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Sixth Form Bulletin

30th September 2024

Year 13 bulletin 

Morning all,

A few more opportunities creeping in and some more apprenticeship things as well that might be worth a look. Please also have a look at the sorts of Bursaries and scholarships that might be available to you - I’ve included ones for the most popular destinations for our pupils over the last few years and will add any others when people start applying and I know where they’re going. There are a few Open days coming up and they would be useful in helping you make an informed decision about university choices.  

 

Weekly 

 

Shoutouts:

 

The following pupil had three positive comments from staff in one day:

 

  • Jackson (EHU)

 

Quote of the week:

 

“If you think education is expensive, try ignorance.”

Eppie Lederer


 

A few general announcements:

 

 

UCAS

  • Please make sure you have completed the Education section of the UCAS application; add your GCSE and AS results and then add the three A Levels you are studying, putting ‘pending’ as the grade and also add Advanced WBQ. Any problems let me know.

 

 

Bursaries/Scholarships

There is a ‘Blackbullion’ App which tries to ensure students have the best experience when searching and applying to scholarships. If you 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 in the past. 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. 

 

 

Upcoming Opportunities/Events

 

Nursing Webinar

This online event will feature three sessions that will allow participants to gain insight into the nursing profession in Wales. The sessions include information from healthcare professionals in NHS Wales, sharing why they chose nursing as a career. The event will also explore the various pathways into nursing and there will be an opportunity to ask questions to university admissions tutors in Wales as well as current students from the four types of nursing.

Wednesday 9  October, 2024 16:00 – 18:00 Register here

The Inspiring Digital Enterprise Award, known as iDEA is an international award winning programme that helps you develop digital, enterprise and employability skills for free. Especially useful for anyone interested in Business/ IT / Tech / Entrepreneurship

 

https://idea.org.uk/

 

Medic Mentor has an upcoming session on Sunday 6th October, 8:30am - 5pm, focusing on Communications & Fractures.

Register here: https://alliedhealthmentor.org/nhs-healthcare-careers-virtual-work-experience/

The NHS Virtual Allied Healthcare Work Experience offers a unique opportunity for aspiring healthcare professionals. Students will hear from guest speaker, Lucie Rochfort, a seasoned Speech and Language Therapist, who will provide invaluable guidance to help future professionals embark on their dream healthcare careers. Following Lucie’s talk, students will have a look at the healthcare industry in the LIVE virtual work experience, delving into diverse roles within allied healthcare and taking a closer look at patient care by following the journeys of two patients from incident through to treatment.

Registration Link: https://alliedhealthmentor.org/product/live-virtual-work-experience-programme/

Once registered, you will receive access to your virtual work experience portals. 

Registration will start at 8:30am, with guest speaker Shelley from 9-10am, then the live work experience session starts at 10am, with an end at 5pm. Plenty of breaks are scheduled throughout.

You can register at any time throughout the 6-month programme using the link.

Please be aware that places are £10 a session to cover administrative and technological costs, or £50 for the full 6 months:

https://alliedhealthmentor.org/nhs-healthcare-careers-virtual-work-experience/

Speakers for Schools has a range of work experience opportunities, just be aware some are aimed at students in England - especially the Healthcare ones which relate to NHS England. Use the link here to see whether there’s anything relevant to you. 

Gresham College has a series of lectures by different Professors; October’s lectures include: 

Raising the Net Zero Conversation, Professor Myles Allen, Tue, 01 Oct 2024

Do Microbes Have Immune Systems?, Professor Robin MayWed, 02 Oct 2024

 

 

Universities

UCL

UCL Study Prep (Access now) 

UCL Study Prep helps students in Year 13 to prepare for university. This course is free and open to all students in Year 13, regardless of where you go to school or college or which universities you have applied to study at. 

Cardiff University has an Open Day on the 19th October. Book here

Cardiff Metropolitan

They have Open Days coming up on the 12th October and 9th November, use the link here to register. 

Swansea University has Open Days coming up on the 19th October and the 9th November, use the link here to register.

They also have a Year 13 Parents & Guardian Q&A Webinar this Wednesday 25 September, 18:00 – 19:00, aiming to give parents and guardians of Year 13 students an opportunity to ask any questions that they may have regarding the HE process and the journey that their children will be undertaking over the next few months. Register here. 

USW has Open Days coming up. Book here. 

Bristol UWE also has upcoming Open Days. Book here

Bangor University

Criminology and Policing at Bangor University is launching its first series of specialised hour talks on various fascinating aspects such as 'Crime in the life course' and 'How to be a great imposter'.

All sessions are delivered via Teams during Autumn, and students can register via the link from the QR code on the attachment.

 

 

Apprenticeships/Degree Apprenticeships

 

Those of you interested in apprenticeship, could sign up for the Apprenticeship Vacancies newsletter designed to make it easier for students to find out about relevant apprenticeship opportunities. Sign up to this new free mailing list and they’ll keep you updated with a variety of roles from a wide range of brilliant apprenticeship employers.Sign up here

Apprenticeships with the BBC webinar, 22nd October 2024, 3.30PM

 

If you’re interested in an apprenticeship at the world’s largest public broadcasting organisation, join this webinar to gain insight into the range of apprenticeship opportunities at the BBC, from journalism, project management, data science, engineering and much more.

You will hear from members of the BBC’s Early Careers team about the opportunities available, what the recruitment process is like and how to make your application stand out from the crowd. You’ll also hear from current apprentices about their journeys and what life as an apprentice at the BBC is like. Register here

Apprenticeships with EDF, 26th November 2024, 4PM

Join the Early Careers team at EDF to learn more about their apprenticeship opportunities and the range of vacancies available, which open for applications in December 2024.

Offering apprenticeships across the organisation, ranging from Nuclear Engineer to Project Management, Cyber Security to Environmental Ranger, Solicitor to Wind Turbine Technician and more, EDF's early careers programmes offer the opportunity to develop an exciting green career whilst helping to create a more sustainable energy future. 

EDF are inviting students and parents/carers to hear more about the exciting career opportunities available. register here

Army Apprenticeships Opportunities: Check them out  now.

For anyone interested in apprenticeships with the British Army, they have a lot of information about upcoming opportunities or general advice on their website. Have a look, using the link  here

They’ve also created a ‘British Army Apprenticeships – Understanding job roles’ quiz

This new, interactive quiz helps students to explore different British Army apprenticeships and what is involved in the day-to-day job, as well as how the skills and qualifications gained through the apprenticeships can be applied to tackle real-life challenges.

 

Information from Careers Wales:

https://careerswales.gov.wales/apprenticeships/employers-who-offer-apprenticeships 

 

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. They have a specific event coming up: PwC Flying Start Zoom Event on Friday, 4th October, from 5 pm to 6 pm. Whether you're thinking about university or considering an apprenticeship, PwC’s Flying Start Degree Programs could offer you the ultimate combination of both, including:

  • Paid university fees and a competitive salary

  • Guaranteed summer internships at PwC

  • Real-world experience at one of the Big Four firms

PwC is one of the world’s leading professional services firms, offering cutting-edge solutions in assurance, consulting, tax, and technology. With offices in over 150 countries, PwC provides opportunities to work on some of the most influential and innovative projects across the globe.

During the session, you’ll hear directly from PwC professionals about how the Flying Start program could be your fast track to a successful and rewarding career.  

Register Now to Secure Your Place:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PwC-FlyingStart

GE Aerospace has a number of apprenticeship opportunities.

 

 

These all have the start date of September 2025 and the closing date for all apprenticeship applications is currently the end of November. 

Network 75 is a combined work placement and part-time study route to a degree allowing students to Work, Earn and Learn. Read more about it here. 

 

Support

For those of you feeling anxious about the return to school, 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