Careers advisor

I met with a careers advisor from a local school which was very valuable to hear his opinions and also the current state of advice giving.

I prepared a list of things I wanted to discuss with him including how it works, how often and long do students meet with personal advisor's (PA's), and if students are asked to come prepared. He described how they get a lot of students who don't know what they want to do so the PA discusses what their interests and hobbies are and try to work out a path from that. He then explained that a new scheme is likely to be introduced where students will have group sessions lasting approximately and hour, opposed to the 45minute individual ones from before. He felt that it will be essential for students to come prepared, for example completing a questionnaire in advance.

Another point which rose from the meeting was that students in yr8 make their options as to what they continue studying from yr9 to yr11. It would be useful to have a way that not only targets those who are finishing school but also the students currently studying. Getting them to think about their ambitions from a younger age so they are more confident when it reaches decision time.

Next week there is the yr8 options meeting where parents and students look around stands before deciding which subjects to do. I've been offered the opportunity to attend this so have gladly accepted. I think it would be good to have a scheme that could benefit all year groups.