Careers & higher education

Trinity students take many different directions after completion of A-levels. Advice and support are available on all of these from the Careers Department, Sixth Form Team and relevant subject specialists. Sixth Formers usually start with Unifrog (a web-based platform covering university selection at home and overseas, apprenticeships and careers choices) and the materials on the Careers and Universities pages of Ludus, in particular the ‘Careers & Universities’ pages. These pages are also accessible to parents.

We run assemblies and Higher Education sessions throughout the Lower Sixth including a Higher Education week in June. We also deliver an Oxbridge, Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science and Overseas University evening in January, alongside a General UCAS Information Evening also in January, which all parents may attend.

Degree and Higher apprenticeships are increasing in number and reputation and are worth exploring for students who are ready to join the world of work. Entry to many university courses and apprenticeship schemes is very competitive, so we help Sixth Formers to identify their strengths, improve their experience and develop their work-ready skills. They can work with the Careers Department staff to develop a strong CV, arrange interview practice and gain confidence in networking.

We encourage Sixth Formers to be pro-active in their research, as the choice of their post-A level pathway is a very individual one, and the entry requirements for courses and apprenticeships change every year. Some may be excited by the opportunity to study abroad (either as a placement within a UK based course, or in substitution for a UK university application). Others may want to take a Gap year before progressing to work or university. Experience overseas often results in improved success in later job applications and Gap year students usually find it easier to manage the challenges of independence and self-directed learning at university. There are many companies that help to structure “organised Gap year schemes” and details of these, along with other options, are available from the Careers Department and listed on the Gap year Ludus page. Please contact Mr Mark Aldridge (mia@ trinity.croydon.sch.uk), Head of Futures, if you would like further guidance.

For Sixth Formers who want to build their knowledge of particular industries and careers before making their choice, we promote work experience schemes, insight days, residential courses and taster sessions offered by employers and universities. Details are circulated to students via Unifrog emails (roughly fortnightly). Parents can access these via their child in Unifrog.

How parents can help

Take a keen, supportive and unbiased interest in your child’s views

– Encourage realistic ambition

– Promote open minded thinking: some Sixth Formers need encouragement to think more broadly about the possible options

– Help them to network – talking to other parents, family friends and fellow employees at your workplace are all good ways for your child to find out more about particular industries and what employers look for. They can then use their time in Sixth Form to build a suitable portfolio of skills

Plan with your child to visit 5-7 universities, particularly during holidays; they should be encouraged to make the arrangements themselves. Students may attend two open days in term time, others must be in holidays or at weekends; www.opendays.com is a good source of information. Please help us to ensure that students follow the correct procedure, completing an Exeat Form for term time visits

Staff providing support for higher education and careers issues

Mr Pietersen, Head of Sixth Form, alongside Mr Paterson, Assistant Head of Futures, oversee and co-ordinate Oxbridge applications. jep@trinity.croydon.sch.uk / jap@trinity.croydon.sch.uk

Mr Aldridge, Head of Futures, can advise on all UCAS application questions and UK university courses and requirements. mia@trinity.croydon.sch.uk

The Head of Futures, Mr Aldridge, in conjunction with the Head of Careers, Mrs HarveyShipp, advise on work experience, apprenticeships, overseas university choices, Gap years, sponsorship, student finance and UK university options.

Subject Specialists / Heads of Department can provide subject-specific guidance, and advise on academic suitability for certain courses, as well as provide a view on career prospects beyond university.

Tutors can help in many ways, from discussing aspirations to helping in planning visits; students should keep their tutor well informed about their thoughts and progress.