Careers at HCS
Hampshire Collegiate School has a new and thriving careers department run by Mr James Thomson, Head of Careers. This facility is used by students from Year 9 to the sixth form. Meetings can be arranged to discuss any stage of a student's development through school and on to university, college or into the workplace.
The Careers Centre houses a wide variety of information, including university prospectuses, leaflets on CV writing skills, gap year, apprenticeships, interview techniques, work experience, psychometric testing and more.
All Year 12 pupils will take the Centigrade Test. This provides each student with a report that can help him or her decide on possible university courses and career paths. There is also the opportunity to go to a Higher Education Convention where nearly all universities are represented. This event marks the start of a student's research into ‘What next' after HCS?' We strongly advise pupils to attend University open days before applying; information on these can be found in the careers library and through the Virtual Learning Environment. Mr. Thomson, Mr. Laverty and the tutor team help sixth form students register and navigate their way around the UCAS application system, write UCAS statements and prepare for interviews. There is also information available about courses and conferences throughout the year for pupils looking to follow a certain career path, such as law, medicine or veterinary science.
‘I had work experience in a solicitor's office in London which gave me the opportunity to experience a working legal office and see firsthand the type of work they are involved in. It was an invaluable experience and has encouraged me to pursue a career in law.'
Kathryn, Year 12
The Careers Department can organise specific work placements. Work experience has taken place for many students in legal firms, hospitals and at the Cedar School. The Cedar School, in Southampton, offers an education for children with special requirements. Students have the chance to work with specialist educational and medical staff and all that have taken part in this have gained a huge amount from the experience.
‘Visiting Cedar school really inspired me and showed me that I was on the right career path.'
Philippa, Year 12
The Careers Centre also has extensive information on summer placements, charity work and overseas expeditions. We have information on studying abroad or being an overseas student in the UK. We recognise that not all students will apply to university and some may choose to go straight into the workplace; the Careers staff will provide the necessary guidance and provide information about the best companies to work for and the best writing style for Curriculum Vitae.
The careers staff aim to help students from Year 9 to 13; if we don't have the specific information at hand about a career they want to pursue, we can invite specialist advisors to help and give guidance.
