Careers Education and Guidance is an integral and well developed component of the  school curriculum and much of it is delivered as part of the tutorial (personal and social education) programme.  Staffing includes a careers co-coordinator and a full-time secretary.  Resources are plentiful and include a library of prospectuses for universities across the world, careers and higher education videos, and various other guides regarding higher education.

Its aim is to prepare students for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life. Activities focus on guiding students through the choices, changes and transitions affecting their future education, training and working life.

Careers guidance is offered through the curriculum to all students in Years 9, 11, 12 and 13.

In Year 9, students are introduced to career planning and part of the tutorial programme is devoted to this.  Students spend some time accessing a careers profiling program and then integrate this experience at the time they make option choices.  Students examine the relationship between the subjects they are studying and the entry requirements for college courses or work. They take part in activities which are designed to develop their decision making skills and assist them in identifying their own qualities and strengths.

In Year 11, as preparation for making decisions about which subjects to study when in Senior Studies, students are encouraged to go through a process of self evaluation and use interactive, careers guidance programs to match their personal characteristics with possible future careers.  All Year 11 students receive an individual interview with careers guidance staff to assist in this decision making process.

In Years 12 and 13, students work closely with their tutors and the Careers Guidance staff to ensure that their academic programmes and their level of progress is linked appropriately to their future higher education aspirations. Students visit Higher Education Exhibitions, are guided in their use of the Careers Resource Centre and are assisted with the task of obtaining relevant information from the international colleges or universities of their choice.  A preparation programme is provided for students wishing to take the US College Board PSAT and SAT I and II (the tests required for entry to US colleges and universities). Bangkok Patana School is a registered test centre therefore students are able to take these tests at school.  Students are assisted with the task of completing the numerous application forms required to enter University or College. Their applications are supported by the production of final Records of Achievement containing curriculum vitae, examination results, awards, transcripts and references.  In addition, information is prepared for use by the Thai Education Department.

Parents are frequently involved in much of the above, but particularly when students are involved in the complex decision making process regarding higher education.

Teachers in all curriculum areas take responsibility  for aspects of this work and integrate career themes into their subject areas. Specific projects involve students making visits to places of work, examining business practices or considering the application of theory to work situations.

All students have access to the information stored in the Careers Centre. They use computer databases, books and brochures and a variety of ‘on-line’ resources to find out about specific work areas or colleges and universities worldwide. The Secondary School Careers and University Co-ordinator and are always available to provide advice.  For further information contact:

Careers Coordinator: Mr Robin Barton

Email: careers@patana.ac.th