Advisory Team
“. . . a highly professional and committed team, dedicated to providing the best possible service as their students progress through the various decision-making processes.”
European Director of ISCO (Independent Schools’ Career Organisation) May 2007
The Counselling Service is led and managed by James Cathcart and Nicholas Baker.
The key figures in the service, with whom students have most contact, are the application supervisors and the university tutors.
University tutors: Nikki Charlwood, Xana Jones, Margaret Slaiding, Michael Eccles.
The University Tutors hold the first one-to-one interview with each student, in the second term of the Première year. They help the student to reflect on possible subjects for university study and future careers, through an exploration of the student’s interests and values. This interview is supported by feedback from the Centigrade Test (an orientation test designed by Cambridge Occupational Analysts and recommended by UCAS, the Universities & Colleges Admission Service), which students take in October of the Première year. This interview is based firmly on subject/career orientation, rather than choice of university.
University Tutors also help Terminale students making applications to the UK with the drafting of their Personal Statements.
Application supervisors: James Cathcart, Nicholas Baker, Nikki Charlwood, Xana Jones.
Towards the end of the Première year, and at the beginning of Terminale, the Application Supervisor helps the student through the choice of courses and universities. He then supports the student through the application process for the UK, Canada or Ireland. This includes the period following the publication of Baccalaureate results, when university places are finalised.
The Lycée Librarian, Hilary Moser, is also an important figure in the Service: she manages the substantial career and university resources in the CDI, and helps students to find materials that will further their research.
Students report back regularly to their advisors during the process. We are keen that the parents are fully aware of what is going on, so a good deal of effort goes into communicating with them as well as with students - the information meetings are aimed at students and their families together. Parents are also welcome to attend the students’ individual meetings with the Application Supervisor, if this is felt to be appropriate.