Careers advice

During their time at Mallaig High School all pupils will participate in a planned programme of careers education delivered by a range of people including PSE teachers and representatives from Skills Development Scotland. At key stages such as option choice decision-making, most staff will be involved in making recommendations or giving general advice. We rely on the good links between home and school to ensure that through open dialogue, the most appropriate decisions for individual pupils are arrived at.

There have recently been significant changes in the operation of Skills Development Scotlandin terms of working in schools and the overall emphasis is now on career planning. The strategic aim of Skills Development Scotland is to equip individuals with the skills to make well-informed, realistic career decisions throughout their working lives. Specialist careers staff can offer services in various ways that will allow the pupil flexibility while helping Careers to differentiate levels of service according to need:

• high priority pupils are those identified as not likely to make a smooth transition from school to further/higher education, training or employment.

• medium priority are those not at risk but nevertheless requiring career planning support;

• low priority are pupils able to self-help.

The key Careers Adviser linked to Mallaig High School is Catherine Leckie. And she is available once a fortnight and at Parents’ Evenings to advise on matters relating to career and curricular choice.

The Careers Team can also be contacted by parents or pupils at:

Skills Development Scotland,

Marine Walk

3 Carmichael Way

Fort William

Inverness-shire

PH33 6FF

Tel. 01397 874 550