COA Tests

All students take the Cambridge Preview/Profile Test, produced by COA (Cambridge Occupational Analysts). The test is designed to link the students' abilities and natural traits with specific careers in order to provide a list of options for further research. This does not only provide a starting point for career investigations, but helps to guide applications for work experience. 

Careers Interviews

At the beginning of the term, all students will receive feedback from a careers advisor. They will then look into some of the options that were uncovered and spend some time talking to their tutor about careers and work experience.

Finding Work Experience

Every year 11 student in every school in the south-east of England is competing for the same work experience placements. For this reason, it is vital to find one before Christmas. When your son or daughter has found a placement, they must ask their employer to fill in the form at www.sevenoaksschoolcareers.org before the Lent half term. The Middle School Careers Booklet (available at bottom of page) gives lots more important information about this.

In the event that you are able to offer a placement to a Sevenoaks pupil, please email me (jlt@sevenoaksschool.org) giving details of your profession and what you could offer. Our students are always very grateful for any offers of help.

Sixth Form Choices

Towards the beginning of the term, year 11 students must decide on the subjects that they want to take during the sixth form.  For extra help and information, please see the Higher Education & Sixth Form Choice booklet (download here).

The Careers Fair

Every year, the dining hall fills with nearly 100 professionals, all keen to talk to our students about their jobs. It is an invaluable experienceand often the highlight of their careers programme. Again, if you are able to help with this event, please email me (jlt@sevenoaksschool.org) as we cannot run it without the support of parents and friends of the school.

Work Experience

The school's recommended work experience week is 25 - 29 June 2012, although any period between finishing GCSEs and returning to school in September is perfectly acceptable.  It is worth noting that the recommended week is not possible for students undertaking the Silver DofE, as the expedition dates clash.  The students finally have the chance to spend a week (or more) in a real job. Some are hooked for life, others start to rethink their options. Whether they find it terrific or tolerable, the lessons learned will stick for life.  As their work experience finishes, the employers report back to the school with valuable feedback, which we pass on to the students.