Career Guidance and Counselling is at the heart of our Pastoral Care System at St. Columba's Comprehensive School. Our Guidance Counsellors have a caring and supportive role in the school where students can get advice and supports about a range of issues. From relationships to study skills and family difficulties to college advice and information, the Guidance Counsellor's are on hand to meet with students in a confidential environment where they can be cared for and supported throughout their time in the school.
The Career Guidance and Counselling Dept within St. Columba's Comprehensive School provides support for all students in three main areas:
- Personal and Social Guidance
- Educational Guidance
- Career and Vocational Guidance
Educational Guidance
This area of Guidance recognises students’ different learning abilities and their inherent talents. Each student is encouraged to optimise their learning skills. This involves – helping students with choices as with subjects, courses and levels, aiding motivation and management learning, showing students how to use available resources, study skills and exam techniques, demonstrating how to use computer aided research.
Career and Vocational Guidance
This area of Guidance helps students to identify career and vocational goals by developing their self-analysis skills and sourcing and managing career information. This involves;
- having an understanding of the pathways into higher education
- making and carrying out appropriate life choices and plans
- practising interview techniques
- CV writing and cover letters
- identifying strengths and weakness from the results of various interest and aptitude tests
- becoming aware of employment opportunities