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Sixth Form Bulletin

27th February 2023

Year 13 Bulletin 

Morning all,

Hope you all had a good break and managed to relax as well as complete some revision. A huge thank you to all those that stayed and supported staff during Options Evening - it was much appreciated and we had some lovely feedback from parents about your enthusiasm and positivity.

You will be sitting mock exams on the 13th, 14th and 15th March. These exams will be used as a measure of progress and potential as we move through the end of the Spring Term and towards Summer examinations. These exams will be an important process for you; it’s your opportunity to undertake a rigorous revision and examination period as preparation for the A-Level examination period this summer. The exams will take place in the Main Hall or Sports Hall and all students will be expected to sit them. Individual exam timetables are available from the 6th Form Office. 

Please be aware that exam access arrangements, such as extra time, cannot be given unless you have been assessed as having an academic need for such arrangements. 

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

There are A3 sized calendars in the office if you want to plot out your revision - and I’m happy to chat about revision styles with you if that would be helpful. 

Shoutout to the following pupils who received a Praise Postcard in the last week of term; well done and keep up the good work. 

Ella (13HWI)

Isobel (13HWI)

Liv W (13HWiI)

Sofia (13DE)

Lana-May (13DE)

And well done to Dan T (13HWi) who received 3 positive incident reports in a day

Weekly




 

  • 60 applications
  • 29 (49%) of you have all your offers
  • 8 of you have made your choices and firmed up your offers

There is no rush to firm up your choices; you have until the 8th June; take time to visit campuses, speak to current students and generally do your research before making your choices. Also, once the application deadline is gone, you may well find that universities will sometimes revise their offers and lower the grades or offer incentives such as first choice with accommodation or bursaries. Let me know if you need to chat about your decisions. Your main focus should be on the insurance choice - if you do not get the grades for your firm choice you need to ensure your insurance choice is somewhere you’re happy to go. 

Academic support and key deadlines

Chemistry

Support sessions are running on Fridays between 8:00 - 8:30am and 2:45 — 3:45pm every week; see Mrs Rowlands for details.

Criminology/Sociology

Support sessions after school on Mondays in I13; see Miss Toozer for details. 

Drama

Mr Withers is running Drama rehearsals on Thursdays 

English/Media

Catch up sessions after school on a Monday, but can be more flexible if given notice. They also have an 'A Level Litcast' podcast for A Level on Spotify/iTunes.

English Lit NEA deadlines: 

Today, Monday 27th February: Full first draft

Geography

Homework tasks/additional reading are on Google Classroom/ Class Charts. 

Pop and see Miss Tomley for support; she has most time on a Tuesday. 

Maths

Support sessions after school on Wednesdays; see Mr Jones for details

Medical Science and Biology

Mrs Collier is running catch up/revision session for Biology and Medical Science for Yr 12 and any year 13 students who are resitting Units, on Thursday's after school from 2.45 to 3.45pm. 

Bursaries

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. 

Upcoming Opportunities/Events

 

There’s a Summer Camp USA Virtual Info Session for 2023 with BUNAC & USIT. For anyone interested in working abroad this Summer it might be worth having a look. They are looking for lifeguards, tennis coaches, sailing instructors and anyone with an interest in gymnastics, arts & crafts, archery, horse-riding and lots more outdoor activities in 2023.Find out everything you need to know about the Summer Camp USA Program and how you can secure a place by joining their virtual info session here.

South Wales Police Apprenticeships – TO START SEPT 2023   -  Application Closing Date 30th March

Apprenticeship Opportunities | South Wales Police (south-wales.police.uk)

South Wales Police are delighted to announce the following Police Staff opportunities as part of our 2023-2025 apprenticeship programme:

We are hosting an online session specific for the apprenticeship application form.

Anyone who is looking to apply to the South Wales Police Apprenticeship programme is welcome to #JoinUs. You can sign up to this event here. 

ACCA is launching their very first early careers virtual exhibition, “Careers in Business”, bringing together employers and careers experts from across the UK, including Skills Careers Wales, Your Game Plan, Migrant Leaders, the NHS and many more to share knowledge and expertise on all areas of careers in business.

Throughout the day ACCA will be hosting multiple live and interactive sessions covering topics such as;

  • understanding the types of roles available within business including finance, marketing, HR and more
  • the skills required for various roles and how to acquire them
  • employability sessions such as time management, leadership and application and interview workshops
  • informative sessions on career pathways including apprenticeships and university

Attendees will also have the opportunity to explore partner organisations via their virtual expo booths as well as network with employers via video and chat functions on the event platform to find out more about their sectors and any early careers opportunities available. 

Date: Wednesday 22nd March 2023

Time: 8am-8pm

Register: Use this link to register

For those of you not planning on Higher Education there is an “Apprenticeships Work” Careers Fair at City Hall, Cathays Park, Cardiff on Thursday 9th March 2023 from 10am to 2:30pm To register please complete the short form in the link  here.

The list of employers exhibiting is growing and there will be information on apprenticeships on arrival, 60+ exhibitors with apprenticeships at all levels (foundation to degree), sector specific workshops taking place in break-out rooms throughout the day and apprenticeship discussion panels.

The National School & College Leavers Show – Wales is taking place at the ICC, Wales in Newport on Monday 6 & Tuesday 7 March 2023. The show is designed for students to discover more about post-school opportunities across the region. Exhibitors include Admiral, BBC, Burtons Biscuit Company, Bluestone Park Resort, Cardiff University, DAF Trucks, Gwent Police, Met Office, Newport City Council, PwC, Fire & Rescue Service, Transport for Wales plus many more. Check the details here. Could you let me know if you are interested - if there are enough pupils keen to go then I’ll organise transport. 

Applications are now open for the HSBC UK Work Experience Programme 2023.

You will gain real life hands-on experience of the world of work, develop a deeper understanding of the finance industry and receive some recruitment tips to help them in the future!

HSBC UK Work Experience Programme 2023 dates:

  • Week A: 10th-15th July 2023
  • Week B: 7th-11th August 2023

The programme is hybrid (2 days placement in-person and 3 days of virtual employability and skills workshops).

Application process: 

  • Submit an online application form
  • Complete a values-based online assessment
  • Participate in a strengths-based interview with one of the HSBC Recruitment team

How to apply:

Please click here to apply to the programme.

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; February’s lectures include: Professor Chris Whitty speaking on Rhythm Disturbances of the Heart, Professor Leslie Thomas KC will ask, Do We Need Barristers?, and Professor Victoria Baines will explore the question What's the Problem with Encryption?

Professor Martin Daunton will be exploring how important Slavery was to the British Economy? 

Professor Raghavendra Rau will be talking on Big Data in Business, and on Biology, Professor Robin May will look at Microbial Record-Breakers.  For other lectures which are at undergraduate level use the link here.

 

Universities

The key focus for most of you now will be on deciding on your firm and insurance choice. Attend Open Days, go to Offer Holders Days and generally do your research.

Here’s a helpful guide to the things you might be worrying about and some tips on how to get  University Ready. 

 

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. 

 

USW have a range of opportunities coming up, please check their website for information. 

 

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

AAT’s Accounting apprenticeships offer school leavers a great opportunity. They can work in a finance role while studying an accounting qualification such as AAT, so it gives them the best of both worlds. Use the link here to find out more. 

Renishaw has a great opportunity for those looking for apprenticeships at all levels in STEM based subjects.  The talks will also discuss possible work experience opportunities. Here’s the link: Renishaw 

Explore 350+ Higher and Degree apprenticeship vacancies in the February edition of the Higher and Degree listing 2023. 

Discover vacancy details from over 65 employers, including locations, salary information and direct application links. Use the link here to get more information. 

Amey PLC  is a leading infrastructure services and engineering company who have a range of opportunities available:

Amey: Degree Apprenticeships (office.com) Earn while you learn, gain recognised qualifications, and excel in your career (amey.co.uk) Higher level Apprenticeship Programme; you may need up to 3 A-Levels (or equivalent) at Grades A*-C to apply for the Higher Apprenticeship Programmes

Network 75 offers a range of apprenticeship opportunities as well; use the link here: Network 75 

GE Aviation Engineering Apprentice, Wales 

The GE Wales Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeship is a three-year programme that provides all the skills an individual would need to kickstart their career in aerospace.

 

GE Aviation Business Apprentice, Wales 

Run in partnership with Coleg y Cymoedd, it’s an opportunity to join a well-established, global aviation company that prides itself on offering career opportunities for talented individuals.

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

A range of apprenticeships available with the closing date of 19th March 2023

 

Tarmac - Aberthaw Cement Plant -

Electrical Apprentice (C&L)

 

 

Electrical Apprentice

 

 

Mechanical Apprentice

 

 Tarmac - Llanddarog Torcoed Asphalt Plant, Carmarthenshire - 

Apprentice Electrician

 Tarmac – Cornelly - 

Apprentice Fitter

 

Support

For those of you who may feel you need support, as always we are always available to help. If you feel you need more support there are some useful support sites and links listed here:

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

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