It has become increasingly clear from business leaders that they need students who can come out of school ready for the world of work. No longer is a list of good qualifications enough, they need people who are confident, adaptable and intuitive. This is seen as an integral part of a child’s education at Barney.
From year 10, pupils are offered the option of sitting the Morrisby Test which is designed to help them formulate ideas about possible career choices. In year 11, these ideas are then explored more deeply through bespoke and structured PSHE lessons. As the students begin to gain a clearer idea of what interests them, they take part in the interview process with the Rotary Club.
In the weeks leading up to the interviews, students write a C.V and a covering letter, applying for a specific job of their choice. The interviewers then use these documents to assess the candidates on their interview skills, eye contact and responses to questions.
Year 11 pupil, Andrew Gedye said: “Although they were not quite as scary as the interviewers from the final stages of the Apprentice, we were all quite nervous waiting to be called in and this experience has really given us a strong taste of what will come in a very important stage of our lives.”
In an ever changing world, in order to keep current, the School continually adapts its Sixth Form Lecture series, where notable business people come and talk to the Sixth Form and in some cases offer work experience. The new Sixth Form Centre will provide more scope for smaller workshops specific to certain professions which will be a tremendous addition to the current Sixth Form provision.
