Magazine 2019

110 Visits from local & international Universities GUIDANCE & CAREER COUNSELLING The counselling department offers a host of educational support services that include individual counselling and career guidance, support for learners with specialised educa- tional needs as well as academic assistance with skills such as effective time management and study methods.We are also committed to the social and emotional growth of our learners and therefore put a great deal of effort into providing a range of events and opportunities that foster emotional development. There has been much excitement and growth in the counselling department during the last year as Samantha Scott, one of our School Counsellors, has begun to offer psychometric assessment services for subject choice and ca- reer counselling. As part of the process, learners attend an initial interview, undergo an assessment battery which includes assessment for aptitude, per- sonality and interest. After the results have been analysed in an assessment report, learners and parents are invited to attend an interview where the feedback results are discussed. Results of the testing often assist learners to narrow down their options for subject choices and prospective careers. On Thursday, 2 August the Curie Hall was a hive of activity as Grade 9 learners and their parents attended the Subject Choice Evening.The event kicked off with a plenary session where learn- ers were provided with some valuable information to consider before making their final subject choices for the senior phase of their school career. Learners and parents were then invited to attend a subject exhibition where they were able to talk to educators to obtain more detailed information about the dif- ferent subjects on offer at the College. In conjunction with the Cape Careers Exhibitors As- sociation, we hosted our annual Careers Expo on Thursday, 28 February. Learners in Grades 9 and 11 as well as their parents attended the exhibition as part of research into subject choices and future career development. Learners and parents who attended the event had a wonderful opportunity to browse the stalls and personally engage with representatives from the various organisations. We had fifty one exhibitors from a number of well known private and public universities and colleges from around the world. GRADE 9 SUBJECT CHOICE EVENING CAREERS EXPO GROWTH IN THE COUNSELLING DEPARTMENT There were also a number of representatives from institutions who assist learners who wish to explore gap year and interna- tional tertiary study opportunities. In addition, we were pleased to have the New York University, Abu Dhabi campus take part in this year’s event as we have developed a great relationship with this university after having one of our counsellors visit their campus last year. Each year we invite a number of local and international universities and colleges to offer presentations to our Grade 11 and 12 learners. During the summer and autumn quarters, we hosted representatives from the University of CapeTown, Stellenbosch University andVarsity College. On the internation- al front, we have also hosted a number of guest visitors who came to inform and equip our senior learners about overseas tertiary opportunities. IE Abroad, formerly known as Imfundo Abroad, came to speak to our Grade 11 learners on 11 February about possible international studies post Matric and the various options that are available in the United Kingdom, United States, Australia, Holland, Hungary, Ireland and many more. In conjunction with a company called Global Education a representative from the University of Western Australia visited the Secondary Faculty on 17 September, to provide learners with insight into studying in Australia and at the University ofWest- ern Australia specifically. On 14 May, a representative of a conglomerate of UK Universities called Alex Snee came to offer a workshop called ‘Careers you may have not thought about’ to our Grade 12 learners.The workshop focused on careers within the fields of criminology, psychology, sport, animation and sustainability, which resonated strongly with learners