Thursday 13th June 2019 Essex Higher Education Convention @

University of Essex

Over 100 universities Speak to admissions tutors Understand student finance

Leave Thurstable @ 13.00Return to Thurstable by 16.00

Free of charge

Academic and careers opportunities

Letter was sent via schools post on Wednesday 24th April

Higher Education Information Evening

Meet the Team

Mr Muttock

Head of Sixth Form

Mrs Swan

Sixth Form Manager

Paul Dunton

Anglia Ruskin University

Life beyond Thurstable

“6th form really prepared me for University”

“I still email teachers with results from my essays”

“the activities that I was involved in during 6th form really helped me for my apprenticeship interview; I could use lots of example”

Options, apprenticeships

Rise of apprenticeships

• Growing interest UK-wide in apprenticeships as a legitimate alternative to university

• UUK (Universities UK) and HEFCE (Higher Education Funding Council for England), 5000 degree apprenticeship starts in 2017/2018, a 68% increase on the previous year

Apprenticeship benefits

Learning whilst working

Meet people

Possibility to experience a different part of the country (or world)

Explore a personal interest in an area of work

Achieve a qualification towards career progression

Gain transferable skills

Move to a new town or city

Apprenticeship support

121 support from staff

Careers meeting; interview and application guidance

Careers convention

Guest speakers in assemblies

Checking of applications

https://www.ucas.com/apprenticeships-in-the-uk

Options, University

Personal benefits

Independence Meet people

Experience a different part of the country (or world)

Explore a personal interest in a subject

Achieve a qualification towards career progression

Gain transferable skillsMove to a new town or city

HE personal social

Meet and interact with new people from different backgrounds to you

Social activities

Gain independence by Cooking, cleaning and managing your bills

Make friends for life. Students Union is home to sports teams, societies, and further support

Many universities also have a students newspaper, radio station and TV channel

HE personal graduate

Lots of employment choice:Professional areasGraduate schemes

Universities teach the skills which employers value

2/3 of graduate jobs do not ask for a specific degree subject – just that level of education

Graduates enter professions at a higher level

Degree and university experiences can enhance your CV

HE personal graduate - salaries

A degree is an investment into your future

Over a lifetime, a graduate can earn 20-25% more than a non-graduate

https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/careers/what-do-graduates-do-and-earn/

Graduates progress faster in the workplace than non-graduates

Stage 2 – Next steps

I understand the benefits, but what

now?

I know what I want to do…

Use the summer to…

1. Course related work experience 2. Read around your subject3. Visit places of interest related to your course 4. Join networks to find out the latest in…5. Join an enrichment programme e.g. the ARU

Great to reference in your personal statement…

I don’t know what I want to do…

How many courses can you choose from in the UK?Over 37,000

How many choices are you allowed on your UCAS form?5!

Where do I start?The UCAS website: www.ucas.com

I don’t know what I want to do…

Information that make help to inform your choices

• Select a course that supports your career aspirations

• Take the UCAS test to find out which careers / courses may suit you besthttps://www.ucas.com/careers/buzz-quiz

• Browse potential jobs to give an indication of courses relevant to a career, salaries, and personal qualities required https://www.prospects.ac.uk/

• Speak to careers advisers in school

I don’t know what I want to do…

www.ucas.com

• Use prospectuses, course brochures, websites

• Make the most of open days and taster days (don’t forget to tell us before hand)

• Ask questions / email the relevant department at universities

• Ask questions at the university visits

Choosing what to study…

Things to consider:

• Single / joint honours • Length of course• Practical / theory balance• Teaching / assessment styles• Career destinations • Entry requirements • Professional accreditations • Work placements • Study abroad

Choosing where to study…

Things to consider:

• Distance from home• Transport links• Number of sites• Rural or urban campus• Cost of living • Style of facilities• City attractions• Safety• Nightlife• Cultural and faith supporthttps://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/good-university-guide-in-full-tp6dzs7wn

Choosing accommodation?

Things to consider:

• Guaranteed for first year?• Catered/self-catered halls• Internet access• Private rented• Facilities• Distance from campus• Value for money

UCAS

Universities and Colleges Admission Service

Centralised application processing service

On-line system and application form

Secure site, can be worked on anywhere

Not just used to applying to university• Stamford test• Entry profiles• UCAS fair dates

UCAS

UCAS process over 2 million undergraduate applications a year

Lots of competition – it is important to have a strong application form

Be realistic about choices; for examples2x ambitious entry requirement – something to aim for

1x match your predicted grades2x lower entry requirements to fall back on

If you cant decide between courses, try and select similar subjects e.g. Business and accounting. This will make your personal statement more focused.

UCAS – the big picture

UCAS application form

Personal details

Qualifications – include A levels and AS levels + other level 3 BTEC qualifications

Five choices of course on the form

Personal statement

References from tutor and class teachers

UCAS – what happens to the application?

UCAS acknowledges receipt of your form

You can track the application process online (using the UCAS track facility)

University admissions tutors assess each application

Possible invitation to an interview

Decisions / offers made via UCAS track

Universities send offer letters

UCAS – possible offers

1. Conditional offer

2. Unconditional offer

3. Alternative course offer

4. Unsuccessful

Offers may be expressed in either grades or UCAS points, e.g. BBB or UCAS points

https://www.ucas.com/ucas/tariff-calculator

What happens next?

Select two choices - firm and insurance

Student has now entered into an agreement with these universities. If they chance their minds they will need to be released by their institutions

They are entering into an agreement (grades permitting) with these universities - ensure you are happy to attend either

Ensure that they reply to all offers before the deadline dates (failure to do so is an instant decline of an offer)

UCAS Extra – for late applications and for those who have changed their mind

Results day

Clearing

How can we help?

Encourage students to visit higher education fairs and university visits

Support and guidance from The Sixth Form Team, Tutors, Teachers and guest speakers in assemblies.

• Thursday 6th June - Year 12 employability day • Thursday 6 June 2019 at 6.30pm @ Thurstable - “Higher Education Information Evening”. • Thursday 13 June 2019 Essex Higher Education Convention @ The University of Essex – 13.00-16.00• Thursday 4 July 2019 - periods 1 and 2, completion of UCAS application and personal statement

workshops

Students should be researching courses and institutions and start writing personal statements

Guidance booklet issued

Official application process starts in September and all applications completed by Christmas

Have you ever considered studying abroad?

Benefits

• University links and sandwich courses • Chances to improve language skills• Travel overseas• Have a unique adventure • Improve job prospects • Build self confidence • Establish international careers/links

https://www.erasmusplus.org.uk/

Do your research

Unifrog is a good start https://www.unifrog.org/

Come and see the 6th form team for more information

If you are applying for:

• Oxford / Cambridge• Dentistry• Veterinary medicine • Medicine (UCAT/BMAT)• Law (LNAT)

Please see me after…