Personal Counselling

The objective of the counselling team is to offer students the required support and assist them in their social, emotional and personal development. The team consists of the Vice Principals, the Guidance Counsellors – who are qualified psychologists – and the Coordinator of Form Teachers. The team is in close contact with parents and offers the required help needed in order to advise students on personal issues.

At the G C School of Careers the teacher-student relationship has always been constructive and supportive. All teachers promote cooperation and healthy competition amongst the students and very often give extra help to those who might be facing academic problems.

Students are encouraged to meet with either of the two Counsellors regarding any personal problems they may experience and whenever they feel the need for support or help. The Counsellors always work within the guidelines and ethical standards expected of the profession, and in strictest confidentiality. Students who have learning difficulties are also encouraged to make this known to the Counsellors so that the necessary support may be provided.

Academic Advising and Career Guidance

It is the aim of the Career Counsellors is to offer the best possible assistance to students in matters concerning opting for subjects in various Forms, making career-related decisions and setting students on the right track for successful further studies and subsequent professional careers.

The Career Counsellors provide students with all the necessary information on universities and other academic institutions and help them develop a clear idea of the opportunities offered to them. UK universities are visited annually by the School Management to ensure it remains informed of and updated on the latest academic developments.

Academic advising varies among the forms according to the student's needs at any particular stage in his/her school career.

In an effort to enrich our curriculum, the School has been offering Form 2 students the opportunity to learn a third language. Therefore, in Form 1 the students are invited to make a choice between French and German. Both these languages are offered at the IGCSE and A-level levels, should the students decide to pursue them further. At this stage, however, the students will be supplied with the relevant information and guidance to help them make an informed decision.

Students in Form 3 need to choose their IGCSE subjects. The Guidance Counsellors will advise students about the prospective choices, and all necessary material will be provided to them, in an effort to help them make the right selection. They will be requested to choose from a number of subjects and will be given the opportunity to make their own combinations.

The Guidance Counsellors are available to see parents and students throughout the selection period to answer and discuss any queries.

Students in Form 5 will have to make their GCE A-level selections. This is a most important stage, which is likely to affect their future. Meetings are held with the students to advise them on their subject selection, and they are guided in the direction of the most relevant subjects for their chosen fields of study. Those students who have not yet determined their vocation are advised according to their strengths and interests. The Guidance Counsellors will again be available to see parents for any queries they may have during the selection process.

In Form 6, students who wish to study in the US will be given information regarding SAT and TOEFL exams to be taken in the current year. They will also be given advice regarding their choice of A-level subjects in Form 7, career opportunities, as well as information about Fulbright and other scholarships.

In Form 7, students have to make decisions regarding degree subjects and universities. The Guidance Counsellors' offices, as well as the Library, have a selection of University Prospectuses and other relevant guides in order to help students in this process. Following the students' decision, they will be directed as to the best way to achieve their goals. Students who choose to apply to British universities will receive information about UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) and the necessary application procedures. Students who wish to apply to other universities will also be given guidance during their application process.

Post Graduation

Students who for any reason have had to postpone their studies and decide to enter the process at a later stage have the opportunity to receive the help and guidance they need. This mostly applies to the boys, who postpone their studies in order to complete their military service.

We firmly believe that our graduates are part of the wider G C School family, and they can count on our continued support and co-operation at all times. It is up to the students and graduates to make good use of the Career Guidance and Counselling offered at our School.