16th October 2023
Year 13 bulletin
Morning all,
Just a short bulletin this week but hopefully there will be more events and opportunities coming up. Use the QR code below to check dates for upcoming Open Days.
Weekly
- ‘Ted Talk’ How to apologize, according to science.
- ‘BBC Ideas’ How to make it in life, despite a tough start
Shoutouts:
Well done to the following pupils who had a Praise Postcard:
Ben R (AST)
Basmalah (AST)
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.
UCAS
A reminder that our internal UCAS deadline is the 8th December.
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. Even if you do not think you’ll be going to university, please complete this as it’s always an option for you then.
There’s some information regarding preparing a portfolio for creative subjects, such as Art, Animation or Media here.
Every couple of years, the World Economic Forum publishes their Future of Jobs report, which looks at the impact of these world-wide issues on jobs and the skills needed. The latest version came out in May this year and is based on a large-scale, world-wide survey of employers. Check out the main points here. It is an absolute gold-mine of information, data and insight into the future of careers, and as you make important decisions about your future studies and career, you are going to want to know about it.
Opportunities/Events
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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/ |
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Gresham College has a series of lectures by different Professors; October’s lectures include: Astronomy and the Forging of Mathematical Communities by Dr Laure Miolo, which looks at how astronomical practices have been shaped through the activity of a group of 14th century Oxonian scholars. Brain Computer Interfaces, Professor Victoria Baines Tue, 24 Oct which asks; what are the implications of having new hardware in our heads? The Marvels of the Solar System by Professor Chris Lintott, Wed, 25 Oct. which looks at the remarkable diversity of landscapes, from the frozen deserts of Mars, which to the hellish surface of Venus |
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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:
Use the link here to register: Studentshttps://ondemand.tutor2u.net/students/beyond-sixth-form-skills-booster |
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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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Struggling with your Personal Statement; use the support from UCAS |
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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. |
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Cardiff and Vale University Health Board has an amazing opportunity for 15 pupils to be a part of their half day Pharmacy 'Taster Session' on 7th November 2023 at Llandough Pharmacy Department. This opportunity would be ideally suited for a student who is interested in pursuing a career in Pharmacy, specifically:-
For further details on the session plan, along with the learning aims and objectives - please see the attached document 'Taster Session Plan - Pharmacy'. If you are interested in being a part of this exciting opportunity, please complete and an application via the following link:-https://forms.office.com/e/bg0Vdqw3nc |
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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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Bath Spa has a few Open Days coming up: Bath Spa |
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UWE Bristol Open Days this autumn:
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.
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. |
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Cardiff Met have a series of Open Days and Campus tours available: |
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Swansea University: https://www.swansea.ac.uk/open-days/ |
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Cardiff Uni: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/open-days-visit |
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/ |
Apprenticeships/Degree Apprenticeships
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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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BAMC are now accepting applications for their 2024 Aircraft Maintenance Apprenticeship Scheme
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UCAS has a lot of information about apprenticeships: https://www.ucas.com/apprenticeships |
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Uptree also has lots of information and events relating to Apprenticeships so again, sign up and check them out: https://schools.uptree.co/events/ |
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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 |
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:
- 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