Higher Education & Careers
A high priority is given to advising students about the options open to them when they move on from College. We are proud of the links that we have forged with local employers and Higher Education establishments throughout the country and appreciate the contribution they make to our careers programme and the development of employability skills.
College Careers Conferences
Moving On Day has become an important annual event in the College with admissions tutors, representatives from industry and commerce, and former students speaking to current students, sharing experiences and offering advice. In April we take first year students to the UCAS Fair at Surrey University whilst students seeking employment are encouraged to visit the National Careers Exhibitions held in London. Students are also encouraged to take full advantage of the open days held by universities and professional bodies which are becoming a vital part of the application process.
Oxbridge
Admissions Tutors from Oxford and Cambridge visit the College each Spring to speak to first year students who want to find out more about making an application. The College provides advice to Cambridge University on admissions procedures - and there are strong links with individual colleges who increasingly welcome applications from The Sixth Form College Farnborough students. Currently about 85 students from the College are studying at Oxford and Cambridge Universities.
Local Universities
Strong links with local universities through the Compact scheme, and with Farnborough College of Technology, are in place to assist students who wish to continue their studies in this area. The Art department works particularly closely with the University for the Creative Arts (Farnham campus) to facilitate a smooth progression to the next level of education, whether it be the Foundation Art course or degree level studies.
Applying to University
All UCAS applications are now made on-line, which speeds up the process significantly. Students are supported in selecting their universities and in writing their personal statements. Specialist programmes, including mock interviews, are available for students who will face interviews and tests as part of the selection process, such as potential medical students and Oxbridge applicants.
Mentoring
The Mentoring scheme provides individual support from someone who already works in a profession or industry that a student may be interested in joining. Among our more famous mentors is Gerald Howarth MP, who is a strong supporter of the College. Work experience is a pre-requisite for entry to some degree courses but it can also strengthen every curriculum vitae. For this reason, we encourage and support students to seek relevant placements during their time at the College.
Careers Guidance
A substantial part of the tutorial programme is dedicated to careers education so that students are made aware of the excellent research facilities available to them. There has been a shift of emphasis from written material to the use of computer packages and the Internet as valuable sources of up-to-date material. In the dedicated Careers Suite, the careers assistant will help students find the information they need and arrange interviews with an Employment or Careers Adviser from the local Connexions group.