11th March 2024
Year 13 Bulletin
Morning all,
Hope you all had a good weekend. Lots of people asking for revision calendars and getting organised; well done to all those that have been in and are preparing for the exam season. I’ve added some info about Student Finance and general advice about UCAS for those who are applying. If you’re not and need some advice please come and see me.
Weekly
- ‘Ted Talk’ The benefits of a good night's sleep
- ‘BBC Ideas’ Five things we can learn from the past about sleep
Quote of the week:
“Weak people revenge. Strong people forgive. Intelligent People Ignore.”
Albert Einstein
Shoutout to:
- Saaya (AST) for 3 positive incidents in one day
Revision/support:
- Psychology 8:15-8:45 Every Thursday
- The Maths Department run a support session every Wednesday for A Level Maths and GCSE resit support every single Monday.
- Chemistry have both Year 12 and 13 chemistry support sessions every Monday after school.
- Biology has after school support sessions on Thursdays in H23
- Digital Technology and Computer Science revision sessions/coursework catch-up will be held on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 2.40 till 3.30 in H03
A few general announcements:
Teacher awards:
- Is there a teacher who has inspired you, helped you or supported you? The University of South Wales are accepting nominations for their annual USW Teacher and Adviser Awards - you might want to nominate a member of staff who has inspired you or supported you within your subject or has been additional support in some way throughout the year. Use the link here to nominate someone.
- Search for free money while you study. Scholarships exclusive to Blackbullion are listed with this company, plus a lot more free scholarships. The Scholarship Hub is now a Blackbullion company. Sign up here
- The National Trust has launched the Time + Space Award, offering 16 - 25 year olds the chance of time, space, support and inspiration to unlock their ideas at Sir Isaac Newton’s home in Lincolnshire, where he discovered gravity and the famous apple tree still stands in the garden. Each award will be up to the equivalent value of £5000, which will be a bespoke package of mentoring, time with experts and extra support and expenses to help winners realise their big idea. These experts include Professor David Olusoga, British space scientist Dame Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock, zoologist, wildlife TV presenter and science communicator Megan McCubbin and TV presenter, social & environmental activist Tayshan Hayden-Smith. Closing date for applications is 30th April 2024.
- Please make sure you are all signed up to the Exams Google Classroom - this is how you will find out vital information about each exam series, resits, mocks and other details. The classroom code is aj5fjjv
- For those interested in joining the South Wales Police Force, they are now inviting applications for their South Wales Police Student Constable Campaign check out the details here.
- The ERIC App https://www.meet-eric.com/ provides opportunities for school leavers to prepare for a career in creative industries. If students download the app they can take part in Careers events e.f there is an upcoming Warner Bros event for apprenticeships in the UK. Lots of other opportunities for Careers guidance and it's free.
UCAS
We have submitted all this year’s applications now and almost everyone has at least one offer now - 32 people have all their offers.
Student Finance
A lot of you are asking about student finance, so here are some links which might help you understand the process better:
- From the end of March you will be apply to apply for funding through Student Finance Wales
- Better uni choices guide
- Student Finance Guide Newcastle University
UCAS Extra is a free service which opens that allows you to keep applying for higher education courses even if you've already used up your original five choices, as long as you applied through UCAS and are not holding any offers or waiting for a decision on any of your initial five applications; you can also use it if you have changed your mind about what you want to study.
What’s the difference between Clearing and UCAS Extra…?
The clearing process is from Results Day for those students who don't meet their offer requirements and have no place or change their mind about their course or university at that point. On the other hand, UCAS Extra is for students who got offers but have changed their minds and wish to apply to different universities. There is a link here to a blog with more information about UCAS Extra.
So in summary, UCAS Extra opened last week and enables you to withdraw your applications and apply to new courses (one at a time). Just be aware that by the time Extra opens, the most high demand courses may already be full. If you think this is something you might want to use, please come and see me for a chat about it.
Other than that, the next steps now for people holding offers, especially if you have all your offers, are:
- Attend Offer-holder/Applicant days when you get an invite, especially if you’re unsure which to firm up. UCAS Offer-holder/Applicant Days: getting the most out of them?
- Firm up offers when you’re ready - if you need help come and see me
- Think about applying for accommodation
- There’s some advice here regarding what you need to do to prepare for uni
If you’re struggling with deciding where to go, remember that it is a nervous time and there's a lot to think about in terms of what happens next? The main thing to be aware of is that you’re in a position of power: the universities will all be hoping you’ll choose them. They’ll be sending you emails, inviting you to visit days, perhaps even sending you a brochure or two in the post. But the reality is that the power now rests with you. You get to choose which offers to accept.
So, how does it all work, and what should you be thinking about as you accept your offers?
The summary is this. You get to accept two offers. One is your Firm choice, and if you get the grades for this choice, your place is guaranteed. The other is your Insurance choice, so if you miss out on your Firm choice, but get the grades for this choice, you’ll be going there instead. Simple? Well yes, but of course there are a few more things to think about. There’s quite a useful blog with some advice here.
Bursaries
There is a new App ‘Blackbullion’ which tries to ensure students have the best experience when searching and applying to scholarships. If you're ready to start applying for funding, then it is best to sign up for a Blackbullion account. Or, if you just want scholarship updates for now, you can sign up to their Scholarships Newsletter. There are no costs associated with ANY aspect of the process - it's all completely free https://www.blackbullion.com/register
Those of you applying to Russell Group universities may be eligible for a bursary if you check as well as Swansea having some academic excellence bursaries available. I’ve included some of the universities here that I know people have applied to. It’s always worth checking/applying - the worst that can happen is that you don’t get anything - doesn’t hurt to try! There are lots available which are focused on household income, STEM (women especially) and engineering. See me if you need any help applying for these.
- Cardiff Bursaries
- Cardiff Scholarships
- Nottingham - a range of scholarships
- Bristol Bursaries
- Birmingham
- Swansea - academic excellence bursaries
- USW Bursaries
- Bangor University
Opportunities/Events
|
Gresham College has a series of lectures by different Professors which are really useful to show your proactive engagement with the subject you’re hoping to study: browse the series they have here: https://www.gresham.ac.uk/whats-on/lecture-series-2023-24 Modern Concepts of ADHD, Professor Peter Hill, Mon, 11 Mar 2024 • Watch Online Democracy: Ancient Models, Modern Challenges, Professor Melissa Lane, Thu, 14 Mar 2024 • Watch Online Panel Discussion: New Hope in Cancer Tuesday 12 Mar 2024, 6pm Three speakers from the series delve further into new treatments and research, including immunotherapy, genomics and AI imaging. Watch Online |
|
EDT Placement applications for 2024/25 are open. The YINI application process has been streamlined, making it easier and quicker for students to apply and stay updated.
What is YINI? EDT’s, The Year in Industry (YINI) Placement scheme, helps place school-leaving students into paid 12-month long placements into all areas of engineering, science (particularly physics), technology/electronics, maths, business, marketing and finance across the UK.
How does the application process work? · You register interest via their website here and receive a weekly update of the latest placement opportunities.
Benefits for placed YINI students:
To Register for YINI: Interested students can register via their website here |
|
Aspire is a collection of free careers, university and further education resources. It is designed to give state-educated students the tools and knowledge they need to make more informed decisions about their future. Their ‘guide’ is a free resource, full of information and guidance, designed to inform you and help you navigate the range of careers and further education out there. Access the online version of the Guide, alongside other resources, on the Aspire website, |
Universities
|
Struggling with your Personal Statement; use the support from UCAS |
|
Many universities have got upcoming Open Days so make sure you have a look at the places you think you may want to study at. Here’s the best place to check dates for Open Days: https://www.opendays.com/calendar/ To make sure you understand the grades you might need for courses you’re interested in and confirm entry requirements please use the following website: https://www.whatuni.com/ Ask your LC to look at courses with you if you’re not sure about things. |
|
Bath University may give a lower offer to students in Wales as a result of their WBQ prediction; read more about their approach to the Welsh Bacc and their alternative offer here. To support students, they are holding a MOOC delivered in partnership with Aberystwyth University ‘How to succeed in your Welsh Bacc: the Individual Project Essentials’. |
|
Aberystwyth University has a new Higher Education streaming platform, Aberflix and a range of generous scholarships available. |
|
Cardiff University Their lecture series is ongoing; https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/community/events |
Work Experience
|
Please sign up for Uptree here if you didn’t do so last year. And then check out all the opportunities they have: https://schools.uptree.co/opportunities/ Other current Jobs and placements.
Gain insights into different industries, develop your essential skills and learn how to ace your future applications. Check out their newest course Introduction to the National Cyber Force! If you're after something different you can also check out courses with J.P. Morgan, Arm and ATAC. |
|
Finance.Opportunity Lloyds Banking Group (LBG) is the UK’s largest digital bank, with roles that include audit, data analyst, customer services, finance and much more. Explore your future at Lloyds Banking Group's Work Experience Day. |
|
Professional services. Deloitte is one of the largest, leading professional-services firm in the UK. If you're interested in a career in professional services and looking for an apprenticeship/full time job, apply for Professional Services Application Masterclass |
Apprenticeships/Degree Apprenticeships
|
A few apprenticeships with Dwr Cymru - TO START SEPT 2024 CLOSING DATE 17TH MARCH Driving license or working towards a driving license would be advantageous.
|
|
Professional services. Find out more about WTW's Level 3 apprenticeship in finance by attending their Finance and Insurance Insight Day |
|
AWE have a range of apprenticeships available. Choose from a wide range of Level 2 and 3 roles. Level 2 and 3 roles at AWE are a great starting point to develop your skills and be supported into onward career paths and degree level study. Those who join their award-winning apprenticeship scheme are paid a salary while they learn. Have a look at some of the remaining open apprenticeships:
Level 2: - Engineering Operative Apprentice
Level 3: - Maintenance Control Apprentice |
|
Caerdav are based in St Athan, Vale of Glamorgan and are looking to recruit to their Aerospace Apprenticeship Programme 2024 - Sept 2024 start https://caerdav.com/aerospace-apprentice-programme-2024 Closing date: 31st March 2024 Key Requirements: • A minimum of 5 GCSE’s grade A* – C which include English Language, Science and a minimum grade B in Mathematics
It’s a three-year course, to complete: • Level 3 City & Guilds Diploma for On-Aircraft Maintenance • Level 2 Performing Engineering Operations (PEO) • Level 2 Essential Digital Literacy Skills • Level 3 NVQ Extended Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering |
|
Building Services Electrical - Level 6 Apprenticeship - Careers | ARUP Have or expect to achieve: A Levels Grade C or above including Mathematics and Physical Science (or equivalent) |
|
Network 75 is a combined work placement and part-time study route to a degree allowing students to Work, Earn and Learn. Network75 Trainees are able to apply their academic knowledge to real-life work within their host company gaining the necessary skills, experience and qualifications that are highly sought after by industry. |
|
UCAS has a lot of information about apprenticeships: https://www.ucas.com/apprenticeships |
Support
For those of you feeling anxious about the UCAS process or anything else, as always we are always available to help. If you feel you need more support here are some useful links:
There are also some useful techniques here for those experiencing feelings of anxiety:
- Breathing techniques to calm anxiety Visit now
- Yoga for Anxiety Visit now
Remember it is important that you keep an eye on your emails and our Twitter feed (@stcyres6th). I send out links and tweets regularly so there is a lot of information available, you just need to access it and let me know if there are any problems with you doing that.
As always, if there are any issues get in touch; we’re here to support you.
Take care,
Ms Jones