Innovative Counselling Technique: Future Pathways

 

At Rugby School Thailand (RST), we are committed to empowering our students to pursue their passions and develop the skills necessary for their future careers.

Recognising that students are likely to pursue multiple careers in their lifetime due to the changing careers landscape, the development of key transferable skills is paramount. Our innovative counselling technique provides a comprehensive and flexible framework to guide students in their academic and personal growth, encouraging individuality and exploration.

Key Principles

1. Flexibility: Pathways are rarely linear. The pathways outlined in this proposal are suggestions. Students are encouraged to mix and match components to create their unique journey tailored to their interests and aspirations.

2. Holistic Approach: Our pathways integrate academic subjects, the Whole Me (PSHE) Programme, Higher Education and Careers curriculum, after-school activities, and supra-curricular opportunities, ensuring a comprehensive development experience.

3. Individual Support: Personalised guidance is crucial. Pathway Champions, composed of staff, students and alumni, will provide support and encouragement to individuals along their chosen pathways, complementing our current Higher Education and Careers support provision.

Proposal Components

1. Informatic Development: 

   - The attached diagram illustrates key subject themes and potential pathways for students. This was developed in consultation with Heads of Department and SMT, enhancing accessibility and usability. It is being further developed to include coloured pathways. Key touch points will be highlighted to aid navigation and understanding, and individual pathway logos/colours will be used to brand future events/opportunities, and highlight suitable events/activities to students and parents.

   - This visual aid will help parents, students, and staff understand the variety of opportunities available, fostering and encouraging new ideas/areas for collaboration.

   - It will act as an important resource for academic guidance throughout the student’s career, particularly around key decisions such as GCSE and A-Level options choices.

2. Staff Consultation:

   - Once agreed with SLT, Heads of Department were consulted about the proposal to gather input and ensure buy-in for the initiative. The full project will be launched to senior staff and parents early in the 2024/25  academic year. 

   - A Future Pathways Working Group could be a future possibility, if deemed appropriate. Ideally, this would involve staff, students, alumni and industry links (potentially through parents).

   - This collaborative effort will enhance the effectiveness and relevance of the pathways.

3. External Partnerships:

   - Once established, collaboration with external mentors and organisations, including universities, alumni and employers, will enrich our pathways by providing real-world insights and opportunities for students.

   - Subject-specific pathway taster lectures and other activities will be scheduled through liaison with global universities and employers.

4. Integration with the RST Scholars Programme:

   - As part of this initiative, we will explore synergies between the proposed pathways and the existing RST scholar programme to maximise student benefits.

5. Curriculum Alignment:

   - Pathways are aligned with the Senior and 6th Form curriculum, ensuring coherence and relevance within the academic framework.

   - The pathways will also link to the F Block (Year 9) Pathways and D Block (Year 11) Futures processes, which support students with choosing their GCSE and A Level options.

6. Early Engagement:

   - Recognising the needs of students applying to US colleges, early touchpoints will be established to support the development of competitive applications and portfolios. 

   - Currently, this is planned to be launched from Year 9 and up, although this may move to younger year groups in a more simplified format, once established.

Potential for Implementation by Other Counsellors: a step-by-step approach:

  - Begin with a thorough assessment of students' interests, strengths, and aspirations.

  - Develop a flexible framework that allows for personalised pathways that align with your curriculum.

  - Create visual guides and infographics to clearly communicate the pathways. This is particularly important for non-native speakers (and could be translated)

  - Establish a working group involving staff to gather input and ensure collective ownership of the initiative.

  - Build partnerships with external organisations (such as universities and employers) to provide real-world learning opportunities.

  - Integrate the pathways with existing programmes and curriculum.

  - Ensure early engagement for students aiming for specific higher education opportunities.

Collaborative Environment:

  - Promote a culture of collaboration among staff, students, parents, alumni and external partners.

  - Provide ongoing training and support for Pathway Champions to effectively guide students.

Regular Reviews and Feedback:

  - Regularly review and update the pathways based on feedback from students, parents, and staff.

  - Adapt the pathways to align with emerging trends and opportunities in education and careers.

Conclusion

The “Future Pathways for Student Development” initiative at Rugby School Thailand embodies our commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals equipped for success. By providing guidance, flexibility, and support, we aim to empower each student to pursue their passions and excel in their chosen academic and career pathways. This innovative counselling technique can serve as a model for other counsellors looking to implement personalised and comprehensive student development frameworks in their institutions.

Article written by By Claire Cecil, Head of Higher Education and Careers