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6th November 2023

Year 13 bulletin 

Morning all,

Welcome back all; I hope you had a good half-term and managed to relax. We’re back to it now though and you’ll need to focus on maintaining a positive work ethic as the term goes on. 

 

Weekly 

 

Key dates and deadline:


 

  • Internal UCAS deadline is 8th December
  • Art and Photography coursework is due on the 31st January 2024 and students will be issued with their exam paper on 1st Feb. 
  • 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.
  • Tourism Unit 4 coursework is due 5th Feb

 

A few general announcements:

 

The Independent Study activities document has been updated by staff so you can build in some super-curricular activities or get ahead with understanding key topics. Remember that you can use any additional reading or research on your personal statement for university to highlight how you have prepared for undergraduate level study. 

UCAS

We have more offers now; well done to all those that have offers - places start to fill up now so the sooner applications are submitted the better chance you have of getting an offer!

A reminder that our internal UCAS deadline is the 8th December and if you’re interested in applying then you should be completing your application and working on your personal statement at the moment. 

There’s some information regarding preparing a portfolio for creative subjects, such as Art, Animation or Media here

Every couple of years, the World Economic Forum publishes their Future of Jobs report, which looks at the impact of these world-wide issues on jobs and the skills needed. The latest version came out in May this year and is based on a large-scale, world-wide survey of employers. Check out the main points here.  It is an absolute gold-mine of information, data and insight into the future of careers, and as you make important decisions about your future studies and career, you are going to want to know about it. 

Opportunities/Events

Gresham College has a series of lectures by different Professors; November’s lectures include: Pilgrimages, Pandemics and the Past by Tom Holland, tomorrow Tue, 07 Nov 2023 Watch Online 

Were There Pagan Goddesses in Christian Europe? by Professor Ronald Hutton, this  Wed, 08 Nov 2023 Watch Online

Poetry of Prediction: Musical Time, Rhythm and Groove by Prof Milton Mermikides, this Thu, 09 Nov 2023 Watch Online

Portfolio Theory and the Capital Asset Pricing Model, by Professor Raghavendra Rau, next Mon, 13 Nov 2023 Watch Online

Reading and Misreading the Iranian Revolution by Dr Roham Alvandi, next Tue, 14 Nov 2023  Watch Online

Random Chance in Evolution by Professor Robin May, next Wed, 15 Nov 2023 Watch Online

There’s a fantastic opportunity with the organisation tutor2u who are offering a Free Online Course for all Sixth Form students. The course includes a mix of videos, engaging activities and resource downloads and covers:

  • An overview of the options for students beyond their time in sixth form
  • Finding out more – suggested research links
  • Advice on how to make strong applications to higher education institutions
  • How to complete an effective personal statement
  • Specialist higher education applications (including Oxbridge, medicine etc)
  • All about apprenticeships
  • Gap years
  • Student finances – a practical guide

Use the link here to register: Studentshttps://ondemand.tutor2u.net/students/beyond-sixth-form-skills-booster

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 has an upcoming virtual Open Day on the 14th November; use the link here to sign up

For students in Wales they may give a lower offer 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

Newcastle University has an upcoming Open Day:

Newcastle University Open Day, 18 November (9:00 – 16:00)

Aberystwyth University has a new Higher Education streaming platform, Aberflix and a range of generous scholarships available.

Bath Spa has a few Open Days coming up: Bath Spa

UWE Bristol Open Day on Saturday 18 November is your chance to explore the university and get a real feel for what it’s like to study there. Subject-specific talks and tasters, sessions on accommodation, fees and funding and the application process, are all part of the Open Day: book your place here.

  

Campus tour films

If you can't visit  in person, they have virtual tours. They offer a warm welcome from current students and bring their campuses to life. 

Cardiff Met have a series of Open Days and Campus tours available:
https://www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/study/opendays/Pages/default.aspx

Swansea University: https://www.swansea.ac.uk/open-days/

Cardiff Uni: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/open-days-visit

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/  

New events coming up:

Thu 23rd Nov 10:00AM - 1:00PM

Virtual event

Students aged 16-21

Tue 5th Dec 10:00AM - 12:30PM

Virtual event

Students aged 16-21

Apprenticeships/Degree Apprenticeships

BBC Cardiff - Apprenticeships

Journalist Apprenticeship - Level 7

https://careers.bbc.co.uk/job/Cardiff-Journalist-Apprenticeship-Level-7-Cardiff-CF10-1FT/780719602/

  • £25,000 per year
  • Qualifications required - Maths and English GCSEs at A-C 
  • Qualifications to be gained - National Qualification in Journalism (NQJ), and a level 7 apprenticeship

 

Digital User Experience (UX) Professional Degree Apprenticeship - Level 6

https://careers.bbc.co.uk/job/Cardiff-Digital-User-Experience-%28UX%29-Professional-Degree-Apprenticeship-Level-6-CF10-1FT/780719202/

  • £20,475 per year
  • Qualifications required - must have 120 UCAS tariff points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications which may include: A-levels, or Extended Diplomas.
  • Qualifications to be gained - Level 6 Digital User Experience Design Degree from a UK University and The Institute of Apprenticeships in Technical Education

 

Broadcast & Media Systems Engineer Degree Apprenticeship - Level 6

https://careers.bbc.co.uk/job/Cardiff-Broadcast-&-Media-Systems-Engineer-Degree-Apprenticeship-Level-6-Cardiff-CF10-1FT/780352502/

  • £20,475 per year
  • Qualifications required – have achieved, or will expect to achieve by the start of the scheme in September 2024, a minimum of 112 UCAS points.  This should include  Maths A Level. Additional A Level/Higher qualifications in STEM related subjects such as Technology, Computer Science, Physics or Electronics are desirable.
  • Qualifications to be gained - industry recognised apprenticeship qualification

  

Business Analyst Degree Apprenticeship (DTSP) - Level 6

https://careers.bbc.co.uk/job/Cardiff-Business-Analyst-Degree-Apprenticeship-%28DTSP%29-Level-6-Cardiff-CF10-1FT/780727602/

  • £20,475 per year
  • Qualifications required – GCSE or equivalent Maths and English (Grade C or above). Require 3 A Levels or equivalent, with one STEM subject(s) such as Computing/IT (Grade C or above). 
  • Qualification to be gained - recognised professional qualification

Other local opportunities

Tax Associate ATT/CTA (Apprenticeship) - September 2024 Start- Cardiff

CardiffTaxPosted: 1 Oct 2023 ref: 950

 

Details Apply now

Accounts Junior AAT/ACA (Apprenticeship)- September 2024 Start- Cardiff

CardiffAccounts & AdvisoryPosted: 1 Oct 2023 ref: 949

 

Details Apply now

Audit Junior AAT/ACA (Apprenticeship)- September 2024 Start- Cardiff

Cardiff Audit & Assurance Posted: 1 Oct 2023 ref: 948

 

Details Apply now

Accounts Healthcare Junior AAT/ACA (Apprenticeship) - September 2024 Start- Cardiff

Cardiff Accounts & Advisory Posted: 1 Oct 2023 ref: 938

 

Details Apply now

Apprentice Site Management Programme - https://earlycareersatwates.co.uk/jobs/apprentice-site-management-programme/

Apprentice Quantity Surveying Management Programme - https://earlycareersatwates.co.uk/jobs/apprentice-quantity-surveying-management-programme/

Apprentice Estimator Management Programme - https://earlycareersatwates.co.uk/jobs/apprentice-estimator-management-programme/

Apprentice Design Management Programme - https://earlycareersatwates.co.uk/jobs/apprentice-design-management-programme/

 

  • Start date Sept 2024
  • Closing date 21.11.23
  • Requirements – To be eligible, you’ll need to have achieved/working towards GCSEs grades 4C and above in both Maths and English and a minimum of 2 A Levels or equivalent, (e.g., Level 3 College qualification, BTEC, T-Level etc) at grades DD or above.

 

More information with regards to the schemes can be found at: https://earlycareersatwates.co.uk/apprenticeships/

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 

Uptree also has lots of information and events relating to Apprenticeships so again, sign up and check them out: https://schools.uptree.co/events/ 

The company PwC has more information for potential accountants, business management or technology students interested in degree apprenticeships with them. Use the link  here to find out more

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:

 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 

 

 

 

St Cyres School, Sully Road, Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan, CF64 2XP

02920 708708