Careers Education

All pupils at Strabane Grammar School receive:

A planned programme of Careers education and guidance

A programme appropriate to individual needs which will give students knowledge of their skills and abilities and help them make decisions bout their future. The programme is delivered in modular form as a component of the Personal and Social Education curricula in Years 8-12. Students in Years 13 and 14 receive one period of Careers per week.

Access to information

Outside speakers are invited to talk to interested groups and targeted audiences, and where appropriate vocational visits are organised to local businesses and agencies, thereby ensuring that up-to-date and reliable information about careers opportunities, education and training is readily available to students.
The school has a purpose built careers suite incorporating a study area which can also be used for interviews. These facilities along with the latest computer software enable students to make effective career choices during the transitions which affect their future education.

Experience of work

Students in Year 13 have the opportunity to go on work experience for which they will receive credit in their National Record of Achievement (NRA). This is further developed with emphasis on interview skills, study skills and other links with a Business/Education partnership. Industry Matters and Young Business Enterprise schemes.

Further curriculum development initiatives include the Company programme which provides practical business experience through running a company. Project Business UK, a partnership between education and business for Year 11 pupils also helps to develop business skills at an early age.

Individual guidance

Pupils in Years 10, 12, 13 and 14 all have individual interviews at the appropriate times in their school year. This guidance is from people who have appropriate and up-to-date training, is confidential, free from bias and is regularly reviewed, giving students an opportunity to discuss, agree and review an action plan.

Recording of achievement and planning for the future

A National Record of Achievement and an Action Plan record achievements and set achievable targets for the future.

Academic Success

It was another record-breaking year for exam results. At 'A' Level, there was an overall pass rate of 99%. Particularly impressive was the high percentage of A and B grades which made up 64% of grades. The percentage of pupils who gained 3 or more A-C grades rose to a record 69%, well above the Grammar School average. The vast majority of Upper 6th pupils were accepted to their chose courses and Universities. Taking 'A' Level and GCSE results together the school was placed in the top ten in Norther Ireland for teh fourth consecutive year. In fact, this year we were the top co-educational state school in Northern Ireland according to the Sunday Times. However we are just as please with the achievements of pupils who gained lower grades but gave their best. We aim to encourage each pupil who comes to Strabane Grammar School to fulfil his or her potential and to realise strengths and abilities within a positive and supportive environment.