What is OASIS and why do we offer it to our Yr 11 pupils?
Pupils in Yr 11 are given the option to participate in the OASIS careers guidance programme, a
psychometric assessment designed for those aiming at AS/A levels or equivalent. The test is
produced and administered by Cambridge Occupational Analysts who have operated in the fields of
careers and higher education guidance for over 20 years. (More information can be found on their
website http://www.coa.co.uk/preview.)
The test consists of a questionnaire completed by the pupil, which assesses their interests and
personal qualities and matches them with needs and requirements of more than 45 broad career
areas. Forecasts from all GCSE subject teachers are also integrated into the programme. As a result
of the assessment, pupils receive a personal workbook which states their basic career interests along
with subject selection and availability charts. These are designed to help pupils choose sixth form
subjects to meet the entry requirements for their more likely higher education and careers direction.
The results of the test are discussed with each pupil during a personal one to one interview with a
member of the COA interviewing team. After this interview pupils should be capable of explaining
the report to their parents and they are then encouraged to undertake their own careers research,
supported by the careers department , housemasters and mistresses, teachers and tutors. They
receive their own copy of the Careers Directory and the Personal development and work experience
guide. They also have access to their own online copy of the report and an area for making notes
and links to useful websites at http://www.mycareersroom.co.uk/.
Although we get to know our pupils well, and are able to provide a certain level of careers guidance
without the OASIS report, we believe the results of the test provide pupils and those who support
them with an objective picture of the young person's occupational and academic interests, based on
a well tested psychometric careers programme. In addition to identifying careers the pupil may
already be thinking about, it can also reveal a range of closely related and well-matched careers
which may not have been considered previously.
What are the Cambridge Profile Aptitude tests?
The Cambridge Profile tests are taken on the same day as the OASIS test and results are
incorporated in the workbook. They comprise
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verbal reasoning
numerical reasoning
Abstract reasoning
Spatial reasoning ( 2D and 3D)
Arithmetic calculation
Spelling
Working quickly and accurately
The results are computer scored and included in their Careers report.
The information provides an independent assessment of academic potential which can supplement
the school’s estimates of future academic performance. The pupils also become aware of their
stronger aptitudes and where these could prove valuable. This can help them work out what they
may be suited to in terms of work and study in the future.