Park Lane Parent Portal - Secondary Updates

UNIVERSITY AND CAREERS UPDATES

The growing University and Careers Team is constantly on the lookout for interesting resources and opportunities we can share with our students and guardians. Here are some:

Dear Parents and Students,

An exciting event is being offered to our students. Hotello for a day is a first of its kind event in the Czech republic. It is an opportunity to test your skills, learn from current students of HTH and get inspired by alumni who took the path of hospitality management. This event is for free and we will issue a certificate of participation upon request.

16.3. 2024 at 14:00 in NH Collection Carlo IV hotel

Senovážné nám. 13/991, 110 00 Nové Město, Prague

https://www.nh-collection.com/en/hotel/nh-collection-prague-carlo-iv/map

The kick off is at 2 pm and besides inspiring workshops students will have an opportunity to see ins and outs of beautiful 5 star property NH Collection Carlo IV.

Students can invite their friends and parents are welcome for the final Q&A session. Register here.

As we start planning Careers Day and Work Experience, our Year 11’s have started drafting their CV’s! After March 1st, Year 11’s will be sharing their CV’s with their employers for their work experience. For some, it’s their first time writing a CV, so we have put together some “Do’s” and “Don’t’s” of writing a CV. Check out the tips below!

Additionally, UniFrog has been introduced and used for our Parklane students. The platform has a CV creator, where the Year 11’s have had the time to fill in. The University and Careers Team have thought of some extra tips for each section, where students can see below:

Contact Information

Put down :

your email
your parents phone number
your general Prague district (e.g. Prague 1).

DO NOT put:

your own number
your exact address.

Personal Introduction

Examples for personal introduction:

Real Estate: As a dedicated secondary student with a passion for real estate, I've spent my free time researching market trends and attending open houses. Eager to learn more about the industry, I'm seeking opportunities to gain hands-on experience and contribute to a dynamic real estate team.

Fitness and health: With a keen interest in fitness and wellness, I've been actively involved in my school's sports teams and have completed certifications in personal training. Aspiring to combine my love for fitness with professional growth, I am enthusiastic about joining a fitness center where I can inspire others to lead healthier lifestyles.

Education: As a conscientious student deeply committed to education, I've actively participated in tutoring programs and served as a mentor to my peers. Driven by a desire to make a positive impact in classrooms, I am eager to explore opportunities to support educators and promote student success within the education sector.

DO NOT: Start with “Hi…” or “My name is…”. Your contact information provides employers with your name.

Skills

Alongside your skill, you need to add an example of you using that skill:

Aiming high: "I got into the school football team by setting myself goals to improve specific skills and working hard to achieve them."
Creativity: "I love drawing and often carry a sketchbook with me to sketch any scenes I find interesting."
Leadership: "At home I sometimes cook for my family and this involves getting my siblings to help. I enjoy setting each sibling a task that is appropriate for their abilities and interests."
Listening: "In debating society, I like listening carefully to the other side's argument to work out how I can defend my point of view better."
Presenting: "I feel confident speaking in public and enjoy giving presentations to my class or to the whole school in assembly."
Problem solving: "I particularly enjoy science subjects and anything that involves assessing a problem and working out a solution."
Staying positive: "I've faced a number of family problems which have meant I've had to take time off school, but I've always worked hard to catch up afterwards."
Teamwork: "As a member of a local netball team I've learnt how to work with my teammates to win matches."
Literacy: "In addition to my school work I read for pleasure, especially thrillers, and also follow several cooking blogs."
Numeracy: "I'm confident working with numbers. I enjoy arithmetic which I use both in class and in my weekend job in a shop."
Independence: "Although I enjoy group work I also like to work on my own. In class, I try to do extension activities without anyone else's help."
Communication: "As a member of the school council, it's my role to make sure I communicate the views of my fellow students to the headteacher."

Work Experience

State your experience title, and then, in bullet points, briefly summarize what responsibilities the job entailed. Start each bullet point with action verbs. E.g.

Cafe Barista

Operated espresso machines and prepared a variety of coffee beverages according to customer preferences.
Provided friendly customer service, including taking orders, handling transactions, and ensuring a clean and organized workspace.
Demonstrated strong teamwork skills by collaborating with colleagues to maintain a smooth workflow during busy periods.
Developed effective communication skills by interacting with diverse customers and addressing their inquiries and concerns.

If you do not have work experience, you can add: Internships, extracurricular activities, projects, volunteer work. E.g.

Volunteer Tutor, Local Community Center

Provided academic support and mentorship to elementary school students in math and reading.
Assisted in developing personalized learning strategies to improve students' comprehension and confidence in challenging subjects.

Education

Add your IGCSE start and predicted end date. In the description box on UniFrog, note which IGCSE subjects you have taken.

Other Interests

Based on which industry you will have your placement in (what you filled in your work experience form), you can link how your interests have taught you skills that will benefit you in the workplace. E.g.

A volunteering role at an old people's home: "For several years I have been an avid Premier League football fan. To keep abreast of the latest news I read voraciously, and at matches I have also learnt how to strike up conversations with people I don't already know. I think my football knowledge will provide plenty of topics for conversation at the care home, and I will not be afraid to start conversations."
A business administration apprenticeship: "I was voted by my peers to be Student Council President. Duties include informing students about recent events, making announcements in secondary updates, and advocating for the student council across my year group. I have learnt public speaking skills, and the need to be professional and consistent to gain people's respect."
A School Leaver Programme at an accountancy firm: "I play regularly for my school's netball team. This has taught me how to work in a team as well as how to manage my time efficiently; I often have to juggle homework with training and matches."

References

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College Essay Guy resources for all our students

Year 10

College App & Admissions Timeline: These resources and calendar will help you stay on track.

Values Exercise (video): Spend some time thinking about your core values with this simple exercise. Your answers may help drive how you spend this upcoming summer.

Year 11

Virtual college fairs: There are many opportunities to attend college fairs from home, including sessions that focus on STEM programs and the visual and performing arts. These easy-to-attend virtual events can be a great window into what college is all about.

YouScience aptitudes test: If you haven’t already, take this online assessment, which uses a combination of personality, interest, and aptitudes testing to help you explore careers that might be a good fit. Then see if you can connect with someone working in the field for an informational interview or job shadowing opportunity.

Identify a summer program: Browse through options for day programs, residential programs, and online options that match an interest you might like to pursue.

Year 12

Virtual college fairs: There are many opportunities to attend college fairs from home, including sessions that focus on STEM programs and the visual and performing arts. These easy-to-attend virtual events can be a great window into what college is all about.

Start looking out for fly-in program opportunities: These subsidized travel programs offer overnight campus visits for populations traditionally underrepresented in higher education.

QuestBridge College Prep Scholars: See if you qualify to apply for this top-notch college admission support program.

Pre-work for your teacher recommendations: Take a look at this form and imagine how your teacher(s) might fill it out. What are your strengths/areas for improvement? What words will come to their mind when they think of you? You’ll request teacher recs in May, so this is a good time to start thinking about these important pieces of the college application process.

5 Ways to Spend Your High School Summer: Think about your summer in the context of how your choices can help you to lead a happier life (really!).

Year 13

Senioritis: This is not the time to slack off. Colleges will see your final transcript this summer, and they do have the right to rescind (i.e., take back) their offer of admission if your spring grades drop significantly (gulp).

Admitted student events: If possible, attend in-person and virtual events for admitted students to get your questions answered and help inform your decision-making process.

Scholarships: Search for possible fits based on your academic interests, gender, religion, and more.