Introduction

The information set out below details the support and advice available to all pupils at Peebles High School in all years.

All pupils can make an appointment at any time to meet with the Careers Adviser from Careers Scotland.   She can give individual advice about opportunities after leaving school and help with career planning.

However, it is essential that pupils request an interview themselves.   This can be done by completion of a “Contacting Careers Scotland” card. These are available in the LRC (Learning Resource Centre) or from Pupil Support ( Guidance) teachers.
The Careers Adviser carries out group work with all year groups during PSE classes.

Pupil Support ( Guidance) teachers may from time to time advise pupils to make an appointment with a Careers Adviser, following a meeting with a pupil.

During Personal and Social Education classes pupils  are made aware of sources of information regarding Careers as well as using self assessment materials to enable them to make well informed and well researched decisions about their future.   In particular, within school, use is made of computer based questionnaires, the Internet and the Careers section of the Learning Resource Centre at Peebles High School.

In S5 the opportunity to take a work experience placement is offered to pupils who will not be returning to school after the Christmas holiday of their fifth year. The placement is for the 3rd week in November.

In S6 the opportunity of work experience placements are offered to all pupils. However due to the large number of potential applicants, pupils are encouraged to find their own placements.  S6 applicants are expected to organise their “unallocated” time in their timetable to coincide with going on a placement so they do not miss any lessons. In this way they can negotiate a placement which takes place over a period of weeks rather than  a week block.

Careers Scotland frequently provide the school with details of local employment opportunities which are in turn notified to all pupils in S4,5 and 6.

Additionally, there is a “lunch-time look in” each Tuesday from 1.20 to 1.50 in the Careers Room in the LRC.  Pupils can come along with any quick questions and ask for help with applications, or to arrange an appointment.

Pupils are informed regularly via the Daily Information sheet of all Career/Further/Higher Education related opportunities.

Pupil Support (Guidance) teachers and Careers Scotland Officers have up to date information regarding the entrance requirements for all levels of Further and Higher Education opportunities.

In summary, the approach to Careers Education is founded on ensuring that all pupils have access to advice and support regarding their future. Advice is always available.  It is important that pupils are encouraged to ask for advice themselves and to refer themselves to a Pupil Support ( Guidance) teacher or a Careers Scotland Adviser.

If you would like the opportunity to discuss your son/daughter’s future plans you can speak to a Careers Adviser at parents evening (S2, S4 and S5/6), at various parents information evenings throughout the year, by attending careers interview (by prior arrangement only) or by appointment – telephone Careers Scotland.

The parents’ section on the Careers Scotland website is an excellent resource for advice on how to support your son/daughter and can be found at www.careers-scotland.org.uk

Careers Scotland is an all age service and therefore support is available even after pupils leave school.  We also provide support for adults no matter what age, including advice and guidance on employment opportunities, returning to work, career change or returning to education and training.  Contact Careers Scotland for more information on 01896 754884.

Further information regarding this topic may be obtained by contacting the school – Mr Millington.   Comments are also welcome.