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Post 18 options and pathways A Guide to... Post-18 Pathways for Parents and Guardians
A Guide to Post-18 Pathways The most common Post-18 Pathway for students at St Edmunds's College is University. In the past 5 years, over 90% of our students have chosen this route. However, alternative routes such as Apprenticeships, Degree Apprenticeships, Employment and Gap Years are becoming increasingly popular, and we also provide provision for this. Exploring Post-18 Pathways is a daunting process, and even with an understanding of which pathway a student is going to pursue, there are still countless options within each pathway. Research and information are the best currency in this process and it is hoped that this guide will assist you in supporting your daughter or son as they explore what they wish to pursue after they finish Sixth Form. We deliver an extensive programme that informs, empowers and advises our students right from the beginning of Rhetoric. We aim to offer as bespoke a process as possible and are here every step of the way to guide our students and parents.
University Choosing a University Course It is important that you consider both location, and course content. The most prestigious degrees are obtained from Russel Group Universities (https://russellgroup.ac.uk/about/ our-universities/). However, it is vital that you are looking at a course and university that are you are interested in and that suits you. Quite often you will find that the best courses may not be at a Russell Group University. As you would expect, the best courses and best universities will often have the highest grades for entry requirements, and you will of course need a strong personal statement to set you aside from other applicants. Some courses will not have a ‘grades-based offer’, but a ‘tariff or points-based offer’. You can find more information about points based offers here: https://www.ucas.com/undergrad uate/what-and-where-study/entryrequirements/ucas-tariff-points.
And a points-based calculator: https://www.ucas.com/ucas/tariffcalculator. For some the course will be straight forward as you have chosen a career path that requires a certain degree, so you know what you need to achieve. However, for many professions’ entry is post-graduate regardless of the degree so you may simply want to take a degree in a subject that you are interested in, rather than specific to a career choice. There are thousands of different courses, and this can be quite overwhelming. I would suggest looking at list of courses at universities you are interested in attending, these tend to be listed under subject areas, so for example if you are studying Business, look at management and business courses and explore the range of degree courses available.
Are you considering an application for Medicine or Veterinary? Deadline each year: October 15th each year. You would be expected to provide evidence of work experience in a related environment, but Covid-19 means that is currently not possible, so universities will consider candidates without this, but you can demonstrate other work experience, volunteering etc. This will be evidenced in your personal statement. We can support you in seeking this experience, but it is always better if a student takes the initiative to arrange this themselves. Given the current climate, students are able to engage in virtual work experience. An example of this can be found here: https://www.rcgp.org.uk/trainingexams/discover-generalpractice/observe-gp.aspx. There are also other examples of virtual work experience for aspiring Medics or Vets in our Virtual Work Experience overview.
For Medicine, you will have to complete a UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) or BMAT (BioMedical Admissions Test) before submitting. It is always advisable to book early slots, but even more important in the current climate. More information can be found here: https://www.ucat.ac.uk/ucat/ucat2021/ and here: https://www.admissionstesting.org /for-test-takers/bmat/ For Veterinary, there is not a universal aptitude test, but there can be quite specific tasks or interview requirements you need to complete for each university. It is important that you check the requirements for each university you wish to apply for. However, there is a strong emphasis on work experience. More information can be found here: https://www.vetschoolscouncil.ac. uk/applications/
Are you considering an application to Oxbridge? Deadline each year: October 15th each year. Just like Medicine or Veterinary, this is a very rigorous application, and it is important that we start to look at this now. Your first port of call will be to explore the websites of both Oxford and Cambridge to decide whether you would like to apply and also take a look at the following websites for further guidance: https://oxbridgeapplications.c om/ https://www.theuniguide.co.uk /advice/ucasapplication/oxbridgeapplications-five-things-youmight-not-know Oxbridge are looking for intellectually curious students who are genuinely passionate about their area of interest. A way to demonstrate this to admissions tutors is by reading beyond the A Level syllabus. Teachers can point you in the direction and it might also be worth subscribing to a relevant publication such as the Economist or the Lawyer.
All serious A Level students should also be reading a ‘good quality’ daily newspaper. These also have sections for certain disciplines such as law, health, technology and politics. Read reflectively and consider what you are reading (compare to other literature) and formulating your own opinion. Make notes on key points that you come across so that you can reflect on these when you come to write your personal statement or prepare for interview. What do the experts say about reading… Reading is […] an absolutely essential form of preparation. You need to read widely and in-depth. Knowing the school syllabus is not enough. You should be able to think and talk about ideas beyond the scope of school work and above the level of your peers. Dr Seán Buckley, Oxford graduate and author of Getting Into Oxford and Cambridge (2017 Entry)
After submission, you will be required to complete an admissions test, which are at a local test centre (although likely to also be made available on-line this year). Once you receive a request, you need to notify us as we can then book this for you. I would strongly recommend completing practise tests on-line: https://oxbridgeapplications.com/mock-tests/ Are you considering an application to a Conservatoire? Deadline each year: Varies dependent on the Conservatoire, but some ask that you apply through UCAS. Conservatoire's are for performance-based courses including music, drama and screen production courses. Conservatoire courses are based around individual tuition, as well as practical training and frequent opportunities to perform. All teaching staff at conservatoires are working professionals. There is a strong emphasis on one-toone tuition, alongside group work and performances. Universities offer similar under-graduate courses so please do research all options before deciding. The application process is similar, but you will have to attend an interview.
For more information on Conservatoire's, please see UCAS link below: https://www.ucas.com/conservatoi res Are you considering an application an International University? We are very well equipped to deal with and support any application to any international university and we actively encourage our students to look abroad. International applications can be vastly different to the UCAS process, so early research is absolutely key! Recently, we have had successful applications to Australia, Canada, France, Hong Kong, China, Spain, Mexico, Netherlands, Russia, and the USA.
University Choosing a University Think carefully about where you want to spend the next 3 or 4 years. Consider questions like: What type of university do I want to study at? Campus based? City? Mix of both? How far do I want to move away from home? Do I want to be at a university that is very different from my current environment? What is the style of teaching and learning? This is a big decision, and I would very strongly recommend that you spend some time thinking about this. Choosing the wrong university can result in students dropping out of courses, or just being very homesick and unhappy. So, if you are at all unsure please talk to friend, parents and teachers before making decision.
Open Days Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, universities are providing virtual open days, which include 360° tours of campuses, subject specific talks, and seminars on students finance and accommodation. Some universities will require you to register in advance if you wish to attend these, so please check university home pages. This provides a unique opportunity for Rhetoric I students to start to engage with Open Days, as you would ordinarily need to visit, and it might not normally be possible to engage with some many different institutions. When it is possible, I would strongly recommend that you do visit university campuses and towns before accepting a place at a university as you need to get a good feel for a place before deciding to spend 3 or 4 years there. Here is some info on Virtual Taster Days: https://www.unitasterdays.com/se arch.aspx?LID=true
Researching Universities Bridge U We use a platform called Bridge U to support our students' university and career pathway. Here is why: More options than ever: There are - 40,000 courses in the UK along, and over 3000 new courses released each year. Bridge U provides an intuitive and bespoke search engine that utilises the students profile to recommend university options for them based on a range of important factors determined by the student. Student-centred design: Bridge U's mobile friendly, browserbased platform can be accessed from any device and is clear and easy to use. Everything in one area: Bridge U is not only a university search engine, but it it allows students to record work experience, volunteering, awards, achievements and much more. It also has a Personal Statement Builder which we use to develop, write and finalise personal statements. It is also used by the teachers to write references, meaning references are more accurate and relevant than ever as each member of staff can track a student's area of interest for Higher Education. Parental Access: Uniquely, Bridge U allows for parents to be registered on their daughter or sons account to be part of the research and decision making process. International Education: Bridge U allows students to explore international universities, with data on over 100,000 courses across colleges and universities on four continents. Career Planning: Allows students to build well-informed early career pathways. Strategy Adviser: Students will strengthen applications by learning how to use their experiences to distinguish themselves from their peers through the digital resume builder. Take a look for yourself: https://bridge-u.com/
Degree Apprenticeships Having a degree is a requirement for an increasing number of professions and graduates can expect to earn considerably more than non-graduates (in 2019, graduates earnt on average, £10,000 pa more than nongraduates). Securing your degree through an employer means that you will be working whilst studying. This is hard work, and is certainly not the easy option, but is a very good decision if you are confident about your future career path and you do not mind missing out on the university experience. Salaries are at entry-level, but employer are also paying the cost of your degree course. Some will also offer subsidised accommodation or travel if you need to relocate for your work.
As your employer has invested in your degree, you will be expected to remain with your employer for the duration of your studies, and several years following this. If you leave, they would be entitled to ask you to pay the cost of your degree. As you are working at the same time, it will take typically 4-5 years to secure your degree rather than 3 years. You will spend approx. 80% of your time working, with 20% set aside for study – this may be on a university campus. All employers who offer Higher Apprenticeships are government approved, and subject to stringent checks to monitor the quality of the training. Dependent on the Covid-19 situation in Year 13, we are hoping to run some workshops in school with ASK Apprenticeships, who work with National Apprenticeship Service (part of the Department for Education). https://www.ucas.com/underst anding-apprenticeships/whattypes-of-apprenticeships-arethere/degree-apprenticeships https://www.gov.uk/applyapprenticeship https://amazingapprenticeship s.com/
Apprenticeships These are full-time job with a study element – typically a 30-hour working week, plus a day of study toward professional qualifications through and approved awarding body. Any Tuition fees are paid by your employer but, as with degree apprenticeships, you must commit to remaining with your employer, so you need to be 100% sure about the sector you are entering before you apply. Apprenticeships are advertised through employers, and you will have to complete a rigorous selection process to be successful. They are highly sought after, and very competitive. You will need good grades, as well as be able to demonstrate personal experience and qualities that make you stand out from other applicants. All employers who offer Higher Apprenticeships are government approved, and subject to stringent checks to monitor the quality of the training.
Dependent on the Covid-19 situation in Year 13, we are hoping to run some workshops in school with ASK Apprenticeships, who work with National Apprenticeship Service (part of the Department for Education). In the interim, there is also more information on Higher Apprenticeships on both UCAS and Government Apprenticeship websites: https://www.ucas.com/underst anding-apprenticeships/whattypes-of-apprenticeships-arethere/degree-apprenticeships https://www.gov.uk/applyapprenticeship https://amazingapprenticeship s.com/
Gap Year/Travel This can be a sensible choice if you are unsure about what you want to do post-18, or just do not feel ready for the next step, particularly if it involves leaving home. If you have applied to university but subsequently decide you would like to take a gap year, for most courses it is possible to defer for a year. You will need to contact your university admissions team to discuss. Equally, if you are hoping to secure an apprenticeship but have found this difficult due to the challenges of a post Covid-19 job market, you may want to take a year out to gain some experience ahead of applying again as opportunities arise – remember, apprenticeships become available throughout the year, not just in September. If you are feeling adventurous, there are lots of organisations that will help you to undertake volunteering abroad. Some will have a small cost which is often covered by fundraising, others may be free.
There are so many different options available for really beneficial and and life changing experiences. Here are some options to explore: https://www.ucas.com/alternat ives/gap-year/gap-years-ideasand-things-think-about https://projecttrust.org.uk/ https://www.campamerica.co.u k/ https://www.gvi.co.uk/gapyear/ https://gapforce.org/gb/gapyear-programs https://www.studentuniverse.c o.uk/gap-year https://www.jesuit.org.uk/tags/ volunteering We support students with any gap year aspirations they may have. Whilst a decision on a gap year can be made at any time, it is important that students have a plan in place early to ensure they get the most out of the year. We will also support them through the university application process after their gap year.
Employment Each year we have an increasing number of students consider going directly into employment and look to start their career immediately, or decide to climb the career ladder until they feel ready for High Education. Whilst it is impossible to cover all employment prospects, we deal with each students aspirations in a bespoke was. Here are some employment ideas and opportunities: Police Force There are lots of different routes to access a career with the police. You can either join their 3-year degree apprenticeship at post-18 (Professional Policing Degree) or continue to university and join at post-graduate level having already obtained this degree. As a police officer, you will be expected to take responsibility for developing your own skills, and ensuring that your fitness levels are maintained as the work can be demanding, both physically and mentally.
There is further information on joining the Police on the website below: https://www.joiningthepolice.c o.uk/ways-in-to-policing Fire and Rescue Service The process of joining the Fire Service varies according to where you live, and is quite complicated (see link to website below). It is a very rewarding career with a continuous training programme by attending lectures, exercises, practical training sessions and other forms of training to maintain competence levels. As a fire officer, you will be expected to take responsibility for developing your own skills, and ensuring that your fitness levels are maintained as the work can be demanding, both physically and mentally.As part of the application process, you will need to pass a fitness test. Although slightly less onerous that in the past, this is still rigorous, and you will need to get fit to pass the test.
Employment There is further information on joining the Fire and Rescue service on the website below: http://www.fireservice.co.uk/re cruitment/ Armed Forces There are wide variety of post-18 apprenticeships routes into the armed forces. You can apply post18 with your Level 3 qualification and receive further training once enrolled, however, to progress to the higher ranks you will require a degree, so you many need to go to university dependent on your career goals. For all the force’s options, as part of the application process you will need to pass a fitness test. This is rigorous and is a stumbling block for many applicants so ensure you get fit before you apply – and then stay fit as you will be continually assessed.
If you are interested in joining any of the armed forces, I would strongly recommend researching different apprenticeship pathways using the links below. ARMY: https://www.army.mod.uk/care ers/ RAF: https://www.raf.mod.uk/recruit ment/find-your-role Royal Navy: https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/ careers/joining
Useful Websites Bridge U: https://bridge-u.com/ UCAS Parental Support: https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate/applying-university/ucasundergraduate-advice-parents-and-guardians The Uni Guide for Parents: https://www.theuniguide.co.uk/advice/advice-for-parents/theparent-guide-to-university The Complete University Guide - For Parents: https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/studentadvice/applying-to-uni/application-advice-for-parents Save the Student - A Parent's Guide: https://www.savethestudent.org/student-finance/parents-guidetips-university.html Future Finance - A Parents Guide: https://www.futurefinance.com/blog/parents-guide-101/ Parents Guide to Degree Apprenticeships: https://www.allaboutschoolleavers.co.uk/parents/apprenticeships/p arents-what-is-a-degree-apprenticeship Ask Apprenticeships - Parent Pack: https://amazingapprenticeships.com/app/uploads/2019/04/ParentPack-April-1.pdf Parental Guide to Gap Years: https://www.gapyeartravelstore.com/blog/gap-year-guide-forparents-sorting-fact-from-fiction/
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