Close
In a time when recent research from The Institute for Employment Studies indicates that employers have reduced their graduate jobs by 12% to cope with the pandemic, it is important that the College supports its pupils during their preparation for university and equally for the workplace beyond Lancing. My Future brings together all aspects of this work in a co-ordinated programme across the school, linking experts in Higher Education, Careers, PSHE, Tutors and The Foundation Office/OL networks.
We start confident in the knowledge that the work of our Tutors and UCAS experts is outstanding. The success in supporting pupils to reach the universities of their choice is an important part of the final two years at Lancing. A glance at the 'destinations' publication (link HERE) demonstrates that our pupils go to university to study an unbelievable range of degree subjects. During their Sixth Form exit interviews, pupils remark on the individual assistance that they have had from teachers/Tutors and Housemasters/Housemistresses.
We firmly believe that if pupils are encouraged to study what they are passionate about, then this will maintain their interest, ensure they will make the most of their studies and be able to talk with enthusiasm about their time at university. A degree may lead directly into a career such as Medicine, but in many careers employers are looking to employ someone with a relevant degree from a good university. At this point the precise topic of that degree is less important; what is more important is the ability of the young person to be able to start employment with the basics in work-ready skills and an appetite to develop. This point was re-iterated during the recent Careers in Depth (Business Management) workshops.
Increasingly young people are also considering a less conventional pathway into work, whether choosing to study overseas or to go straight into work, possibly via a degree apprenticeship.
For those most likely to succeed today, whether starting out with or without a degree, there is a need to demonstrate a flexible and innovative approach to career goals together with an ability to fit with confidence into a work environment. This comes from an understanding of the individual's strengths and aptitudes, the types of work environment, the variety of different roles/careers that exist and a willingness to explore the different options.
Pupils at Lancing have received their own personalised career profile since 2019 and this has been followed up for the Fifth Form with specialist careers advice; 79% of pupils have said that this has helped them think about career options. The personal profile is a live assessment and can be redone at any time as career ideas develop. In the Sixth Form, options are expanded and explored further through Careers in Depth workshops, external speakers, workplace visits, tutor support, and links with OL professional networks. This term alone over 45 OLs and parents have been involved in supporting current pupils through the various activities in the My Future programme.
Alongside the most structured events, the wide range of House, year group and whole school activities, alongside outreach and Co-curricular clubs, provides endless opportunities for pupils to develop their communication, leadership, team working and problem-solving skills – all vital for job applications and success in the workplace in years to come.
Outside school, pupils are encouraged to use their holidays to seek out opportunities to learn about the different aspects of work through work shadowing and work experience/internships. Pupils receive assistance in this through workshops on CV building, how to gain work experience and , in the Sixth Form, professional networking alongside one-to-one support from Tutors.
After leaving, pupils become OLs and gain access to the online portal Lancing Connected, where they can network with over 1,000 former pupils spread around the world, working in a host of different areas.