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Sixth Form Bulletin

11th December 2023

Year 13 bulletin

 

Morning all,

Huge thanks to everyone who worked hard to get their UCAS applications in on time and to all those that took part in Christmas Jumper Day. 

 

Weekly 

 

Quote of the week:

 

“Learn from the mistakes of others. You can’t live long enough to make them all yourself.”

 

Eleanor Roosevelt, Political figure, diplomat, and activist

 

Shoutout to the following pupils who all had Praise Postcards:


 

  • Ananya (ECO)
  • Samuel L (ECO)

 

Key dates and deadline:


 

  • Internal UCAS deadline has now passed so any applications will still be processed but I cannot give detailed feedback. 
  • Art and Photography coursework is due on the 31st January 2024 and students will be issued with their exam paper on 1st Feb. 
  • The Maths Department run a support session every Wednesday for A Level Maths and GCSE resit support every single Monday. 
  • Chemistry have both Year 12 and 13 chemistry support sessions every Monday after school.
  • Tourism Unit 4 coursework is due 5th Feb
  • Biology has after school support sessions on Thursdays in H23

 

A few general announcements:


 

  • Please make sure you are all signed up to the Exams Google Classroom - this is how you will find out vital information about each exam series, resits, mocks and other details. The classroom code is aj5fjjv
  • 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.
  • Cambridge University have super-curricular resources created and written by Cambridge students and academics https://myheplus.com/ 

UCAS

A reminder that checking the entry requirements is a good idea: https://www.whatuni.com/ is a great site to use. To check what your grades add up to for a points offer, use  https://www.ucas.com/ucas/tariff-calculator 

The internal deadline for the entire UCAS application has gone so applications now are unlikely to get the detailed feedback required before submission to UCAS and offers will be slower to come in. 

We have submitted 26 applications so far and 20 people already have offers - two people have all five offers - so places are filling up. Last year the applications submitted after the Christmas break did not get as many offers. 

Some basics for people to look at again on their applications:

  • check you have the fee code 02 unless you are an international student 
  • add your GCSE subjects and the grades you achieved to the Education section - the date for those is August 2022
  • add your AS Levels and the grades you achieved to the Education section - the date for those is August 2023
  • add your A Level subjects to the Education section - put August 20234 and 'pending' as the grades - don't forget to add the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge and put August 2023 and 'pending' for that too
  • Add either me or a parent as your ‘nominated access’ in the Contact and Residency section
  • make sure your choices include one safe, at least two solid and one - or possibly two - aspirational courses. If you're unsure see me or your LC will be happy to chat to you about your choices. 

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. 

  • Choosing a university can be difficult; here’s an article which tries to look at the various criteria you might apply. Which uk Uni to choose? 

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

Gresham College has a series of lectures by different Professors which are really useful to show your proactive engagement with the subject you’re hoping to study: browse the series they have here: ​​https://www.gresham.ac.uk/whats-on/lecture-series-2023-24 

EDT Placement applications for 2024/25 are open. The YINI application process has been streamlined, making it easier and quicker for students to apply and stay updated. 

What is YINI?     

EDT’s, The Year in Industry (YINI) Placement scheme, helps place school-leaving students into paid 12-month long placements into all areas of engineering, science (particularly physics), technology/electronics, maths, business, marketing and finance across the UK.

 

How does the application process work?

·       You register interest via their website here and receive a weekly update of the latest placement opportunities.

  •  There is no charge to register.
  • You only apply for the specific roles that you’re interested in.
  • You will receive CV/Interview advice and an interview with the team to help you prepare.

Benefits for placed YINI students:

  • Industry led training including webinars on project management, presentations skills, leadership, and management.
  • A mentor service throughout the placement.
  • Competitions and awards to help promote and enhance your CV.
  • Your  work can also be accredited by the Industrial Cadets Platinum Award, of which His Majesty King Charles III is patron.

To Register for YINI:

Interested students can register via their website here

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

Struggling with your Personal Statement; use the support from UCAS

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.

Newcastle University has a Virtual Student Experience where you can discover what Newcastle University is really like – all from the comfort of home. During the virtual sessions you’ll learn about: 

  • applying to Newcastle 
  • PARTNERS – and how you could get a lower offer  
  • student finance  
  • health and wellbeing support  
  • living in Newcastle – a UK top 5 student city (QS Best Student Cities 2024) 
  • …and much more 

You can also take a virtual tour of our University buildings and state-of-the-art facilities on campus. 

It takes place on Wednesday 17 January, 2024 (4pm – 6.30pm) register here

Reading University has a bespoke opportunity for students to visit their campus this Wednesday 13th December. They are offering a 'Discovery Day' especially for students who are finalising their 5 choices on their UCAS applications. Rather than a school/college group visit, they are offering this opportunity to individuals who would like to know more about Reading. They can support with free travel for students who fulfil our widening participation criteria*, though we welcome interest from all students.

What students can expect on the day:

  • Small group tours of campus
  • Advice on accommodation choices at Reading
  • Guidance on student support, careers and placement opportunities at Reading, and our library
  • Meet and chat with other students who have moved to Reading from around the UK.

Interested in Business, Management, Accounting or Finance?

Alongside the Discovery Day as detailed above, we are also offering the opportunity to experience subjects offered by Henley Business School. This subject taster will run between 1pm and 2:45pm and is an optional activity during the day.

Ready to visit?

Register here for the Discover Reading Campus day

Bath University may give a lower offer to students in Wales as a result of their WBQ prediction; read more about their approach to the Welsh Bacc and their alternative offer here. To support students, they are holding a MOOC delivered in partnership with Aberystwyth University  ‘How to succeed in your Welsh Bacc: the Individual Project Essentials

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

Bath Spa has a few Open Days coming up: Bath Spa

UWE Bristol have  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 University

Their lecture series is ongoing; https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/community/events 

Work Experience

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/  

New events coming up:

  • 'Introduction to the National Cyber Force' is free to complete and will give you an insight into the National Cyber Force, the UK's defence and intelligence ecosystem, and related careers. Sign up here. 

Gain insights into different industries, develop your essential skills and learn how to ace your future applications. Check out their newest course Introduction to the National Cyber Force! If you're after something different you can also check out courses with J.P. Morgan, Arm and ATAC.

Apprenticeships/Degree Apprenticeships

Manufacturing Apprentice (Level 3) Job in Wales £16500 (earlytalentacademy.co.uk)

· GCSE grades A-C passes including Maths, English, Science, and other relevant subjects (such as Engineering or Product Design).

 

AM Electrical Technician Apprentice (Level 4) Job in Wales £18000 (earlytalentacademy.co.uk)

· Level 3 Electrical, Electronics or Systems qualification or currently studying a Level 3 apprenticeship in one of these areas completing June 2024

· GCSE grades A-C passes including Maths, English, Science, and other relevant subjects (such as Engineering or Product Design)

Aston Martin are advertising the following apprenticeships due to start in September 2024 that may be of interest to some of your students.

 

https://careers.astonmartin.com/cw/en/filter/?job-mail-subscribe-privacy=agree&search-keyword=&work-type=apprenticeship%20position&location=st.%20athan%20south%20wales

  • Salary: £17,100 per year
  • Closing date 12.01.24

 

IT Manufacturing Services Degree Apprentice

https://careers.astonmartin.com/cw/en/job/510597/it-manufacturing-services-degree-apprentice

Vacancy: Information: VAC-J4V0K5 - Dynamics 365 (gov.wales)

Achieved 2 A Levels or equivalent C and above in IT, Engineering, Computer Science or relevant qualification

BBC Cardiff - Apprenticeships are advertising further apprenticeship roles that are due to start in Sept 2024 that may be of interest to some of you. Criteria:

 

  • Be aged 18 or over when the apprenticeship starts in September 2024
  • Salary Level 3-4: £20,475 per year
  • Salary Level 7: £25,000 per year
  • Closing date: 08.01.24 

 

Production Apprenticeship - Level 3 - Cardiff

https://careers.bbc.co.uk/job/Cardiff-Production-Apprenticeship-Level-3-Cardiff-CF10-1FT/781934302/

 

Production Coordinator Apprenticeship - Level 4 – Cardiff/Bangor

https://careers.bbc.co.uk/job/Bangor-Production-Coordinator-Apprenticeship-Level-4-CardiffBangor-LL57-2BY/782088402/

Other local opportunities

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. 

UCAS has a lot of information about apprenticeships: https://www.ucas.com/apprenticeships 

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

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:

 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