Careers Department
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A career forms an important part of a person’s life. It develops over time through the many decisions individuals make as they come to better understand themselves, their interests and the world around them. The years spent in compulsory education play a significant role in shaping these decisions. It is therefore essential that young people develop the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to make informed choices about their future.
Careers education and guidance support this process. By providing access to information, advice and meaningful experiences, pupils are able to explore different pathways and consider carefully the opportunities available to them after school, whether these involve further study, training or employment.
At Foley’s School, we aim not only to inform our pupils about the options available to them after Sixth Form, but also to encourage thoughtful reflection about the paths that may suit them best. Our Careers Department follows the Gatsby Benchmarks in order to provide structured opportunities for pupils to engage in discussions about their future and to explore a range of possible destinations. By shaping our programme around these benchmarks, we aim to ensure that all pupils have equitable access to information and experiences that support well-informed decision-making. We also gather information about pupils’ aspirations and intended destinations so that guidance and support can be tailored to their individual needs.
What are the Gatsby Benchmarks:
The eight benchmarks define high quality careers guidance for young people in England. They are now being used in over 4,700 secondary schools, colleges and training providers.
Benchmark 1: A stable careers programme
Benchmark 2: Learning from career and labour market information
Benchmark 3: Addressing the needs of each pupil
Benchmark 4: Linking curriculum learning to careers
Benchmark 5: Encounters with employers and employees
Benchmark 6: Experiences of workplaces
Benchmark 7: Encounters with further and higher education
Benchmark 8: Personal Guidance
Careers Team
As an International School, we are uniquely positioned to provide guidance across a wide range of university destinations. Our experienced team supports pupils in their decision-making journey, from GCSE and A Level option choices to career exploration and university applications in the UK, Europe, the US and beyond.
The School’s Careers Team consists of Mrs L. Georghiou, Ms S. Robb, Ms V. Charalambides, Dr M. Orford (UCAS), Mr H. King and Mr G. Patchias, .
Career Events
At different points during their secondary school years, pupils are given opportunities to gain insight into a range of professions and industries, as well as into university admissions processes, through a number of initiatives including:
- Careers Talks, where outside speakers talk about their career path, a particular profession and apprenticeship opportunities.
- Alumni Talks, where alumni speakers talk about their career path after leaving Foley’s School
- Annual University Fair
- Frequent Presentations and Q&A Sessions with prestigious universities
- Unifrog Psychometric testing to support career choices.
- Unifrog Psychometric testing to support career choices.
- Internship opportunities for Form 5 and Lower 6.
- Pupils in Form 4 and above are given access to UNIFROG
- Careers Information is also delivered during Form Time and Assemblies.
Our aim is to provide pupils with independent advice and guidance so that they can make thoughtful and well-informed choices about their future and work towards their goals. This support is available throughout the year through a range of online resources, as well as through dedicated guidance provided at key points during the academic year.
University Applications:
Towards the end of the Lower Sixth, pupils receive guidance on the wide range of courses available at universities around the world. They are supported in researching their options and in making thoughtful decisions about the courses and institutions that best match their interests, strengths and aspirations.
The School uses the UCAS online Apply system for pupils applying to universities in the United Kingdom and also supports applications to universities in the United States through the Common Application. Applications to institutions in these countries are submitted through the School and are closely supported by the Careers Leader, who also acts as the academic referee.
Applications to universities in Europe, Canada and other parts of the world are usually made directly by pupils. However, pupils continue to receive guidance and support from the School throughout the application process.
In recent years, our graduating pupils have gone on to study at universities in a wide range of countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, the Netherlands, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Austria, Switzerland, Hungary, Australia, Qatar, Abu Dhabi, Singapore, India and Cyprus.
University Destinations 2024
