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/

There’s a fantastic opportunity with the organisation tutor2u who are offering a Free Online Course for all Sixth Form students. The course includes a mix of videos, engaging activities and resource downloads and covers:

• An overview of the options for students beyond their time in sixth form
• Finding out more – suggested research links
• Advice on how to make strong applications to higher education institutions
• How to complete an effective personal statement
• Specialist higher education applications (including Oxbridge, medicine etc)
• All about apprenticeships
• Gap years
• Student finances – a practical guide

Use the link here to register: Studentshttps://ondemand.tutor2u.net/students/beyond-sixth-form-skills-booster

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:

• They are going to create 30 new GCSEs, and two other related qualifications, across two phases. You can find a list of all these qualifications here "What qualifications are being reformed?"
• Qualifications Wales has written their Decisions Report and Approval Criteria the new suite of GCSEs.

 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:

• Give your views on qualification design.
• Contribute from a learner's perspective.  
• Participate in additional discussions around WJEC products e.g. website, social media and learner content.

Why should you take part?

• You will be involved in shaping the future of education in Wales.
• You will use and develop your critical thinking and communications skills.
• You will use and develop your time management skills.
• This is a great opportunity to add in your personal statement and to refer to in your next interviews!
• You’ll receive a £20 Amazon gift voucher.

Am I eligible to apply?

You need to be:

• A learner in Year 9 to Year 13, aged 14-19 from a range of learning programmes.

• A learner with good verbal communication skills and a desire to contribute to discussion.

How do I apply?

Apply to join the Learner Advisory Group

The closing date for applications is this Friday, 29 September 2023, 5 pm.

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,

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. Here’s the best place to check dates for Open Days: https://www.opendays.com/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 about things.

Aberystwyth University has a new Higher Education streaming platform, Aberflix and a range of generous scholarships available.

UWE Bristol Open Days this autumn:

Saturday 14 October, Saturday 4 November and Saturday 18 November are your chance to explore the university and get a real feel for what it’s like to study there. Subject-specific talks and tasters, sessions on accommodation, fees and funding and the application process, are all part of the Open Day: book your place here.

Campus tour films

If you can't visit  in person, they have virtual tours. They offer a warm welcome from current students and bring their campuses to life. 

Cardiff Met have a series of Open Days and Campus tours available:
https://www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/study/opendays/Pages/default.aspx

Swansea University: https://www.swansea.ac.uk/open-days/

Cardiff Uni: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/open-days-visit

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/  

Uptree also has lots of information and events relating to Apprenticeships so again, sign up and check them out: https://schools.uptree.co/events/ 

The company 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