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Sixth Form Bulletin

8th April 2024

Year 12 bulletin 

Morning all,

I hope you all had a fantastic Easter break and got to spend some time with your friends and family, relaxing as well as making sure you consolidated your learning ahead of the final term.

 

A reminder; - we will be beginning the Senior Student application process this week. 

 

This involves:

  • a written letter of application outlining why you’re interested in the role and what you feel you could bring to the role. 
  • Participating the the Hustings where the student body get the opportunity to ask the candidates questions
  • A formal interview with myself, Mr Lewis and Mr Bruton

 

Please chat to your LC about the role or come and chat to me/MrsPici. It’s a great opportunity and allows you to work closely with senior staff but does involve you having to give up some of your time.

 

Shout for the following pupils for getting a Praise Postcard:


 

  • Evan M (NA)
  • Nathan M (HWI)

 

Weekly 

 

Quote of the week:

 

“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.”

Mahatma Gandhi

 

Key dates and deadlines


 

  • Psychology 8:15-8:45 Every Wednesday
  • The Maths Department runs A Level support every Wednesday for A Level Maths and GCSE re-sit support every single Monday. 
  • Chemistry has both year 12 and 13 chemistry support sessions after school every Monday.
  • Physics has revisions/support sessions on a Tuesday morning between 8.15 and 8.45.
  • Biology is running revision/support sessions on Thursday after school in H22
  • 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

 

For those wishing to revise or simply complete work after school please remember the 6th Form Centre is open until approximately 3.30 every day and can be kept open until 4 or later on request. 

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

 

Opportunities/Events

Applications are now open for this year’s Ove Arup & Partners Work Experience Weeks.

 

There will be 2 Work Experience Weeks this year on the following dates:

  • 15th – 19th July 2024
  • 28th October – 1st November (half term) 2024

 

Students will be able to choose one of the weeks on offer that best suits them.

Applications will close on Sunday 2nd June 2024.

Please find the link to the application here: https://forms.office.com/e/F8dLpridCX

Each Work Experience Week will consist of a series of lectures from different disciplines within Arup, with the opportunity for students to get involved in engaging activities and design projects. Most of the disciplines that will be covered are engineering focused. However, as a firm, they are not only engineers. Therefore, there will also be sessions on sustainability, social value, and digital skills. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to get a better idea of what they want to do when they leave school. Their employees can also offer advice on routes into engineering.

For more, general, information please contact Marisa.Cove@arup.com or Tim.Owen@arup.com.

Applications for the Free National NHS Virtual Work Experience programme are now open.

Here’s the relevant information:

https://medicmentor.org/university-hospitals-birmingham-trust-virtual-work-experience/

This month, it’s focused on the fascinating world of Surgery, giving you the opportunity to witness key-hole surgery, oral surgery, and the chance to shadow Mr. Challocome, a urology surgeon at Guy's and Thomas' NHS Trust.

This virtual experience opens doors for you to gain valuable insights and opportunities that may be otherwise difficult to access. on shadowing; it's a crucial step in preparing students for their upcoming physical placements.

Covering everything from ethics to procedures and broader team roles, our virtual work experience gives a crucial overview of their desired career paths and the skills that medical and dental schools are looking for, enhancing their UCAS applications.

Signing up is easy – students just need to fill out the free online application form

https://airtable.com/appuQX2ouadvjQUSU/shrroljLczgdg9uLw

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 

To begin the preparation for university, you could have a look at when university Open Days are happening this half-term. Use the link here to check: https://www.opendays.com/calendar/ 

Universities

General advice

You can create your own UCAS Hub; use the link here and start exploring different courses so you will be ready to make informed decisions about what and where to study. UCAS Hub registration. Once you’ve created your own Hub you can then use the new Subject Spotlight feature, using the link here: Subject Spotlight 

Discover Uni is a government-funded facility which has data on nearly every university and their courses. You can find the entry data of students who joined a degree course and the percentage of those students who entered with particular grades - if you have the same grades then your chances are higher than if you have lower grades.try the website here: Discover Uni

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. I’ve just put the links for our most popular destinations’ Open Days below as well as the Open Days 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 whether you might need specific subjects/grades for a course you are considering.

The University of South Wales is running a Summer School that students may be interested in.

Use the link here to find out more details and register your interest. 

Imperial Life Sciences Scholars is for students interested in studying Biology or Biochemistry (not Medicine or Biomedical Science) at university. It will take place online from 29th July to 2nd August. Further eligibility criteria can be found on the application form linked here.

This summer school focuses on academic enrichment and university preparedness, and supports the supra-curricular engagement that highly selective universities such as Imperial College London look for in student applications. Please see the flyer attached for more information.

It is our aim to support students from backgrounds that are underrepresented in higher education to take part in a summer school. As such, they are particularly keen to receive applications from students from these backgrounds.

To apply, students should complete the application form as soon as possible and before the final deadline at 12pm on Thursday 2nd May.

Join The University of Exeter live online Q&A panels to hear University of Exeter alumni from a range of our degree courses discuss their route into their career and student experience, as well as sharing tips and advice as professionals in their industries.

 

Careers Insight Week Q&A Panel Series – April to May 2024 

  • 29th April: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Alumni Panel
  • 29th April: Law, Social and Political Sciences Alumni Panel
  • 30th April: Arts, Humanities and Culture Alumni Panel
  • 30th April: Natural, Biological, Earth and Life Sciences Alumni Panel
  • 1st May: Degree Apprenticeships Current/Alumni Panel
  • 1st May: Medical and Health Alumni Panel
  • 1st May: Study/Work Abroad and Languages Alumni Panel
  • 2nd May: Business Alumni Panel
  • 2nd May: Humanities and Social Sciences Alumni Panel

Use the link here to find out more and register. 

Swansea University 

invites you to join their exciting and enriching Summer Schools programme!

Discover new passions, explore academic interests and make lifelong connections with fellow students. Whether you're interested in Engineering, Chemistry, Medicine, Healthcare or Psychology, they have a diverse range of courses.

Why choose Swansea University’s Summer School?

-          Engaging and interactive courses taught by renowned faculty members

-          State-of-the-art facilities and resources to support your academic journey

-          Hands on learning experiences and practical workshops

-          Opportunities to enhance your subject knowledge

This is an opportunity to expand your horizons and make the most of your summer break. Secure your spot asap and unlock a world of learning possibilities! 

 

To find out more and to book your place at the Engineering Summer School click here.

To find out more and to book your place at the Medicine, Healthcare Sciences and Psychology Summer School click here.

To find out more and to book your place at the Chemistry Work Experience week, please e-mail Professor Simon Bott at s.g.bott@swansea.ac.uk

As well as this, they have a Talent Forum on Digital Technology that you might be interested in. This involves 

> An inclusive forum for brilliant minds to explore future technologies

> Connecting with global leading companies and career opportunities

> Networking with experts from the microelectronics industry

> Interactive experience with next-generation technologies

KEY TOPICS

· Technology

· Global Challenges

· Artificial Intelligence

·6G

· Compound Semiconductors

· Sustainability

· Energy

· Digital Age

· Mentorship

Register here. 

They also have the Faculty of Medicine Health & Life Sciences running drop-in sessions over the next few months for prospective Nursing students at their St David’s Park Campus in Carmarthen. In the sessions, students can chat to the Nursing teaching team about the course and life as a student nurse. To book onto a session, please click here.

If you have any questions about these drop-in sessions, please email studyfmhls@swansea.ac.uk.

Their Masterclass Series is still running. Immerse yourself in a world of knowledge as their academics share their recent research in their field. Have the chance to sit in on a university lecture, explore your subject further and ask your burning questions.

The webinars include:

  • ‘TikTok made me do it’
  • ‘Touring CERN’
  • ‘Making a Murderer’
  • ‘AI and Economics’

To avoid disappointment, book your place here.

Bangor University has a Summer School running July 1-3, 2024 

‘A Taste of Higher Education’ 

This is a residential Summer School, taking place at Bangor University this summer with the support

 of the Reaching Wider Partnership for North and Mid Wales. 

 The Summer School is aimed at: 

  • Year 12 students who meet specific Widening Access criteria (see the list om the application form or come and check with me)  
  • And who may be uncertain about going on to university.  

The event’s objectives are to raise the motivation of students to go on to Higher Education. Detailed information, including criteria for applicants, is attached to this email. To apply, eligible students need to complete and submit the on-line Application form. 

Closing date- April 19 

Bath University has three programmes for students to apply to:

‘Discover Bath’ programme which is a free event for Year 12 students from Widening Participation backgrounds to experience university study and find out about life at university. It’s a summer programme which aims to give prospective students a taste of first-year life and study at the University of Bath. You'll also have the opportunity to gain a reduced offer. It's free-of-charge, including on-campus accommodation, free meals for the duration of your stay, a programme of academic sessions (lectures, seminars, workshops) and fun social activities. Your travel to the University can also be reimbursed (reasonable travel within the UK only). Find out more here.

The application form is here

Cardiff University’s lecture series is ongoing; https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/community/events 

You might also want to check out the advice given on the ‘Better uni choices’ site which has some helpful tips on how to get the best out of attending Open Days. 

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

Apprenticeships/Degree Apprenticeships

 

Please sign up for Uptree here and then check out all the opportunities they have: https://schools.uptree.co/opportunities/  and also the different events they have on offer https://schools.uptree.co/events/ 

A couple of thighs they are offering at the moment are:

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

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. 

Support

Education Wales have launched Shore - a new website for young people concerned about sexual thoughts or behaviour.  You can get confidential and anonymous support from their advisors through Shore’s chat and email service

For those of you feeling anxious or struggling with the adjustment to 6th Form, as always, we are always available to help. If you feel you need more support here are some useful links:

 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