19th february 2024
Year 13 Bulletin
Morning all,
Quite a few opportunities are coming up for those interested in undergraduate study. Now is the time to be going to Open Days and applying for Summer Schools.
Weekly
- ‘Ted Talk’ How AI can enhance our memory, work and social lives
- ‘BBC Ideas’ Why is lying so hard to resist?
Quote of the week:
“Prestige and status are like a powerful magnet that warps even your own beliefs about what you enjoy. It causes you to work not on what you like, but what you'd like to like.”
Paul Graham, Entrepreneur and venture capitalist
Shoutout to the following pupil who received a praise postcard and three positive comments in one day respectively. Keep up the good work!
- Eleanor (GDO)
- Nathan (EDA)
Key dates and deadline:
- 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:
- The National Trust has just 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 - 29 people have all five offers.
The next steps now for people 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
- From the end of March you will be apply to apply for funding through Student Finance Wales
- 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
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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 Health after Earthquakes, Volcanoes, Tsunamis, Professor Chris Whitty FRS Tue, 20 Feb 2024 Watch Online Pulsars, Microwave Ovens and the Radio Sky, Professor Chris Lintott Wed, 21 Feb 2024 Watch Online The Colour Spectrum of Scales and Modes, Professor Milton Mermikides Thu, 22 Feb 2024 Watch Online Option Pricing Theory Explained, Professor Raghavendra Rau, Mon, 26 Feb 2024 Watch Online Changes in the Concept of Autism, Professor Francesca Happé CBE FBA Wed, 28 Feb 2024 Watch Online Wealth Inequality: English Law's Unintended Legacy? Professor Leslie Thomas KC Thu, 29 Feb 2024 Watch Online |
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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 |
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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
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Struggling with your Personal Statement; use the support from UCAS |
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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. |
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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’. |
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Aberystwyth University has a new Higher Education streaming platform, Aberflix and a range of generous scholarships available. |
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Swansea University’s next on-campus event is are Saturday 23 March. Students will have the opportunity to:-
Take a campus tour of our fantastic campus and department facilities If you’re unsure what subject you’d like to study at University it might be worth booking onto the Masterclass Series below to experience a taster of the courses on offer at Swansea. Each session is presented by their academic staff (the people who would be teaching you) and offers students the chance to:
Use the link here to register. Swansea University: https://www.swansea.ac.uk/open-days/ |
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Cardiff University Their lecture series is ongoing; https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/community/events |
Work Experience
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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. |
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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. |
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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
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Professional services. Find out more about WTW's Level 3 apprenticeship in finance by attending their Finance and Insurance Insight Day |
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Some Apprenticeships have become available with the South Wales Police, Bridgend – TO START SEPT 2024
ID: 6415 Role Type: Police Staff Type of Contract: Fixed Term Location: HQ, Bridgend Grade: SC2 Salary: £23.154 Closing Date: 1 Mar 2024 15:00 GMT
ID: 6423 Procurement and Commercial Apprentice Role Type: Police Staff Type of Contract: Fixed Term Location: HQ, Bridgend Grade: SC2 Salary: £23.154 Closing Date: 1 Mar 2024 15:00 GMT
ID: 6417 Role Type: Police Staff Type of Contract: Fixed Term Location: HQ, Bridgend Grade: SC2 Salary: £23.154 Closing Date: 1 Mar 2024 15:00 GMT |
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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 |
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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 |
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Mechanical Engineering Apprenticeship – TO START SEPT 2024
CLOSING DATE 11TH MARCH
To apply, please email your CV to Michelle Barrett - michelle.barrett@celanese.com The starting annual salary in year one is £17,325 (paid on a monthly basis) and increases with each year of the apprenticeship.
Applicants should:
• Have or expected to achieve as a minimum, three passes at GCSE, grades A-C (achieved or predicted), including the following subjects: • English Language • Mathematics • A technical subject preferably Physics, Chemistry, CDT, Engineering Science or Product Design |
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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) |
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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. |
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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