25th September 2023
Year 12 bulletin
Morning all,
There are some new opportunities this week, so have a look and remember the more super/extra curriculars you have, the better informed and prepared you’ll feel for whatever the future holds.
Shoutout to:
Archie Marvel (HWI) - 3 positive incidents in one day
Weekly
- ‘Ted Talk’ What would happen if we didn't sleep
- ‘BBC Ideas’ Are we thinking about alien life all wrong?
A few general announcements:
- The Independent Study activities document has been updated by staff so you can build in some super-curricular activities or get ahead with understanding key topics. Remember that you can use any additional reading or research on your personal statement for university to highlight how you have prepared for undergraduate level study.
- Mrs Morgan will be running a BSL (British Sign Language) club during Monday lunch times. This is a brilliant opportunity and especially useful for pupils who are considering applying for any healthcare courses. There are only a few places available so you will need to let me know asap if you’re interested.
Opportunities/Events
Mrs Hirani is looking for pupils who would be keen to join an intercultural pupil voice group this year. As a school want to ensure pupils’ views, suggestions and ideas are heard to support our work on the anti-racist agenda and as part of our ongoing work as a multilingual school. Please let your LC know if you’re interested - Mrs Hirani needs to know by Wednesday please. |
Cymraeg - Welsh Virtual Sessions Ymlaen Gyda’r Dysgu / Onwards with Welsh provides Welsh sessions to build confidence in speaking the language to 16-18 year olds. The offer is for learners in years 12 and 13 who are not continuing studying Welsh in A Level. This is a great opportunity to build confidence in speaking Welsh that will be beneficial when applying for further education, university or jobs. Further information can be found here: https://e-sgol.cymru/onwards-with-welsh/ |
For anyone considering taking on a Christmas job, Careers Wales have collated some opportunities: Christmas seasonal jobs | Careers Wales (gov.wales). |
The Welsh Government has worked with Young Wales to set up the Keeping safe online youth group to hear directly from young people about the realities of being online. The first project is looking at AI and recent technology developments from a young person’s perspective. Group members will have the opportunity to shape and participate in a national event taking place on Safer Internet Day 2024. If you are interested, please use the link and get involved: Children in Wales | Keeping Safe Online Youth Group |
QFF (qualified for the future) are currently looking for applicants to join their Learner Advisory Group and help co-construct the new suite of GCSEs and related qualifications for 14–19-year-olds to support the Curriculum for Wales. Their initial focus: the new suite of GCSEs and related qualifications:
Responsibilities of members of the Learner Advisory Group
Members of the Learner Advisory Group are central to the development of the qualifications. In this role you will be expected to undertake some or all of the following:
Why should you take part?
Am I eligible to apply?
You need to be:
How do I apply?
Apply to join the Learner Advisory Group The closing date for applications is this Friday, 29 September 2023, 5 pm. For further information contact diana.molins@wjec.co.uk |
There’s a fantastic opportunity with the organisation tutor2u who are offering a new Free Online Course for all Sixth Form students. The course includes a mix of videos, engaging activities and resource downloads and covers:
Use the link here to register: Studentshttps://ondemand.tutor2u.net/students/beyond-sixth-form-skills-booster |
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/ |
Student Volunteers needed for: The Forget-me-not Chorus The ‘Forget-me-not Chorus’ involves community sessions for people living with and alongside dementia in Penarth. It’s a great opportunity to support a good cause and add to your extracurricular activities, especially if you are considering any type of healthcare route in the future. Their Cardiff South & Vale sessions run on Thursday evenings, 6:30pm-8:30pm at Elfed Avenue Church, Penarth CF64 3LX. If you want to find out more use the link here and please come and see me if you’re interested. This was really helpful for two students who applied to Medicine. |
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; September’s lectures include: Island Universes: Discovering Galaxies Beyond the Milky Way by Professor Chris Lintott, will look at how galaxies like our own formed and evolved. Why Music Moves Us by Professor Milton Mermikides will look at how music elicits joy, sorrow, consolation and the chills.Meet the Cybercriminals Professor Victoria Baines 19 September 2023, 6pm Register Now Ancient Goddesses of Sex and War Professor Ronald Hutton 20 September 2023, 6pm Register Now Can AI Protect Children Online?Professor Andy Phippen 21 September2023, 6pmRegister NowTheDeath Penalty: A Colonial Relic?Professor Leslie Thomas28 September 2023, 6pm Register Now For other lectures which are at undergraduate level use the link here. |
Universities
General advice
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. |
Cardiff Metropolitan They have an Open Day coming up on the 7th October, use the link here to register. |
Swansea University They have an Open Day coming up on the 21st October, use the link here to register. |
Cardiff University They have an Open Day coming up on the 21st October, use the link here to register. |
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/ |
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. |
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 |
Support
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:
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