Source Spring / Summer 2022 by DC Publishing

SCOTLAND’S NUMBER ONE STUDENT MAGAZINE

sourcemagazine.org.uk

SPRING / SUMMER 2022

EXAMS: WHAT TO EXPECT

All you need to know before entering the exam hall

TACKLING STRESS

How to deal with stress and imposter syndrome

BUILDING

SOFT SKILLS Helping you develop essential skills for daily life

Where learning means more

Find your next chapter Whether you’re looking to equip yourself for a new career, start your own business, or simply to prepare yourself for a higher level of learning, we have a great selection of study routes to help you get there including: + Senior phase programmes for secondary school pupils + Entry level programmes

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// welcome

SourceMagazine @SourceMag @source.magazine PUBLISHER

Denise Connelly denise@dcpublishing.co.uk

EDITOR

Emma Storr emma.storr@dcpublishing.co.uk

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Nicole Lough

DESIGN AND PRODUCTION Lucy Baillie lucy.baillie@dcpublishing.co.uk

SALES

Marian Mathieson marian.mathieson@dcpublishing.co.uk

www.sourcemagazine.org.uk DC Publishing Ltd, 198 Bath Street, Glasgow, G2 4HG Tel: 0844 249 9007

©DC Publishing Ltd 2022. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or used in any way without prior written permission from the publisher. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of DC Publishing Ltd. The publisher takes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers within the publication. Every effort has been made to ensure that information is accurate; while dates and prices are correct at time of going to print, DC Publishing Ltd takes no responsibility for omissions and errors.

This issue is packed with tips to help you in your next steps

pring is here and with the better weather and longer days comes something less pleasant: exam season. As the countdown to 26 April begins, you might be panicking about how you’ll fit in all of your revision or what comes next once your exams are over. Don’t fret: this issue of Source is packed with helpful advice, information and real-life experiences to help you in the future. Skills like good communication, time keeping, interviewing and a sense of confidence are all essential if you’re planning to head off to higher education or enter the world of work after school. Building these up after two years of home and blended learning might feel impossible, but it’s easier than you think. On page 8 we’re giving you simple ways to gain soft skills. If you’re entering your last year of school, this could be the first time you’ve sat in-person exams. On page 11 we tell you what to expect before revealing our top study tips on page 12. Higher education isn’t for everyone, especially if you can take an alternative path to your chosen career. Find out how you could earn while you learn with an apprenticeship on page 20, before reading about one healthcare apprentice’s experiences on page 22. Work isn’t just for once you’ve finished your studies: you could utilise work experience, a part time job or volunteering to gain transferable skills while you're still at school. Find out how on page 24. Plus, this issue we’re helping you look after your mental wellbeing: learn how to cope with stress and imposter syndrome on page 18 before finding ways to unwind on page 30.

Emma

Editor

#trending

1 STRANGER THINGS 4 Our fave sci-fi teens are back for a fourth season this summer. Coming in two instalments on 27 May and 1 July, we can’t wait to sit back and binge this one.

2 SUMMER PLANNING You're probably fully focussed on exams, but it’s never too early to start thinking about your summer plans and how you can make the most of your six weeks off. 3 SMART NOTE TAKING Looking for a new way to upgrade your study notes? Enter translucent sticky notes. These see through sticky notes are great for annotating your books without leaving a mark or to trace important diagrams.

www.sourcemagazine.org.uk

SCOTLAND’S NUMBER ONE STUDENT MAGAZINE

contents

SUBSCRIBE TO SOURCE

IT’S FREE!

STUDY

6 Useful dates

Stay on track with your studies and get ready for summer

11 Exams: what to expect

First time sitting in-person exams? Here’s all you need to know

12 Taking control of your revision

Find effective studying methods before exam season

29 Student spotlight

Behind the scenes with a second year paramedic student

LIFE

8 Building soft skills

Learn how to gain essential skills for daily life

14 Money: taking control

www.sourcemagazine.org.uk

It’s time to get informed and take control of your ﬁnances

16 Saying That's Not OK

The campaign helping you identify red ﬂags in relationships

WORK

20 Understanding apprenticeships Time to earn while you learn

22 Embracing opportunities with NHS Lothian Pharmacy apprentice Nicole discusses her role

24 Transferable skills: working while at school How could a part-time or summer job help your future?

27 Finding your feet

Read our top tips on preparing for the world of work

PLAY

30 Time to unwind

Use your screen time to improve your sleep and mental wellbeing

HEALTH

18 Mental health: taking back control Feeling stressed about your next steps? We’ve got you covered

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useful dates Stay on track with our helpful calendar

April

18 19 26

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BACK TO SCHOOL

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2 5

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IN SERVICE DAY

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www.sourcemagazine.org.uk

June 1

END OF SQA EXAM TIMETABLE

over and the You did it! Exams are er holidays is mm su the to countdown ofﬁcially on.

2-3

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24-30

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August 9

DAY SQA EXAM RESULTSﬁnd

to The day is ﬁnally here ur exams, yo in did u yo w ho t ou wrong path remember there’s no ent from fer dif are s ult if your res what you expected.

15-16

IN SERVICE DAYS

ing back to Your teachers are head return. school to prep for your

BACK TO SCHOOL

w term and a Get ready to start a ne new school year.

BUILDING

SOFT SKILLS After a difficult two years, building your soft skills can seem impossible, especially if you haven’t had many opportunities to gain work experience or participate in school projects and extracurriculars. We’re helping you gain the essential skills you need in daily life

fter two years of utilising FaceTime, Zoom and texts to communicate, it’s normal to lose some of your socalled soft skills. These are essential skills that help you interact with other people in daily life. Normally they aren’t something we have to work at, they build during conversations and interactions, but multiple lockdowns and the need for remote learning has put them at the top of the agenda. You’ll need them no matter what your next steps are after school: job interviews, higher education interviews and job roles all require these skills. The idea of developing your soft skills can seem difficult or scary, but pushing yourself will benefit you in the future. When talking about soft skills, employers and educators are normally referring to things like: time management; communication; adaptability; problem solving; teamwork; creativity; leadership; interpersonal skills; work ethic; attention to detail. It seems overwhelming, we understand, but everyone is in the same boat and breaking these down into simple tasks can help. Building on a few areas can mean developing multiple soft skills at once.

You’ll feel confident and prepared before you know it 8

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PHONE SKILLS Even with a host of technology at our fingertips, good phone etiquette is still important. There will always be things that you can’t send a simple text for like making healthcare appointments. Plus, when you enter the world of work, this is a skill employers will expect you to have. Picking up the phone can be scary, especially if you aren’t used to it, so it’s ok if you’re nervous. Being clear and polite is key, but there are quick ways you can remove this anxiety. If your parent or guardian usually makes your doctor and dentist appointments, ask if you can do these by yourself, you could even do a test run before the real thing. See if there are things you would usually book online and do them over the phone instead: this could be a dinner or activity you’re planning with your friends. If you’re heading off to higher

LANGUAGE When talking about soft skills and language we don’t mean attending French class. It’s time to revisit the language and grammar rules that you first learnt at school. When we rely on online communication and social media, it’s easy to let our grammar, punctuation and language slip. There’s lots of books and tips online to help with this, but you could also ask your favourite English teacher for some assistance.

education this summer, or you already know what course you want to apply for next year, calling institutions’ admissions offices to ask any questions can build on these skills all while showing your initiative and helping you stand out to admissions staff.

CONFIDENCE Confidence is something you will build over time and it can be difficult to master, but this gets easier when you know you’re putting in effort to build on your soft skills. If you have moments of doubt, remember all of the work you’ve put in to get where you are now. Trying new activities, speaking up in class or during a group project, or joining a local club are all ways to push this further. You might even make some new friends while you do.

// LIFE

INTERVIEW SKILLS If you build on all of these skills, you’re already on your way to mastering your interview technique. This is essential regardless of your future path: if you’re hoping to secure a place at college or university you’ll likely have to do an interview, the same goes if you’re going straight into the world of work. Even if you’re planning to take a year out, interview skills can help you if you’re going to volunteer during a gap year. Taking the time to work on this area while you’re still at school might seem dull, or you might feel like you have better things to spend your time on, but having good interview and communication skills will aid you for life, and building them could take as little as half an hour of

each week. It’s time to make use of your support network and ask for help in building these skills. Speak with your guidance teacher, favourite class teacher or a member of your family and ask them to carry out some mock interviews with you. With experience in the world of work and education, they will know what to expect in an average interview and can give you tips on how to improve. You could even make it a game with your friends and do quick fire rounds of common interview questions. Doing this on a regular basis won’t just build on multiple skills like confidence, self-advocacy and communication, it could ease any worries you have when the real thing happens.

ORGANISATION This basic skill is key and ties together time-management, attention to detail, focus and valuing others’ time. Keeping a calendar on your phone or a physical diary will make sure you don’t miss any deadlines or turn up late for an important event. We love using free resources like our phone calendar or the Google Calendar app which automatically syncs between all of your devices. Building on all of these skills will help you in every area of your life, from hanging out with friends to important interviews and working as a team. You’ll feel confident and prepared before you know it.

FIND OUT MORE The National Careers Service (nationalcareers.service.gov.uk) and Skills Development Scotland (www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk) can provide further advice on building soft skills. www.sourcemagazine.org.uk

Complete Revision & Practice Combined study guides and practice papers

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// STUDY

s exAaTm TO EXPECT

First time sitting an in-person exam? It’s normal to feel nervous. Here’s all you need to know before your first trip to the exam hall

BEFORE YOUR EXAM It’s easier said than done, but do your best to get a good night’s sleep before your exams: trying to cram revision in at the last minute isn’t helpful. Your exams will usually take place within your

school hall, but check your timetable in advance to make sure you know exactly where to go. If you have any questions ask your teachers in advance of the day to avoid additional stress.

Don’t forget these essential items before you head to each exam. Pens: black or blue.

THE EXAM PROCESS Make sure you’re 15 minutes early for your exam, this will leave you enough time to quickly glance over your notes and refresh any key phrases or quotes in your head. Always check the board outside the hall for your seat number and remember that you can’t bring in any electronic devices, but there will be a place for you to store them safely while you’re inside. The invigilator could let you in up to 10 minutes before your exam officially starts. When the invigilator opens the doors, go in silently and find your table. There will be three things on your desk: your exam booklet, a cover sheet and sheets of paper. Don’t open your exam booklet until the invigilator instructs you to do so. You can fill in your cover sheet before the exam starts with your name and Student Candidate Number. Don’t worry, your

GET EXAM READY

teacher will make you familiar with a cover sheet ahead of time. The invigilator will tell you when to begin and there will be a clock at the front of the room to help you keep an eye on your time. If you need anything during the exam, like more paper to take notes or work out your answer, then raise your hand and the invigilator will come over and get what you need. Your invigilator will announce when the exam is ﬁnished and you must stop writing and put your pen down immediately. Wait until the invigilator has collected everyone’s answers and has announced that you may leave before getting up. Don’t talk to your friends until you’re out of the hall. Once your ﬁrst exam is over it’s time to breathe a sigh of relief – you did it!

A clear bottle of water with all labels removed. The examiner may ask you to sit this at your feet. A watch: just make sure it’s not a smart watch. Your Student Candidate Number (SCN): your teacher will provide a card that you can write this on and take into the exam hall with you.

www.sourcemagazine.org.uk 11

// studY

taking control of your revision Dreading opening up those study notes? Get organised by taking control of your revision and finding effective study methods

TIPS Endless pages crammed with information ﬁll us all with dread, that’s why it’s important to create neat and concise study notes. Find a method that works for you, these notes are for your eyes only so highlight, draw and abbreviate in any way that helps you. Making up a rhyme or jingle to remember different information or technical terms could even make studying fun. If you’re struggling to remember information enlist a parent or friend to help. It’s helpful to use revision techniques like ﬂashcards, posters or diagrams so that they can be utilised again and again. Decorating your walls with revision posters will help you take in information as you go about your daily tasks: getting to rip them down after your exams are over is just an added bonus.

You will feel most motivated when working to your strengths

12 www.sourcemagazine.org.uk

MOTIVATION

FINDING SUPPORT

If you can’t switch off from study If you’re studying and come across stress, then a study plan could a topic that you aren’t confident in, be for you. This will force you to don’t panic. By identifying gaps in stop procrastinating and start your knowledge and taking action prioritising. If you don’t want at an early stage can avoid staring to waste precious study time blankly at a question during an exam. making a schedule then the SQA Get in touch with your teacher for MyStudyPlan app (www.sqa.org.uk) that subject and ask them to go over will help you make an efficient plan this area again, reaching out for help by comparing your free time to your is never a weakness, even if it’s late in exam timetable. Make sure that your study time. your study plan is realistic and try We understand that it’s easy to get your best to stick to it. distracted or feel left out if your You will feel most friends are getting together motivated when working while you study. Revision Always to your strengths: finding should be a priority in the try to get a out what type of learner lead up to exams and it’s you are can help. Tools ok to say no to things that good night’s like the Education will disrupt this. If you’re sleep before Planner (www. struggling to say no you educationplanner.org) can always blame it on strict an exam can help you determine parents or extra work issued by your learning style. At the one of your teachers. end of your revision, remember to reward yourself with your favourite show or chocolate bar, you deserve it. FIND OUT MORE

Find past papers from previous exams on the SQA website (www.sqa.org.uk).

www.dundeeandangus.ac.uk #choosecollege

MONEY: TAKING CONTROL If you’re about to make the big move to higher education, it’s time to get informed and take control of your finances

t’s almost time to start your student experience but to ensure you have the best time possible, you need to take control of your money. This can seem scary and overwhelming but it will help you in the long run. From funding to student accounts and building a budget, we have you covered.

14 www.sourcemagazine.org.uk

Student accounts Opening the right type of current account can make a difference to your ﬁnances and help you get the most out of your money. This is where student accounts come in. These are current accounts tailored to the needs of students in full-time education and often come with extra perks like interest-free overdrafts. Most high street banks will have introductory offers for students, but always double check the terms and conditions or speak to a trusted adult before you make a decision. Going interest-free or getting a

cash reward might seem like the best option right now, but these deals could sting you in the future. Don’t worry if you’ve never opened an account independently in the past: all terms and conditions will be explained online or by someone in branch, and there are lots of impartial resources that can help you make the right choice. Often traditional high street banks like Nationwide and Santander have the best deals for students, but sites like Money Saving Expert (www.moneysavingexpert.com) give a breakdown of current deals.

// LIFE

Budget As a student, every last penny counts: it’s key that you have a budget. This is especially important if you’re moving away from home and will be responsible for your own rent and bills for the ﬁrst time. Budgets are a great way to understand your money and to ensure you don’t overspend. They can also help you set ﬁnancial goals, like saving for a trip or a big night out. A budget should consider all of the money you have coming in and everything you’re paying for. Your incomings include student loans and grants, money from your job if you have one, and any additional money you get from family while you study. Your outgoings

are things like rent, bills and transport costs if you travel to your uni You could be or college, and you can entitled to add in how much you additional funding usually spend on food in the form of a shopping and activities bursary each month. Student Information Scotland (www. studentinformation.gov. scot) has a free budget and funding calculator where you input your household income, details of your course, what you get paid if you have a job and any bills you have. This then creates a trusty budget and signposts you to any additional funding you might be entitled to.

SAAS In Scotland, we’re lucky enough to have our tuition fees paid for by the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS). The agency also provides a bursary and student loads. To be eligible for SAAS you must be studying on an HNC, HND, undergraduate or postgraduate course. You have to apply for funding from SAAS via their website (www.saas. gov.uk). It’s important to apply for this as soon as you know what course you want to do, you shouldn’t wait for your exam results to come through as this could delay your funding reaching you and your chosen provider on time.

Once you’ve done this, your fees are automatically assigned to you when you accept a place on your course, so you don’t have to worry about paying your university or college directly. How much you receive from SAAS for your bursary and student loan depends on your background, circumstances and household income. SAAS bursaries range from nothing if your household income is above £34,000 to £2,000 if your household income is under £20,999. Student loans work on the same criteria, ranging from £4,750 to £5,750.

Bursaries If you’re studying on a particular course, you could be entitled to additional funding in the form of a bursary. You don’t have to pay this back once you’ve ﬁnished your degree. Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedic students can receive additional funding while on their course to cover the cost of things like travel and food during placement. You could also be eligible for the Young Students’ Bursary, Independent Students’ Bursary, Care Experienced Students’ Bursary or for Disabled Students’ Allowance. The Scottish Government (www.gov.scot) provide a helpful guide on the eligibility for different bursaries.

FIND OUT MORE Get more advice and information on funding from UCAS (www.ucas.com).

www.sourcemagazine.org.uk 15

// LIFE

saying that’s not ok

that show it might be unhealthy,” explains Lauren. Everyone has the right to be safe in any relationship, and recognising when this isn’t the case can be difficult. “You might not know you need this information,” emphasises Lauren. “Some things we might think of more commonly as abusive are things such as physical abuse or sexual abuse. “Other behaviours such as manipulation tactics (for example, if someone says ‘if you really loved me, you’d do this’), intimidation (something that makes you feel afraid), lack of communication (if someone lies or keeps secrets from you), financial control (if someone says what you can and can’t spend money on) and/or being isolated from friends and family – these are all signs of an unhealthy relationship.”

HELP

By highlighting red flags and manipulative behaviours, a resource from Young Scot could help you to identify and leave an abusive relationship

veryone deserves to be treated with kindness and respect in all of their relationships, but it can be difficult to spot the signs when this isn’t the case. Working with Rape Crisis Scotland and Scottish Women’s Aid along with a host of charities and young people, Young Scot have developed the That’s Not OK campaign to help you spot signs of abuse and controlling behaviour. “Unfortunately, gender-based violence is a prevalent issue in society today – you only have to look at the news over the last few years to see this,” admits Lauren 16 www.sourcemagazine.org.uk

This isn’t an exhaustive list so if you’re worried that you could be in an unhealthy relationship, you should always speak to someone. “Firstly, remember that it’s not your fault,” offers Lauren. “Reaching out for help may feel Pluss, digital information manager at hard, but there are so many support Young Scot. “For example, a report by services available that are there to UN Women UK last year found that support you and help you. 97 per cent of women aged 18-24 “We have a list of lots of have been sexually harassed different support services on and a further 96 per cent our website that provide had not reported those support via the phone, situations because they online chat, texts and/ Reaching out for didn’t feel it would or email depending help may feel change anything.” on what you might hard, but there That’s Not OK is feel most comfortable helping young people are so many with.” to spot the signs of support services Utilising campaigns gender-based violence like this is a great way to by equipping them with find out about the red flags skills, knowledge and you need to know whether information. This then makes you are worried about a current it easier to identify what a healthy relationship or not. This information relationship is and when you or your could help you or someone close to peers aren’t in one. you in the future.

SIGNS

“Recognising what is a healthy versus an unhealthy relationship is so important and the site provides young people with the key things that make a healthy relationship and what might be ‘red flags’, or situations

FIND OUT MORE Find out more about the campaign at www.young. scot/ThatsNotOK or visit the Scottish Women’s Aid website (www.womensaid.scot) to find a quiz that might help you understand if your current relationship is unhealthy.

BRITISH SIGN LANGUAGE ONLINE COURSE

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We want to help you stay safe around open water. Check out our reservoir safety advice at:

www.scottishwater.co.uk/takecare

Beginners 20hrs CPD Study from home Staff training Learn at your own pace

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Drama and Performing Arts Acting and Performance Costume Design and Construction Drama Performance Theatre and Film Film, Media and Communications Film and Media Media and Communications Public Relations and Marketing Communications

Join us at our on campus Undegraduate Open Days to find out more about studying at QMU.

£25

Health Sciences Nutrition Public Health Paramedic Science Dietetics Nursing Occupational Therapy Physiotherapy Podiatry Radiography: Diagnostic Radiography: Therapeutic Speech and Language Therapy

Visit our website for more information: www.qmu.ac.uk

Management Business Management routes (inc. Analytics, Digital Marketing, Finance and Human Resource Management) Business Management (Graduate Apprenticeship) International Hospitality, Tourism and Events Management Psychology and Sociology Psychology Psychology and Sociology Public Sociology Teacher Education Education Studies (Primary) Education Studies

// HEALTH

mental health: tackling stress When it comes to thinking about your next steps after school, it’s normal to feel stressed or even out of place. It’s time to face those feelings head on

f you’re about to start your subjects for your ﬁnal year at school or you’re heading into your last high school exams, you might be feeling anxious and overwhelmed. This is normal during stressful situations, but it’s important to look after your mental wellbeing and ensure you don’t experience burnout. Burnout isn’t a condition in itself, but a combination of feeling overly stressed and exhausted which can lead to physical symptoms. If you feel more fatigued and like you don’t have the energy to focus on your studies or even your hobbies, you could be heading towards burnout.

Try to remember all of your hard work to get where you are

self care It’s always tempting to squeeze in some extra hours of study instead of getting a good night’s sleep, or to pick unhealthy foods because they’re more convenient, but maintaining a healthy lifestyle while you study and sit your exams can lead to better results come August. There’s plenty of ways to tackle these feelings before they become too much, and if you feel like you’re already experiencing burnout then there is support available. The free content on apps like Headspace (www.headspace. com) and Calm (www.calm.com) can help you understand how your brain works and take back control of the situation. You could even listen to a meditation podcast like Ten Percent Happier (www.tenpercent.com) while you’re on the go. Reach out to a charity if you want to get advice or speak to someone

about how you’re feeling anonymously. Student Minds, SAMH (www.samh. org.uk) and See Me Scotland (www. seemescotland.org) are great places to turn to for support.

imposter syndrome The thought of finishing high school, moving to a new place or starting your career can leave you feeling out of your depth, and it’s likely that you aren’t the only one feeling like this. You might be worried about making new friends, feeling homesick, or not being cut out for your new path. If your head is filled with self-doubt, it’s possible that you’re experiencing imposter syndrome. This is when people doubt their skills or accomplishments, leaving them worried that they don’t actually know what they’re doing or that the people around them feel this way. Imposter syndrome can stop you from pursuing the things you want or affect your overall mental health. When you have these thoughts, try to remember all of your hard work to get where you are. If you find these thoughts are getting in the way of your studies or work, it can help to keep a list of why you deserve to be where you are: you can refer back to this in moments of doubt. Your friends could be feeling the same way and there’s no shame in opening up about experiencing imposter syndrome, talking to someone close to you could even help you work past it. FIND OUT MORE Get support, guidance and information from Student Minds (www.studentminds.org.uk), Samaritans (www.samaritans.org) and Young Minds (youngminds.org.uk).

18 www.sourcemagazine.org.uk

10 Reasons to Study with Us 1

Wide range of courses Did you know we offer around 400 courses across 40 different subject areas? From traditional career paths to new, emerging industries – we’ve got it covered.

Flexible learning options Full-time study not an option? No problem! Our flexible study options (including online courses) help thousands of students every year to fit studying around their other commitments.

Real-life learning environments By using real-life examples or problems in the delivery of our course content, our students continually get to reinforce their learning and apply the theory into practice.

Clear pathways to employment An impressive 90% of our full-time students progress to either employment or further study after completing their courses with us.

Fantastic facilities Our first-rate facilities include a University Hub, fully kitted out construction and engineering workshops, state-of-the-art teaching kitchens, a recording studio, radio station, stage theatres, computing labs, hair, beauty and make-up salons, and even an aircraft cabin!

University articulation routes Did you know that 40% of college leavers in Scotland go on to university? With around 300 progression routes in place with university partners, progression on to Year 2 or Year 3 of a university degree after studying your HNC or HND with us couldn’t be easier.

Strong links with local industry We are right in the heart of Scotland’s fastest growing industries and where all the exciting employment opportunities are emerging. We work closely with local industry to ensure our courses provide our students with the knowledge, skills and experiences that they are looking for, both now and in the future.

Award-winning Students’ Association Fife College Students’ Association (FCSA) is here to make sure you get the most out of college life, through events and initiatives supporting the positive health and well-being of all students.

…and if you’re still not convinced Just ask our students! With a student satisfaction rating of 85% and a 95% recommendation score, you’d be mad to go anywhere else!

Superb teaching support Our low student-to-lecturer ratios will help you achieve your potential while being part of our special, close-knit community. You are always more than just a number to us. Regardless of what you have achieved in the past, we’re here to help you fulfil your potential.

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Fife.ac.uk 0344 248 0115 info@fife.ac.uk

21/03/2022 12:45

g n i d n a t s r unde

s p i h s e c i t n e r p p a renticeship ry of your choice by taking on an app ust ind the in nce erie exp on ds han Get earn as you learn where you can gain qualifications and

foundation If you’re still at school then a Foundation Apprenticeship (FA) is the one for you. This type of apprenticeship is available when you are in your last two years at school and counts as one of your subjects. This means that a FA is part-time and will be completed alongside studying for your other qualifications like highers and national 5s. At SCQF Level 6 (the equivalent of a higher) there are 12 FA subjects available to choose from: these include everything from accountancy to creative and digital media. At SCQF Level 4/5 (the equivalent to national 4/5) there are three FAs available to take: automotive, construction and hospitality. You will participate in your chosen apprenticeship at a college by working on

20 www.sourcemagazine.org.uk

industry-based projects, but this will be unpaid. If you are unsure about your next steps once you leave school then this apprenticeship is ideal for you. It gives you good insight into the industry that you’re interested in and helps you figure out if you would be happy to work in that area in the future. FAs are graded throughout the year, so you don’t need to sit an exam at the end of your course. Completing your assessment this way removes some of the pressure during exam season, giving you more time to focus on your other qualifications more closely. You will still have to put in hard work throughout the year to complete your FA and you will be assessed, but hopefully you will enjoy doing it.

modern Want to get paid while achieving an SQA qualification? Consider applying for a Modern Apprenticeship (MA). You have to be over 16-yearsold to apply for a MA, but unlike FAs, you will be paid for your work and this will be full-time. There are lots of exciting MAs available across different job sectors, so do some research and find the one that suits you best. This experience enables you to learn new skills, gain experience, earn money and achieve qualifications without having to enter the scary world of work straight away. If you’re feeling fed up with traditional classroom learning and want to get more hands-on experience after leaving school, then look into a MA. When participating in a MA, you pick up transferable skills that put you in a better position when applying for jobs after your education is finished. Instead of simply stating to an employer that you have the right skills for the job, you can show them by describing your time within the industry. With a MA you are put straight to the test, and it will teach you how to apply your skills in a working environment.

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graduate A Graduate Apprenticeship (GA) is perfect if you’re looking to earn money while studying for your degree. You can gain up to a masters-level degree doing this, and as an added bonus, you could even get your degree faster than if you were studying full-time. You have to be over 16 - or over 18 for some apprenticeships because of health and safety reasons, so check this with your choice - and you must be a Scottish resident to apply. If you are considering taking on a GA then it’s important to note that when you’re applying for funding you must go directly to SAAS (www.saas.gov.uk). A GA is a great way to get familiar with the work you will

be doing after you have finished studying. It’s easy to come out of a university degree feeling a little lost in the work of work, but doing this type of apprenticeship allows you to get a taste of what comes next. When studying, you can sometimes feel that not all of the information is important for the career you want to go into, but GAs are designed by employers, so you can rest easy knowing that everything you learn will be relevant to that specific industry. This experience will look great on your CV, and will prove to employers that you can use your skills to solve real-life problems. Some even come with a job offer at the end.

Everything you learn will be relevant to that specific industry

FIND OUT MORE Register at My World of Work (www.myworldofwork.co.uk) or view apprenticeship opportunities near you at www.apprenticeships.scot

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EMBRACING OPPORTUNITIES WITH

NHS LOTHIAN An apprenticeship in healthcare can be surprising and lead to roles you didn’t even know existed. For pharmacy apprentice Nicole, this has made every day different and exciting

f you want to work in healthcare, there are plenty of opportunities to help you get started. Scotland’s second-largest health board NHS Lothian, which is also a Young Person’s Guarantee employer, has a new Technical Apprenticeship to help develop the pharmacy profession and provide new career paths within the NHS. Nicole ﬁrst heard about the opportunity from a friend and keen to work in the NHS, she was eager to apply to become a pre-registration trainee pharmacy technician apprentice. “I always knew that I wanted to return to work for NHS Lothian eventually,” reveals Nicole. “I was working in community pharmacy when this role was advertised and I was drawn to the variety of the role and the opportunities that will open for me once I am qualiﬁed as a registered pharmacy technician.”

EXPERIENCE

No two days are the same and Nicole has had the chance to work in a lot of different capacities since starting her apprenticeship. “My role involves ﬁnding out what medication is needed on the wards, logging this on the computer and picking the stock,” explains Nicole. “I also take phone calls from wards about the medication they need or if they have any queries.” With a range of responsibilities, Nicole is able to observe how the wards operate and work with a variety of colleagues where she is based at St. John’s Hospital in Livingston. 22 www.sourcemagazine.org.uk

BALANCE

Nicole’s days are never dull or repetitive and she is always learning something new, she explains: “There are things that I have learned since starting that I never would have thought pharmacy would have been involved in, for example the chemotherapy drugs for individuals who have cancer.” As with all apprenticeships, Nicole is studying while she works, but has now found a balance by scheduling her time. “I found this to be my biggest challenge as it has been eight years since I was in high school and last studied,” admits Nicole. “Getting into this good habit has really helped and it is now just part of my routine.”

ADVICE

Nicole is on her way to qualifying as a pharmacy technician and wants to complete further qualiﬁcations in the future. “There are so many opportunities within pharmacy that I am keeping my options open,” reveals Nicole. “I think pharmacy is so much more exciting and varied than people sometimes think, so I would recommend people ﬁnd out about the roles as there are so many opportunities available.”

I was drawn to the variety of the role and the opportunities that will open for me

The next Pharmacy Modern Apprenticeship positions will be advertised from Friday 16 September 2022, with a start date of Monday 5 December 2022.

FIND OUT MORE For more information on NHS Lothian opportunities and becoming a pre-registration trainee pharmacy technician apprentice, visit www.careers.nhs.scot or get in contact directly by emailing apprenticeships@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk

S L L I K S E L B A R TRANSFE

E L I H W G N WORKI AT SCHOOL

skills you already have From understanding the ugh work experience, to gaining new ones thro orking while at we’ve got you covered. W ial skills to use when school can give you essent building your CV

t can be scary to think about what comes next after school, but you can make this step less daunting by getting a job while you’re still there. This is beneficial no matter what direction you decide to go in and the first step is to create a CV. Once you understand the value of what you have already achieved, putting your skills down on a CV can be easier than you think. If you have ever been head boy or head girl, or led a committee at school, then you have already demonstrated great leadership skills by communicating on behalf of your peers and making a positive impact on the community around you. Participating in extracurricular

clubs, competitions and in schemes like the Duke of Edinburgh award means that you have developed core skills that interest employers. When looking for work opportunities while at school, make use of any in-school support and always apply early. If it’s a summer job you’re interested in, don’t leave it until the summer to look: apply a few months ahead to make sure you don’t miss out. Be proactive by sending out CVs and phoning companies directly to ask about possible opportunities available with them, this might seem old fashioned but it can be effective, especially if you live in a smaller town. Let’s dive in and explore some of your options.

work experience and volunteering Work experience and volunteering opportunities are usually unpaid, but they give you a head start in the application process after school and can be very rewarding experiences. If you have an idea about the type of work you want to do, or just want to find out if a specific work sector is for you, then this is a great way to learn more. To find work experience, contact employers directly, even if they’re only able to take you on for a couple of days or weeks you will learn a lot. You might not realise it, but if you have spent time on a personal project like a craft, website or blog, or creative writing piece then you can mention these to employers as work experience if they are relevant to the sector. Volunteers are always needed and there are lots of different activities that you can get involved in like charity shop work, environmental projects, or working with children and older people. Volunteering shows employers that you are kindhearted and care about the community around you. Search for volunteering opportunities near you at www.volunteerscotland.net

Putting your skills down on a CV can be easier than you think 24

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part-time work and summer jobs There are many different types of parttime work that you can get involved in while at school. Some popular forms include retail and hospitality work like jobs in shops, cafes, restaurants and hotels. To look for opportunities near you, search on job boards or apps like Indeed (uk.indeed.com). While you’re still at school, try not to take on more than eight hours a week in a part-time job. Try not to feel pressured by your employer to do more, but if you do choose to take on additional hours then make sure you don’t go over the legal amount for your age group. You can find this information via the UK Government website (www.gov.uk). Part-time work gives you great insight into how businesses are run while earning some extra cash. Working in this environment, you will pick up numerous transferable skills like

customer service, time management and teamwork which you can reference in future job interviews to get the edge over your competition. Balancing parttime work with school responsibilities shows that you’re hard-working. The great thing about part-time work is that you can usually pick up extra hours in the summer or even work full-time. The holidays are a great time to start work and earn some money while learning new skills. Many businesses are busier during the summer and require seasonal workers such as outdoor activities and hospitality: there’s plenty of options to find the right fit for you. There are also lots of opportunities to work at summer camps as an activity coordinator or sports coach. Get advice and discover the perfect summer job for you via Prospects (www.prospects.ac.uk).

Part-time work gives you great insight into how businesses are run while earning some extra cash

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Being an Army Cadet is not just about adventure, it’s also about investing in your future by learning a wide range of skills and, if you want, gaining qualifications. Cadets develop courage, self-discipline, respect, loyalty, integrity and commitment.

THINGS YOU COULD GET INVOLVED IN:

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A recent study revealed that being a cadet improves wellbeing, confidence, resilience, independence and employability. rR ete P I © SS

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STEM camp

INTERESTED IN BEING AN

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Summer camps

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Community activities

ADULT VOLUNTEER?

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Parades on Armistice Day

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Adventurous training in the UK and abroad

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Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards

JOIN THE ADVENTURE ArmyCadets.com/NoFilter

Army Cadets is run by adult volunteers from all walks of life. It’s an opportunity to inspire the next generation of citizens, take part in outdoor adventures and even gain new qualifications and skills. If that sounds interesting, we’d love to hear from you. Find out more on the website below.

FINDING YOUR FEET

// WORK

After spending most of your life studying you might be keen to get straight into the world of work. Read our top tips and get ready for this big change

GET PREPARED Leaving school and entering the so-called real world can be very daunting. Your life is no longer dictated by school hours and you have the freedom to choose how you spend your time. Once you have decided that you don’t want to move on to higher education, speak to your teachers and guidance counsellors at school about your next steps. They can help you plan pathways into work so that you aren’t starting this process alone.

RESEARCH A great way to explore your job options is by actively searching online. Make your life easier by using filters and setting up email alerts. You can even filter the words ‘school leaver’ in your searches to find jobs offering full training. Get registered on job boards like Indeed (uk.indeed.com) to apply and talk directly with employers. On sites like this you can upload your CV and contact information, meaning that employers are able to browse your profile and even message you. Set up a profile on professional social network LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com) to start forming connections and look at the steps people took to get into the industry that you’re interested in. When building your online profile, remember that it’s important to have a respectable email address that doesn’t include gimmicky nicknames or sports teams.

EXPERIENCE There are various ways to launch your job search: attending careers fairs, going to a job centre, visiting company websites and simply asking around. Don’t panic if things don’t go the way you expect them to on your first try: there’s always more opportunities out there. If you aren’t sure where to start in your job search or what career you want to pursue, work experience can be a great tool to find out more about your interests. Don’t be afraid to explore your options as work experience can potentially lead to a job offer and will look good on your CV.

GAP YEAR

It’s good practice to research a company before a job interview and prepare some questions of your own ahead of time

If you are uncertain on what direction you want to follow after school then why not take a gap year? There are many different ways to spend this time whether its volunteering, participating in work experience or travelling. Maybe you’ve been offered a better position at your part-time job which suits you for now. Opportunities like this mean you can earn while figuring out what to do next, it might even set you up for a promotion in the future. Keep improving your CV and thinking about your next steps during your gap year, it always helps to be prepared for when you want to look for work in your chosen industry. FIND OUT MORE Consider your options with My World of Work (www.myworldofwork.co.uk/pupils) or find useful guides through the job application process after leaving school at www.s1jobs.com www.sourcemagazine.org.uk 27

Change Your Tomorrow with a career in healthcare Every university will talk about placements, so make yours worthwhile. We offer urban, remote and rural practical learning experiences so you develop a unique and highly desired skill set.

// STUDY

student spotlight We go behind the scenes with second year paramedic student Kiera Willis to learn about her studies and completing a mentorship with the Scottish Ambulance Service

Why did you decide to pursue a career as a paramedic? I always knew I wanted a career in healthcare from quite a young age: it just seemed like the only option for me. I’m a people person and I can’t imagine not interacting with different people every day. I just love the variety, we use the phrase ‘a jack of all trades and a master of none’ a lot because you have to know a little bit about so much. How did you get your mentorship with the SAS? I ﬁrst saw it on the SAS Facebook page and I immediately knew it was something I wanted to do. Ultimately the SAS is where I would like to work in the future and although the experience wasn’t necessarily about being a paramedic, I got to know about them as an employer and the different roles in the service and that all interested me. I got to meet up with Pauline once a month for three months to ask questions about her role and the decisions she has to make, and she arranged for me to speak with

different people within the SAS between meetings so that I could learn more.

“I FEEL LIKE I’VE HAD A MASSIVE CONFIDENCE BOOST NOT JUST IN MY STUDIES, BUT SOCIALLY”

What is the most valuable thing you learned during your mentorship? I feel like I’ve had a massive conﬁdence boost not just in my studies, but socially. While I’m on placement speaking to patients, other students, anyone, I feel as though I’m more comfortable putting my point across, making suggestions and just speaking up. People who were quite high up listened to me and my opinion, it’s a massive conﬁdence boost to be listened to by the people you look up to. I’ve also learned that a good leader doesn’t need to be an extrovert. I’m quite emotionally intelligent and

good at reading people, and I’ve learned these are great leadership qualities from Pauline. What advice do you have for other young people who want to follow a similar path? I know everyone says this, but if I can do it, anyone can. You have to push yourself out of your comfort zone and become comfortable asking for things, asking for help and opportunities.

iera Willis always wanted to pursue a career where she was able to help people, and after feeling inspired by her mum’s role as an ambulance technician, she decided to become a paramedic. Now ﬁnishing her second year at Glasgow Caledonian University, Kiera has also completed the ﬁrst ever Young Scot Mentorship from the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) where she had the unique chance to shadow chief executive Pauline Howie OBE.

Pauline and Kiera

FIND OUT MORE Learn more about the Scottish Ambulance Service at www.scottishambulance.com and Glasgow Caledonian University’s paramedic course at www.gcu.ac.uk

www.sourcemagazine.org.uk 29

// PLAY

TIME TO

D N I W N U

Feeling stressed and having trouble sleeping? Learn how to use your screen time to improve your mental health instead of endlessly scrolling on your phone

TRY OUT MEDITATION

Struggling to wind down at night and get a good sleep? Scrolling on social media can be fun, but too much screen time might negatively effect your sleep, keeping you up at night. Meditation is a great alternative. The practice can help you relax and free your mind from busy thoughts by focusing on the present. Smiling Mind is a free app developed by psychologists and educators to provide mindful meditations and exercises. Meditation doesn’t have to take up a lot of your time either: this app encourages just 10 minutes a day, easy! The application Aura provides meditations and a range of other useful tools to improve your sleep pattern, these include sleep tales and hypnosis. On Aura you start by completing a quiz, so that it can personalise the content until it’s right for you.

GIVE YOUR MIND A REST

Want to give your brain a break from studying? Download Colorify and start painting your own mandalas, patterns and animals. Doodling can be a good stress reliever and allows your brain to take a break and slow down. Exercise is a well-known way to destress and become motivated. If you want to try something new but don’t know how to get into it, have a look at Yoga for Beginners. This app makes yoga easy to pick up and has a voice guiding you the whole way. 30 www.sourcemagazine.org.uk

Search for these apps on Google Play or the App Store to download and unwind

TRACKING YOUR MENTAL HEALTH It can be difﬁcult to understand your own moods and sometimes it helps to write down your feelings. You can record a self-care journal without writing a word with the app Daylio. This app helps you pinpoint your emotional triggers, set goals and log behaviours to track your mood. Having this knowledge helps you to identify negative patterns and address them. Gone are the days of

worrying if your parents will ﬁnd and read your diary: with Daylio you can set a PIN so that no one else can access your journal. If you are feeling overwhelmed and need someone to talk to, or even if you just need a good vent about something troubling you, then download the app 7Cups for free and speak to a trained volunteer anytime you want, anonymously.

Picture this. You’ve just started at Barclays. You believe we shouldn’t ever settle for ‘good’. And so do the people around you. You’ve got the drive. The ideas. And the space to run with them. To realise the downright extraordinary. This is what it feels like to have the backing of a world-class bank. Because with us, there’s more to discover.

There’s more to become. Graduate and apprentice opportunities joinus.barclays

This programme is run on behalf of the Barclays Group which includes: Barclays Bank PLC. Registered in England and Wales (registered no. 1026167). Registered Office: 1 Churchill Place, London, E14 5HP, United Kingdom. Barclays Bank UK PLC. Registered in England (registered no. 9740322). Registered Office: 1 Churchill Place, London E14 5HP, United Kingdom. Barclays Services Limited. Registered in England (registered no. 1767980). Registered Office: 1 Churchill Place, London E14 5HP.

Your Exams SQA has issued Your Exams – a booklet that has everything you need to know about sitting SQA exams. Pick up your copy from your school, college or training provider. You can also download the booklet at www.sqa.org.uk/yourexams