Career guidance
We help students in Grades 7 and 8 choose a secondary school that suits their strengths.
What career guidance involves
In primary school we do not choose a career yet. We help students recognise what they like doing, what they are good at and what options they have. On this basis they choose the type of school and the direction of their further education.
We work in three ways: lessons in class, one-to-one consultations and meetings for parents.
Lessons in class
| Grade | Hours | Topics |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 10 hours a year | strengths, interests, the world of work, skills needed at work |
| 8 | 10 hours a year | types of secondary schools, admission rules, calculating points, choosing schools in the application |
The lessons are run by the careers adviser. Topics related to choosing the next step also come up in form periods and subject lessons.
Individual consultations
The adviser sees students and parents by appointment made via the e-register. A conversation lasts about 45 minutes. Consultations are open to all students in Grades 7 and 8.
It is worth bringing grades from the last term, a list of favourite subjects and the names of the schools the student is considering.
Sylwia Baran – careers adviser
Consultations by appointment via the e-register or the school office.
Types of secondary schools
| Type of school | Length of study | Who it is for |
|---|---|---|
| General secondary school | 4 years | for students who plan to go to university and want to broaden their general knowledge |
| Technical secondary school | 5 years | for students who want to learn a trade while keeping the path to university open |
| First-level vocational school | 3 years | for students who want to learn a trade quickly, often with work placement at an employer |
| Second-level vocational school | 2 years | for graduates of a first-level vocational school who want to continue their education |
Choosing a vocational school does not close the path to further education and university. After a first-level vocational school, students can continue at a second-level vocational school or at a secondary school for adults.
How points are counted
In admissions to secondary school, students can earn a maximum of 200 points.
| For what | Maximum points |
|---|---|
| Eighth-grade exam result | 100 |
| Grades in four subjects on the school certificate | 72 |
| Achievements in competitions and contests | 18 |
| Certificate with distinction | 7 |
| Activities for others, including volunteering | 3 |
Points for grades are counted from Polish, maths and two subjects chosen by the secondary school. Each school, and even each class, may choose different subjects.
The eighth-grader's calendar
September – January
Lessons in class, identifying interests, first consultations with the adviser.
February – April
Secondary school open days. In March, an information meeting for parents.
May – June
The eighth-grade exam and the admissions application with a list of chosen schools and classes.
End of June – July
Adding the school report and the exam results certificate to the application.
July
Lists of qualified candidates, confirming the intention to study at the chosen school, and lists of admitted students.
The exact admissions dates are set every year by the regional education officer. The adviser passes them on to students and parents at the start of the second term.
For parents
In March we invite parents of grade 8 pupils to an information meeting. We discuss types of schools, admission rules, how points are counted and how to fill in the application properly.
It is best to list several schools and classes, including some with lower entry thresholds. List them in order, starting with the one you want most.
At the consultation with the adviser I saw for the first time that my interests match specific schools. I chose a technical secondary school and I know it was a good choice.