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Careers Guidance starts in the Shell and Fifth Forms. In Shell, boys start thinking about their individual career path as part of the PSE programme, but it is in the Fifth Form when pupils enlist the services of ISCO (Independent Schools Careers Organisation) that will last them until the age of 23. Furthermore, they sit the 'Futurewise Profiling Session' which provides more information to help a boy's capacity to effect choices. The results, together with personal preferences and academic progress, are the basis for discussion of future career planning and subject choice.
Every year Merchiston hosts a Higher Education and Careers Fair in conjunction with other local schools to provide pupils in the Fifth and the Sixth Forms with the opportunity to chat directly with those with the professional experience to advise, or who deliver the courses the pupils may be considering.
In the Sixth Form, there are weekly lessons as part of the General Studies Course. More detailed interviews take place between each pupil and the academic tutor assigned to him, to help with the decision-making involved in the application processes for the next steps after school, which for virtually all means some form of Further Education. Pupils are given extensive individual guidance through the 'UCAS' application process, and parents are kept updated on the progress of these.
The Careers Café is a new initiative designed to bring experts into the School to allow the boys a closer look at certain fields that they may be considering. It is voluntary and accessible to all students in the V and the VI Forms and takes place in alternate weeks.
Merchiston is very keen to encourage each LVI pupil to take some form of work experience within school time if at all possible or during the long summer break. While for some courses this period of work experience is essential, it is obvious that it is helpful to all as it will clarify every pupil's understanding of any career he may be considering.
During their Sixth Form years, boys take part in Leadership training programmes run by professional agencies. They are encouraged to take part in character-building activities such as the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme. Many boys choose to take 'Gap' Years on leaving school.
To see which Universities boys from Merchiston enter after they leave the School, see the Careers & University page in the Current Parents section of this site.
