Post Ashcombe Pathways Wednesday 14 th June 2017
Programme University Pathway How Ashcombe Sixth Form Supports Students through the Application Process What Universities are looking for Student Finance Alternatives to University Apprenticeships and School Leaver Programmes General Questions
The National Picture There were 496,010 applications to UCAS this year Huge increase in students now completing an apprenticeship Diverse range of companies across the country now offering Advanced Level and Higher level schemes
Our responsibilities We will: Offer advice and guidance to each student about the choice and process of applying to universities and alternative routes Organise the administration of each student s UCAS application and send it to UCAS Advise the student on how they can best complete their application Conduct a thorough check of key elements of the UCAS application form Provide predicted grades and a reference for each student s application we are aiming to support students discover the education and career path that complements their attributes, ethos and expertise.
Student responsibilities Students will: Take responsibility for the full, accurate and truthful completion of the form. Be responsive to advice and guidance on the choice of universities and courses. Take notice of college advice and meet college deadlines for completing their form. Respond promptly to communications, verbal or email, to make corrections or amendments to their UCAS form
Summer Programme Specialist sessions every Friday P3&4 regarding choices, applications and statements Competitive Courses group with Mr Blow and Mr Townend (includes Oxbridge and MVD (Medics, Vets, Dentists) with early deadline, but also others e.g. Imperial, Courtauld, etc) Apprenticeships with Mr Mercer and careers advisor Unifrog launch Alumni WSTP with ex-students
End of Summer Term Targets Subject Choice - Students to have decided their chosen subject(s) single or joint honours? UCAS Sign Up - Students signed up for online UCAS system (UCAS Apply) and to have completed basic sections of UCAS form. Unifrog Sign Up added personal interests and details to personal statement section University Long-list - Students to have made long-list of possible University choices and to have attended some Open Days. Medics / Oxbridge Preparation - Potential Oxbridge/Medics to have completed 1st draft of Personal Statements and received feedback from Mentor.
Autumn Term Support Tutorial Advice on processing UCAS application. Tutor will read Personal Statements (PS) drafts, check UCAS form and write reference Careers Support Individual careers Interviews Personal Statement Workshops Drop-in help and advice Careers Fair September 19 th Oxbridge Programme General support programme and subject mentor Mock interviews Sessions with Cambridge and Oxford Colleges Subject Specific Support Sessions MVD (Medics, Vets, Dentists) Programme
Autumn Term Student Targets 1. Students complete Application - Students complete and check online UCAS Form and Unifrog personal state tool and hand it to tutor Finalise University Choices matching them to their predicted grades (AS / 1st year grades) 2. Finalise personal statement on Unifrog receiving feedback on drafts from tutor and subject teachers before transferring to UCAS 3. Tutor check Tutor checks UCAS form and student instructed to Pay/Submit which sends it to Mr Blackband 4. Mr Blackband Tutor Reference/predicted grades added. Final check with student and form is sent to UCAS. Student can track progress via UCAS website
School Deadlines Oxbridge and MVD (Medicine, Dentistry, Vet. Science) DEADLINE - Friday 29th September FINAL SCHOOL DEADLINE is Friday 24th November for all other applications School deadlines are different to UCAS deadlines to ensure that students maximise their chances of making a successful application and to ensure that the college has the time to check and process each student s application Students are strongly encouraged to process their application as early as possible to maximise their chances of a successful outcome
Spring Term Students will be given help, guidance and advice through the tutorial programme Ongoing Continued applications for apprenticeships April / May Students make final university choices - Students select one firm and one insurance choice. August - On results day universities will already have been informed about each student s results. Clearing - Any students who do not meet the conditions of their Firm or Insurance Choice will be able to apply to any universities that are offering places through Clearing. Adjustment - If students exceed the conditions of their offer, they may be able to find an alternative course.
What can you do to help? Keep Informed Inform yourself of the UCAS process and take an interest UCAS Website Parents Sectionwww.ucas.com/ucas/undergraduate/getting-started/parents-andguardians Which University Parents Guide - university.which.co.uk/advice/advice-for-parents Open Days Attend and advise. www.opendays.com Information about all Open Days Personal Statements Read, check spelling, grammar etc. Deadlines Check they understand and meet college deadlines Student Finance! www.gov.uk/browse/education/student-finance
What can you do to help?
What makes a good personal statement? You can write up to 4,000 characters of text that show you d make a great student so it might take a few redrafts until you re happy with it. Reasons for subject choice What they enjoy in any related subjects now Reading around the subject/ current affairs/ interests Career goals/ what hope to gain Extra curricular activities/ hobbies Work experience/employment Skills relevant to the course Gap year information, if applicable Motivation Commitment Enthusiasm for course / subject choice Skills relevant to the course Motivation Commitment - Enthusiasm
How much does University cost? Tuition fees at the majority of Universities will be 9,000 for full-time courses. Tuition fees do not have to be paid upfront. Eligible Home (UK) and EU students can apply for a loan to cover these costs, whether they study part or full time. Loans are repaid after graduation, depending on income.
How much does University cost? Maintenance loans (for living costs) are available to eligible full-time students from England. These loans are partially income-assessed. The repayment terms are exactly the same as the tuition fee loan. The amount of loan available depends on where the student lives Household income Please also note that each institution will have its own bursary and / or scholarship scheme
How much does University cost? When and how to apply One online application to Student Finance England covers loans, grants and usually bursaries www.gov.uk/studentfinance Deadline will be end of May 2018
Apprenticeship Support and Knowledge for Parents
What are apprenticeships?
Some of the possibilities
Levels of apprenticeship
Higher and Degree apprenticeships Now its possible to get a degree without going to uni
Unifrog The Complete Destinations Platform Make it easy for your children to find and apply for the best courses and apprenticeships for them
Intuitive, independent and comprehensive Students can compare side-by-side every post-18 opportunity in the UK. They can rank on lots of factors, like starting salary, distance from home, drop out rate, and weekly study hours. University Apprenticeships College
Search Unifrog to find the most suitable university courses for you
Updated every 24hrs, use Unifrog to find the best Apprenticeships
Smart ranking and filtering tools enable you to make informed choices
The platform makes it easy to record what you're good at, and write CVs and Personal Statements. Teachers can give students feedback, and write references.
We will be able to track the progress that the students are making and offer support and guidance when needed. Parents should be encouraged to sit down and discuss the options and applications with their children. Your guidance and support in checking applications and personal statements is invaluable.
Any Questions?
Key Contacts Mr Blackband Head of 6 th Form Miss Luff Head of Year 12 (13) Mr Woollett Art and Music Foundation Courses Mr Townend Competitive Courses Mr Mercer Apprenticeships Jo Carroll Careers Advisor