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Advice and Guidance: Universities and Careers

Inspiring Ambition

Ambition is a key tenet of the Pinner High School Sixth Form.  It is a principle that will permeate all aspects of sixth form life, including how we help and support our students in applying to university, apprenticeships and other pathways that exist beyond Key Stage 5.

Our aim is to provide regular and meaningful guidance that equips Pinner High students with the knowledge they need to make informed choices.  

Through information and activities provided in assemblies, tutor time, drop-down-days and one to one meetings, students will carve out their own paths to success. We are acutely aware that this term ‘success’ is a highly subjective concept. Whilst Pinner High is an unapologetically ambitious school with high expectations, we are not elitist, each student has their own unique starting point, and we see it as our role to assist students in finding out where their talents, passions and ambitions lie.  

How will Pinner High School support students applying to higher education?

  • Visits to universities in the local area and beyond

  • An Oxbridge and Medics programme for students interested in applying to competitive universities/applying for competitive courses

  • ‘Beyond the curriculum’ courses and ‘Super-curricular Sessions’ where students will have the chance to research and study something beyond the A-level syllabus

  • An annual visit to the UCAS Higher Education Exhibition

  • Guest speakers from universities

  • Guest speakers and activities from our Oxford and Cambridge link colleges (St John’s and Christ’s College respectively)

  • Guest lectures

  • Student Finance talks and presentations for students and parents

  • Participation in university taster days

  • Supporting students in applying for Sutton Trust summer schemes and academic mentoring projects

  • Participation in The Brilliant Club Scholars Programme

  • Higher Education Drop-Down-Day

  • Information and guidance regarding gap years and volunteering opportunities

  • Bespoke information and guidance to support students from underrepresented backgrounds in applying to university and introductions to widening participation programmes.

  • Information and guidance regarding gap years and volunteering opportunities

 

Careers and employability guidance

Whether a student decides to apply to university, for apprenticeships, training or employment after school, we have a responsibility to ensure that all students are knowledgeable about the changing job market and can make informed decisions about their future career paths.  We will support students by providing the following opportunities:

  • Careers and Apprenticeships Market

  • Visits and guest talks from employers and training providers

  • Morrisby testing and careers profiling

  • Mentoring schemes with industry professionals via the Reed in Partnership London Enterprise Adviser Network

  • Year 12 work experience and volunteering opportunities (Summer term)

  • Careers Week activities

  • CV and job application workshops

  • Mock interview practice sessions

 

Personal, Social, Citizenship and Health Education (PSCHE)

PSHCE in the sixth form will be delivered via tutor groups, assemblies, guest talks and drop-down days. In line with government requirements, the focus of this particular aspect of the curriculum is the promotion of British Values that include democracy, rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. 

Additionally, in preparation for university and life beyond Pinner High School, students will also undertake a ‘Survival Skills’ programme where they will learn how to manage their personal finances, cook nutritious meals and do laundry. This unit will also emphasise the importance of personal safety and wellbeing: sex and relationships education, drug and alcohol awareness and exploring mental health issues will be given significant attention as a result.