29th April 2024
Year 13
Morning all,
A reminder that our Leavers’ Assembly is on the 17th May; it’s always a lovely event so make sure you’re there.
Weekly
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‘Ted Talk’ How dance can unleash your inner joy
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‘BBC Ideas’ How to make exercise feel easier
Quote of the week:
"The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place."
George Bernard Shaw, Playwrite
Shoutout to The following pupils for "3 positive incidents in a day":
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Nathan (EDA)
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Joe W (AK)
And the following for their Praise Postcard:
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Sohail (ECO)
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Anna (ECO)
Revision/support:
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Psychology 8:15-8:45 Every Thursday
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The Maths Department run a support session every Wednesday for A Level Maths and GCSE resit support every single Monday.
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Chemistry have both Year 12 and 13 chemistry support sessions every Monday after school.
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Biology has after school support sessions on Thursdays in H23
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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:
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The Russell Group have paired up with the Open University to put together Jumpstart University: a whole bunch of free, short courses on every possible aspect of study skills (plus some subject specific courses too). If you are serious about getting ahead at university, and have some time on your hands over summer, these might be right up your street. Jumpstart University
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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
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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
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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
47 people have all their offers.
Student Finance
According to the Student Money Survey 2023, 42% of students don’t understand their student loan agreement. You'll be hard pressed to find someone better to explain it all than Martin Lewis, so if you are heading off to university this year, and want to understand it all, have a look at:
Once you've understood the whole student loan package, you can then keep exploring the site and find lots of amazing advice to help you plan, budget and save.
A lot of you are asking about student finance, so here are some links which might help you understand the process better:
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From the end of March you will be apply to apply for funding through Student Finance Wales
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:
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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?
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Firm up offers when you’re ready - if you need help come and see me
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Think about applying for accommodation
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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 and scholarships
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.
Opportunities/Events
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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:
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. |
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Bath University has a session coming up that you might be interested in of that’s where you’re going: Accommodation, student support/life with current ambassadors panel session (2 May 2024) It’s an hour long, taking place between 6:00-7:00 pm |
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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 Is it Aliens? The Most Unusual Star In The Galaxy, Professor Chris Lintott, Mon, 29 Apr 2024 • Watch Online The Next Fifty Years of Tech, Professor Victoria Baines, Tue, 07 May 2024 • Watch Online Evolution Tomorrow and Beyond, Professor Robin May, Wed, 08 May 2024 • Watch Online How to Prove 1=0, And Other Maths Illusions, Professor Sarah Hart, Tue, 14 May 2024 • Watch Online Health after Extreme Cold, Heat, Storms and Floods, Professor Chris Whitty FRS, Tue, 14 May 2024 • Watch Online The Unseen Universe: How your world, your health and maybe even your behaviour is shaped by microbes, Professor of Physic, Robin May Wednesday 8 May 2024 • 2pm – 3pm Watch live via: Watch online |
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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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Exeter University Careers Insight Week Q&A Panel Series – April to May 2024
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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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Cardiff University Their lecture series is ongoing; https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/community/events
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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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Safran Seats GB is proud to announce the launch of its 2024 Apprenticeship recruitment campaign. This year they have: 13 opportunities across Manufacturing, and Engineering – Level 3 to Level 6 There are three levels of apprenticeships in operation at Safran Seats GB: • Advanced level apprenticeships that offer a work-based learning programme leading to a BTEC and NVQ level 3. These qualifications, known as Craft Apprenticeships, are trade skill-based roles to become a CNC machinist. • Higher Apprenticeships that offer a work-based learning programme leading to a Level 4 qualification: equivalent to a higher education certificate, higher education diploma or a foundation degree. At the end of this course, you will be able to apply for Manufacturing Engineering roles. • Degree Apprenticeships designed by industry to bring together the very best in higher and vocational education. At the end of this course, you will be a qualified Engineer with a full Bachelor's in either Mechanical or Electrical
4 opportunities across Health & Safety and Supply Chain/Logistics. • Higher Apprenticeships that offer a work-based learning programme leading to a Level 3 or 4 qualification: equivalent to a higher education certificate. At the end of this course, you will have completed either a Business Admin L4 or a Supply Chain L3 qualification. • Degree Apprenticeships designed by industry to bring together the very best in higher and vocational education. At the end of this course will have full Bachelor's in Supply Chain and Logistics.
Depending on the level, that you come into your apprenticeship at will determine your starting point. If you start on a BTEC L3, your first year will be full time at college from September until July and then you will work onsite and attend college 1 day/week during term time to complete your academic qualification. If your previous qualifications mean you can start on a Higher Apprenticeship, you will attend college 1 day/week to complete your academic qualification and work onsite 4 days/wk.
Successful candidates will ideally have achieved or expect to achieve at least 5 GCSE's - including Math and English - Grade A-C or 4-9, Science and a technology.
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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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Tuesday 14th May, 4pm & 6pm
Tesco: Stronger Starts - Retail Apprenticeship Programme
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Apprenticeship opportunities with Philtronics Ltd, Unit 11 Hirwaun Industrial Estate, Aberdare, Mid Glamorgan CF44 9UP Fully Funded Apprenticeships with Philtronics (philtronicsltd.co.uk)
Electro-Mechanical Assembly Engineering Apprentice – apply as soon as possible. Our apprentices are always fully funded while working with us. Network75 students have both their tuition fees and bursary paid for Aspire Apprentices are paid age-related minimum wage when they start with us from their 2nd year in college. |
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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:
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Breathing techniques to calm anxiety Visit now
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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