ASSISTANCE AT SCHOOLS

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28481, 10 January 1958, Page 13

ASSISTANCE AT SCHOOLS

Careers Adviser Can Aid Choice By MISS M. E. OSBORN GIRLS’ CAREERS ADVISER, CHRISTCHURCH WEST HIGH SCHOOL.

r pHE careers adviser tries to -*■ obtain an adequate personal knowledge of each pupil in the school, and to follow her ’progress through from the time of first entry until leaving. The picture is built up by personal interview with each child and often with parents; by reference to class records supplemented by intelligence tests; and from personal observation and information supplied by other members of the staff. An efforr is made to see each child personally, as many problems are revealed only through the interview itself. Placement

It should be emphasised that the careers adviser is not a placement officer. It is her object to bring every child to the point where a considered decision regarding the future has been reached before leaving date, but, once that decision has been made, actual placement is a matter for the child and her parents. If, however, a child is unable to secure a job for herself, or where there is a special situation, the careers adviser may pass a child on to the Vocational Guidance Centre with all necessary particulars to enable a suitable placement to be made. While it is the careers adviser’s job to make available to child and parents all possible information which may guide them to a wise decision, it is not her function to make that decision for them.

No attempt is made to force a decision too soon, but as far as possible it is ensured that no essential gate is closed at any stage, and an effort is made to acquaint each child with all the various fields of employment which would be open to her. In some cases, things go smoothlv, but there are many children who present special problems. These include children who are uncertain what vocation to choose, those who have chosen a suitable vocation, but do not know how to achieve it, those who have determined on a vocation for which they are mentally, physically or temperamentally unfit, those who are adjusting badly at school due to physical, psychological oj- mental disability, those who are hampered by unfavourable home circumstances or by financial difficulty. Thorough Knowledge