston Schools); talks given by professionals, university representatives and current students and attendance at Open Days at universities and colleges. All Lower Sixth Formers are invited to purchase, at a modest cost, ‘Course Finder’, which lists higher education courses which match their academic profile and interests.

In most cases those leaving School are recommended to read for degrees. However, there are cases, especially when the pupil has a strong practical preference, when a Higher National Diploma (HND), with its more vocational emphasis, is more appropriate. If a student is successful on an HND course it is often possible to transfer to a degree. A number of newer universities run both degree and HND courses. Some pupils have also taken up employment directly from school and those who do so genuinely for sound reasons, have done very well.

The Current economic situation is likely to increase competition for good jobs. Employers are now looking for graduates, not just with good degrees, but also with skills gained in their latter years at school and at university. Among these are verbal and written communication (least developed in the modern graduate according to a recent employers’ survey), information technology, leadership, teamwork, foreign languages, taking responsibility, practicality, coping with change, and handling stress. Many of the extra curricular activities in the Sixth Form develop these qualities, but students need to enhance and extend them at university by participation in work experience, clubs, societies, sports teams and some of the elective courses on offer. Being a graduate is not in itself enough to get you a job and the range of skills and responsibilities developed at Strathallan is an important factor in preparation for the work place.     

For parents of pupils in the LVIth.


The following Careers Experience Day Courses are available in Scotland. They are invariably well worth attending for interested pupils. Full details and information on courses elsewhere can be found upon www.myfuturewise.org.uk/events . Pupils can book themselves or through the Careers Office.

Scottish Futurewise Courses and Events - Spring & Summer 2010

Course and Subject Choices in the VIth Form.

Pupils should take subjects which they enjoy and in which they have ability.


Pupils have the choice of sitting an AS/A-Level Course or an Intermediate 2/ Higher Course over 2 years. In most Scottish schools Highers are sat after one year. In our system you have the opportunity to study Highers at your own pace. The Scottish equivalent of A-Levels is Advanced Higher, which we do not offer.

At present Highers remain the Gold Standard for entry into Scottish Universities nb. Medical, Vet, Dental and most accredited Law Courses only accept Highers sat after a one year course. The more competitive English Universities do not accept Highers on their own. Candidates for these are advised to do A-Levels.

Those taking Highers should opt for five subjects; English is a requirement for some Tertiary courses but far fewer still demand Maths. For most University courses an offer will be made on four Highers or slightly reduced grades on five eg. BBBB or BBCCC. Experience suggests that it is slightly easier to get a place at Scottish Universities with Highers.

Those taking A-Levels should take four or five subjects. University offers are usually made on three A-Levels, but it may be advantageous to take four for those applying for popular subjects. For example Further Maths is an expectation rather than a requirement for those applying for Maths, Physics or Engineering at Oxbridge.
An A* may be demanded for some courses

Generally it is unwise to combine Highers and A-Level Courses. However in many creative areas Universities/Colleges ask for a portfolio. These are not part of the Highers syllabus. Therefore it is advisable to combine A-Level Art or DT with Higher subjects. Higher Art is not offered here.

As a guideline, those who are going to take A-Levels should have an expectation of an A in all their subjects. The Futurewise report, which you will receive before the end of the Spring term, will provide useful information.

Please do not hesitate to get in touch with your son or daughter’s Housemaster or the Careers Adviser if you have any doubts or questions.


Footnote:
For Parents who would like to be more involvedin their children’s University choices, they are more than welcome to attend the Higher Education Fair in March and the talk on applying to University in October.
Finance is a problem because so much depends on your own financial circumstances and domicile and therefore generalisations are not recommended. SAAS are invariably very helpful if you have a specific problem-www.saasa.gov.uk E-Mail www.saas.gov.uk/contact.htm Tel. 0845 111 1711
If your main address is outside Scotland, you need to deal with the LEA.

Please do not hesitate to contact me, if you have any queries.

E- Mail nick@strathallan.co.uk
Tel.
01738-815018