Purpose: Under the overall direction of the SLT, play a key role in ensuring students receive effective support and guidance so they can bridge the gap in understanding and practice between our students, their families and universities.
Core purpose
• To deliver the university guidance programme provided by YCIS.
• To ensure students receive effective support and guidance on their next steps in education.
• To support students to devise a strategic approach to the research, application to and final selection of universities and offers.
Consistently model and implement school policies and standards, consistent with the School Mission and the IB Mission:
• Demonstrate, through professional conduct, a strong belief in the YCIS Mission, Principles and Practices.
• Develop, support and follow school policies and procedures.
• Be a positive role model.
Parents and Students
• To keep students and parents up-to-date with regard to various deadlines in the university application process.
• Advise students individually in the year prior to entering International Baccalaureate (IB) on the importance and implications of subject selection. Answering individual student queries when required. Work with IGCSE Coordinator/ Secondary Leadership Team on the importance and implications of subject selection prior to the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE).
• Provide regular, individual counselling to assigned students on the whole university application process, from subject selection, destination, identifying and short-listing choice of university and major, to advise on the writing of personal statements/application essays, to departure.
• Where appropriate provide counselling to all secondary students on topics including subject selection, summer programmes, internships skills, qualities and attributes, university fairs.
• Meet regularly with parents both on an individual and group basis for the two years prior to entrance to university.
• Attend Year 10 and above information sessions to discuss and offer advice on the overall university application process.
• Write references for all university applications, including meeting with the IB coordinator and teachers for analysis of student potential.
• Guide students to complete and submit university applications, which may include references, essays and transcripts, etc.
• Organize parent workshops on topics related to career development and university guidance.
• Maintain consistent, prompt and clear communication with parents.
• Plan, organise and deliver pre-departure activities and information for graduating students to prepare them for their university experience.
• Where appropriate, correspond with alumni to solicit their views and recommendations regarding their universities.
• Promote the UGO and its work to the school community.
Teaching and learning
• Work closely with the school Departments, especially the English Department on providing extra guidance to students with their personal statements and admission essays.
• Work with the IB Coordinator, Deputy and Head of Secondary, department heads and subject teachers in the school to ensure students receive an effective learning experience that supports/ prepares them for their next steps in learning.
School Administration and Resources
• Oversee and manage the daily operation of the UGO.
• Plan, implement and publish student guidelines for university applications.
• Develop and update checklists and timelines for upper secondary students regarding the university application process.
• Ensure that accurate and up-to-date student and school records are maintained.
• Provide relevant admissions and application data to the Regional Coordinators for university guidance.
• Maintain a fully-equipped and up-to-date university and career resource centre.
• Handle highly sensitive information with discretion.
• Organise and deliver workshops for teachers to keep them informed of the role and responsibilities of the UGC and provide them with guidance on writing subject references/ recommendations.
• Organise the school’s university information evenings/university fairs.
• Develop good lines of communication with teachers to obtain academic information on students.
Other professional requirements
• Meet with SBLT members regularly to give reports and updates.
• Be proactive in representing the school in networking events and activities where there is the prospect to strengthen the relationships relevant to university admissions and counselling.
• Represent the school at various meetings and conferences.
• Develop and maintain relationships with university representatives.
• Prepare and give presentations of background material to make the school and students known to university representatives and admissions officers.
• Liaise with universities to ensure up-to-date information including academic programmes, admissions policies, scholarships offered, plus financial policies and procedures.
• Collaborate with YC/YW schools where appropriate.
• Provide articles about student learning in the department for use in published marketing materials.
• Provide reports/presentations regarding the impact of the role on raising the profile of IB.
• Attend appropriate Foundation meetings and contribute positively and constructively to discussions.
• Ensure that the school maintains affiliations with professional organisations such as CIS, IB.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties as directed by the Head of Secondary and SLT.
