For generations, Westbourne students have progressed to some of the world’s most outstanding universities, including Oxford, Cambridge and other Russell Group institutions, as well as the Ivy League.
This year has been no exception, with record-breaking Sixth Form exam results securing our students places on a host of leading undergraduate degree programmes. 50% of Westbourne students achieved over 40 points in the IB (the equivalent of 4 A*s at A Level), with 85% attaining 7/6 (A*/A equivalent), and 96.8% 7-5 (A*-B). 38 IB points is the minimum entry-level to Oxbridge.
We are committed to ensuring that every student leaves Westbourne equipped with the skills, knowledge and confidence to explore a future pathway that best suits their interests and ambitions. Throughout their time with us, pupils are closely supported by staff, on a one-to-one basis, to identify and shape their academic and career goals.
Research suggests that effective careers guidance motivates students to reach their goals. A recent study by the Sutton Trust shows that schools with good careers guidance have a higher proportion of students gaining top grades.
Working in tandem with the one-to-one careers mentorship already provided by our expert staff, the new online careers provision will further support students to make informed decisions on their next steps and includes:
- A searchable database of global universities, apprenticeships, placements, scholarships, summer schools, residentials and taster days, as well as writing competition opportunities to enhance applications and CVs. Pupils can compare every undergraduate course in the UK and Ireland, Oxbridge colleges, every US college, every undergraduate programme taught in English in Europe, as well as courses in Canada, Australasia and the Middle East.
- Round-the-clock subject and careers libraries.
- Personality quizzes to explore personality types and interests.
- Access to “super-curricular” activities such as online courses to try out different subject areas, and webinars from universities and employers.
- Expert guides on wellbeing and citizenship.
- Books, podcasts, films and TED Talks on future pathways.
In addition to searching for global opportunities, our students can use the new platform to draft and save all the materials needed for university applications – from personal statements and CV drafts, subject references, letters of recommendation, and evidence relating to work experience and placements. They also benefit from easy access to live, multi-teacher feedback on their applications from home.
At the heart of our careers curriculum is the importance of tailoring expert guidance to the individual.
Our new careers database and online hub will amplify Westbourne’s already outstanding careers provision, which includes includes weekly one-to-one mentoring and open-door access to our careers staff; networking and professional development opportunities including an annual Summer @INSEAD programme in Paris; support to secure work experience placements and forge links with employers; as well as university subject and application workshops.
Our careers offering is mapped against the eight Gatsby Benchmarks of good career guidance to create a structured careers strategy across KS3, 4 and 5. The eight benchmarks, part of the Government’s Careers Strategy and statutory guidance for schools and colleges, are as follows:
- A stable careers programme
- Learning from career and labour market information
- Addressing the needs of each pupil
- Linking curriculum learning to careers
- Encounters with employers and employee
- Experiences of workplaces
- Encounters with further and higher education
- Personal guidance
The new destinations platform will be introduced next term for all Senior School students. Please direct any questions to Dr Griffiths in the first instance.