Careers Education
Hamilton College recognises the value of Careers education from an early stage.
Most of the learning is presented within the Lifeskills lessons and is progressive. As well as using our Guidance Staff in-house we also utilise our links with ISCO, the Independent Schools Careers Organisation and Careers Scotland.
S1 pupils are encouraged to begin researching different careers and are introduced to our school’s careers library.
As pupils move into S2 and begin to look at option choice for S3/4 we aim to provide them with the skills required to make an informed choice. As part of this we encourage pupils to look at their strengths, abilities, and their personal qualities as we believe a greater self awareness will help individuals work through the decision-making process. ISCO take an active role in speaking to our S2 pupils about Choices and Guidance Staff work alongside pupils throughout. Each year we are visited by The Royal Navy who challenge our S2 pupils with teamwork exercises and this has been a hugely popular and successful event. An Information Evening is also held for pupils and parents in the second term.
We build on our Careers provision in S3 by introducing pupils to the concept of Work Experience. The ‘Take Your Sons and Daughters to Work' Day is part of a package looking further at a wide range of jobs and equal opportunity in the workplace. Pupils are encouraged to share their information with others and begin the initial stages of applying for a work experience placement for S4.
In S4 most of Lifeskills in term 1 is occupied with preparation for the Work Experience week in November. Pupils study a range of jobs and are encouraged to find placements with some career interest. Pupils are invited to subscribe to ‘Futurewise’ (previsously Morrisby), the ISCO Careers scheme, which entitles them to a psychometric test, debrief and careers interview, with support available until the age of 23. Pupils can ask for interviews with Careers Scotland as an alternative. In term 2, Lifeskills revolves around subject choice and entrance requirements for Higher/Further Education. Pupils are given the opportunity to use the PlanIT and Progress database. An Information Evening is also held for parents and pupils prior to Option choice.
Pupils in S5 and S6 are offered interviews on careers, encouraged to research courses of interest and go to University Open Days. Both year groups also visit the Careers Scotland Higher Education Convention in September. Pupils can request interviews with ISCO (if they enrolled in ‘Futurewise’ as an S4 pupil), Careers Scotland or indeed with their own Guidance teacher. Related work experience is also encouraged, particularly in the more competitive vocations.