Student Progression
At Vacational Studies each of our students progresses educationally and as a person. They are cared for and supervised, but also given the space to develop
There are also positions of responsibility:
- Such positions may give an edge to a young person's CV.
- Anyone can apply to be a Mentor.
- Anyone can apply to be a Councillor.
- Those aged 16, 17 and 18 can apply for positions of responsibility as House Captains, Prefects, Senior Prefects and beyond which will develop their skills of leadership.
- We also have the role of Ambassador (described here).
- We decide on suitability for any position of responsibility.
- Positions of responsibility can be revoked depending on performance.
- All positions of responsibility are subject to reconsideration after four days.
- Application for a position of responsibility does not mean that the position of responsibility will be given or kept.
Positions of responsibility are limited in number and are allocated in order of application.
Positions of responsibility can be allocated only to those with us for the duration of the Full Course and only if requested at the time of application.
Anyone can exercise their skills and take the lead, if they wish. They do not need a title to do so.
To see how a young person can benefit, read Benedetta's letter here.
Mentors
- Mentors will be those who are willing to advise others on how to gain the most from the experience. The staff will call on a Mentor if they feel a student would benefit from a chat. A student can request a Mentor if he or she feels it would help with such matters as integration. A Mentor is always advised and guided by staff. Mentors' Meetings are chaired by a student 'Head Mentor'.
- This role is a position of responsibility which can be included on a CV.
Councillors
- Councillors will be students of any age who wish to seek and represent the views of other students on aspects of the Course such as catering, sports, activities and provide constructive input at Meetings of the Council. Council Meetings are chaired by a student Head Councillor.
- Councillors may be added or removed as the Course progresses.
- This role is a position of responsibility which can be included on a CV.
Ambassadors
- The concept of Ambassadors was introduced in 2016 and will be continued. It is described here. It gives young people the opportunity to educate themselves about their country and to practise public speaking.
- It can be included on a CV.
House Captains
- Students of 16 and over can apply to be a House Captain. House Captains liaise with the Senior Sports/Social Organiser and take a lead in organising House events.
- They have the privilege of local shopping on any Sunday morning.
- House Captains may be added or removed as the Course progresses. After four days, House Captains are invited to meet the Director and Sports Crew to decide if they and we wish them to continue in the role.
- House Captaincy may be repeated the following year.
- They will find the responsibility of House Captaincy a useful addition to their CV.
Prefects and Senior Prefects
- We may invite students of 17 who are known to us and those who are 18 to become Prefects, if they wish and if there are places. Prefects are responsible for overseeing student integration and acting to encourage it when necessary.
- Anyone who was a Prefect in the previous year will be a Senior Prefect and will oversee the work of Prefects. Senior Prefects are invited to attend Board Meetings.
- Prefects will be allocated tasks by the Director, the Course Manager and the Academic Manager. Classroom Prefects will be allocated to different classes and will learn English by using it in the classroom and in the film-making process as 'classroom assistants'. They will swap classes and perform different functions in each class. They may be allocated students for one-to-one structured conversations. Office Prefects will be used administratively and have access to the Office. They will be allocated tasks that may include creating, distributing and analysing student initial feedback forms, checking flight information and other administrative work. Prefects will lose 'taught hours', but will gain language by using it and they will also develop independence.
- Prefects' bed time will be one hour later than the norm. They have the privilege of local shopping on any Sunday morning. A Prefect may then apply to become an Apprentice. Former Prefects will be considered for Apprenticeship if they will reach 19 in the year in which Apprenticeship is applied for. UK Reps can apply to be considered as Apprentices.
- After four days, Prefects are invited to meet the Director, the Academic Manager and Senior Sports/Social Organiser to decide if they and we wish them to continue in the role.
- Those thinking of Prefectship or Senior Prefectship in 2023 should read 'Notes and History of Prefectship'.
- They will find the responsibility of Prefectship a useful addition to their CV.
The Former 'OS' Group
- Membership of the former 'OS Group' may count as an Apprenticeship completed in preparation for a non-teaching staff post.
Apprentices in 2023
- Former students of 19 and over can be considered as Apprentices.
- An Apprentice post is for two weeks and is a precursor to a non-teaching staff post the following year.
- The contents of the 'Notes for Staff' apply to Apprentices.
- Candidates for Apprenticeship show their initiative by applying for this post.
UK Reps
- UK Reps come to us from a UK School after application, a letter of recommendation from staff and a competitive interview.
- They are 16.
- They will have read the 'Notes for UK Reps' and the 'Notes for Students'.
- Good UK Reps are eligible for Apprenticeship or employment the following year.
- And here is a former UK Rep.
Sports Staff
- Sports Staff are chosen by the Senior Sports/Social Organiser and the Director
- Applications are received in January.
- The Senior Sports/Social Organiser is appointed in January
- Existing staff are given first choice
- Remaining posts are allocated in February