To this end each student is helped to develop an understanding of the world of work and knowledge of the careers likely to suit her individual talents and skills. She is encouraged to make subject choices in line with her personal strengths and enthusiasms but within a context of knowledge about specific requirements made by the more prescriptive career paths. The carefully structured careers programme is enhanced by input from external careers agencies and joint initiatives with other schools.

The process of impartial advice and guidance begins in Year 7 and gradually increases in content as the girls progress through the school. The Careers sessions are an integral part of the PSHE programme and are consistent with national curriculum guidelines. At St Helen’s these sessions may take the form of class discussion, personal reflection, structured use of the internet and careers guidance software such as Fast Tomato, Higher Ideas and Prefinio, and, where appropriate, individual guidance and advice. This can either be in the form of structured interviews as in Year 11 or on an ad hoc basis as required.

In Year 10, girls are offered the opportunity to take the Morrisby psychometric profile leading to an interview in Year 11 with a careers advisor from the Independent Schools Careers Organisation (ISCO) or the local Connexions service. Each girl also has an individual interview, with a member of the careers team, which focuses on AS choices, careers and university research and work experience. Girls from Year 10 upwards have the opportunity to attend the joint Abingdon Schools’ Careers Convention.

Work experience is a compulsory feature of the programme for Year 11 girls and at least one week is arranged for each girl at this stage. More than 170 work experience placements have been arranged over the past academic year in a wide variety of professions, from medical research to working with the editorial staff of a teen magazine. Further work experience is also promoted for sixth form girls as they prepare for university courses.

All girls in Upper School One have a careers interview with a member of the St Helen's careers team to offer guidance on university admissions, gap years and work, as appropriate. There are a range of taster courses for Upper School girls, which are available throughout the year.

Advice is available about the implications of GCSE choices for university admissions in Year 9 while we also encourage girls to make subject choices in line with personal strengths and enthusiasms.

The Careers library holds a range of publications, information and computer resources and is open for use during the school day. Members of staff are available for consultation.

key events

• Annual Abingdon Schools Careers Convention
• Year 10 Business Activity/teambuilding Afternoon

investor in careers quality award