The H. E. & Careers Department boasts its own building with two well stocked libraries, five interview rooms and a seminar room. Five members of staff, led by Guy Nobes, advise pupils about Upper School subject choices, work experience, higher education applications, possible gap year projects and future careers.The Department is staffed for most of the school week, and has an open door policy, but it is also possible to book appointments for individual discussions. Pupils (both present and past) and parents are welcome to consult the Department.
H E & Careers
Departmental Aims
Marlborough College aims to provide pupils with a framework for making proper decisions about their future development. The components are:
1. realistic analysis of academic interests, strengths and weaknesses, and life skills acquired;
2. accurate awareness of the nature of particular areas of study and work, and of the range of choice available;
3. access to information on courses, institutions and careers, and the qualifications required to enter them;
4. access to guidance which is supportive and impartial, and helps the individual to become aware of the options open to him or her, and evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of particular choices.
Each of the last three years involves making significant choices, and the following programme aims to enable pupils to come to well informed decisions:
In the GCSE year all pupils in the school (and also new Lower Sixth recruits) take a computerised interests questionnaire and a series of ability tests, which enable guidance to be given when selecting Upper School subjects. Work Experience when exams have finished in the summer is something that is greatly encouraged.
In the Lower Sixth another interests questionnaire is administered, generating a report outlining appropriate higher education courses. Great care is taken to ensure that all possible courses are considered. Beginning in the Lent term, a series of sessions on university application and writing personal statements complements visits and presentations from academics and professionals. The end of the summer term sees a gap year fair.
At the start of the Upper Sixth every pupil completes an application form. It is stressed throughout that good qualifications are the passport to the most popular courses at university, and around 90% of applicants achieve grades that enable them to take up their first choice university. Over three quarters of pupils will take a gap year before beginning higher education, and those planning worthwhile projects can apply for a number of scholarships worth up to £1,000.
Events and opportunities are advertised weekly in the H.E. and Careers Bulletin.