Mrs Allen (Careers Administrator)
Pictured – IB 2020/21 Cohort
With IB examinations cancelled, the Sixth Form Team devised a post assessment period set of activities, inviting the IB cohort back in to school, for a week-long programme of events that would help them prepare for life after BGS. It is many of these skills and conversations that have been missed, as everyone stayed at home and learning went online.
To support the students with their preparation for University or Gap Year life, we were delighted to have them join us for a week of live, recorded and in-person activities. Delivered by Careers staff, teachers, guest speakers and webinar providers, the students were kept busy with a full, five-day programme.
Starting the week with a morning of Student Finance and Budgeting, the group covered everything from their loans to their lunch. Looking at university costs, food shopping and how to make the most of their allowances, they worked on meal plans that would save them time and money, the best way to plan and how to make the most of the many free coupons, money back schemes and voucher sites available to students. The week moved on to CV writing skills and a session that looked at how to read body language and self-awareness when communicating. The students completed exercises to test the theories; it was great to see that they found being disengaged very difficult!
The group linked up with Bedford School for a talk on Transferring Your IB Skills given by an ex-pupil currently studying at Durham. The Director of HR from The Harpur Trust delivered a presentation that gave the girls an insight into the world of HR from an employee and employers prospective.
In preparation for a live Q&A with the Director of a local recruitment firm, the students spent Wednesday looking at how their online presence could be used to both hinder and help their employment opportunities, how to enhance their employability, effective use of LinkedIn as well as looking in to careers in and around their university of choice. In the live Q&A, they learnt the value of soft skills and how to show their skills to the best of their ability, the importance of taking opportunities and how to promote their skills in a impactful way.
Because the IB courses incorporates the learning of a modern foreign language for all students, the students looked at how their understanding of cultures might impact their communication within the world of business. Exploring how, what is acceptable in one culture, may not be acceptable in another, led on from their understanding of language.
After a week full of tasks and talks, the group finished the five days with two activities that took them out of the classroom, encouraged team-work and communication and explored their personal memories of Bedford Girls’ School.
Reflections from the IB cohort:
Elizabeth Kedward and Sara Bhandari said: “The week was a great summary of future life skills and it was very enjoyable being able to collaborate with our class about our opinions.”
Anna Hull said: “Before this week I have to admit I felt slightly intimidated and unsure about my next steps, but the careers events have definitely demystified a lot of things for me about university and employment. In particular, I now feel a lot more confident about writing my CV and applying for jobs or volunteering positions.”
Laia Garnham said: “It was really good to have a different perspective and something in preparation for our lives outside of school after finishing our IB.”
