Why higher education making the right choice Wednesday

‘’Why higher education making the right choice’ Wednesday 27 June 2012

HE v post 16 n How is HE different to post 16 studies? n HE is: – – – A choice of 150+ different institutions A different way of learning & working to school Over 50, 000 courses Degree (BA, BSC, LLB, BEng, Bed, MSc, MA) HND Foundation degree

The average starting salary of a graduate is between £ 18 k & £ 25 k. The national average is £ 26 k What can university do for you? n Is it right for your child? (You don’t have to go to university to be successful) n n n …better jobs, better prospects & more choice …many jobs require a relevant/professional degree (architecture, law, accountancy, nursing) …earn 50% more …develop valuable skills …work placements …study abroad …do what you love doing …a good time! …everything on your doorstep …plenty of support …new interests and experiences

The subject itself “I picked a course which really reflected what I enjoyed & loved – having the passion definitely made the late nights spent working on coursework and revising for exams that little bit easier. ” n What do they enjoy studying? – Don’t pick a subject they’re really good at over one they love n Subjects taken at A level – They know what they’re getting – Build on existing knowledge & skills n Subjects not taken at A level – Research what they’re getting themselves into n Vocational courses – Are they sure what they want from a future career

Decision time… n Know the subject…pick a course – Narrow it down – a particular specialism – Are they studying the right A levels? n n Some psychology courses require maths at A level Some uni’s count geography as a science, some don’t Unsure – contact the university and ask! Eligible…consider the structure – Course with the same name does not mean the same content is taught n Studying French could mean reading lots of French literature or be more focused on language & sociology – Compare the focus of the course with their own interest

A 2 level Decision time… n Entry requirements – Set by the university – Grades or tariff points e. g. AAB or 280 UCAS points – Most offers based on 3 A levels but some consider dropped AS – Be realistic! AS level A* 140 A* 70 (EPQ A B C D E 60 50 40 30 20 100 80 60 40 only) BTEC certificate D*D* 280 D 120 DD 240 M 80 DM 200 P 40 MM 160 MP 120 PP 80

Other things to consider… - Single/Joint Honours - Length of course - Practical/theory balance - Teaching/assessment styles - Career destinations - Professional accreditations - Work placements.

Joint Honours - The 2 subjects are studied equally – 50: 50 - Examples include: - History / English literature - Psychology / Philosophy - French / Spanish - Economics / Geography

Practical factors… n n n Reputation Distance from home Transport links Number of sites Rural or urban campus Accommodation Cost of living Style of facilities City attractions Safety Cultural and faith support Employment statistics Although practical considerations can make a big difference to your university years, you’re going away to study, and ultimately the content of the course should be your guiding principle, no matter how long the bar at Manchester is! Unistats. com

Choosing your courses

UCAS application basics Online application form n Up to 5 choices n 1 personal statement n £ 12 for 1 choice / £ 23 for more than 1 n Reference & predicted grades – school n

Study abroad Europe n USA n Australia n Work shop coming soon n

Support UCAS convention n Open days n Futures 18 day (post 18 options) n Personal statement sessions n Tutor and subject teacher support n Post 16 leadership support n Extra curricular activities n Literature (guidance booklets) n

Important dates n n n n n Register on UCAS Drafting personal statements Applications sent to UCAS Oxbridge/medics/dentists/vets completed applications Admissions tests entry deadline Oxbridge/medics/dentists/vets UCAS deadline Students submit completed application Admissions tests Application guarantee by 15 Jan UCAS deadline Student finance opens UCAS Extra opens Students respond to offers Student finance deadline Late UCAS applications accepted Results Clearing Now! Start now! From September onwards Mid September (internal) September **15 October** By October half term November 3 December 15 January 2013 January February May End June August - September

Useful web sites www. ucas. com Detailed advice & guidance about every step of the applicant journey www. ucasconnect. com Latest advice posted on twitter & facebook by UCAs www. ucas. tv Guides & video advice from students already at uni www. thecompleteuniversityguide. co. uk Advice about HE & independent league table www. unistats. com Compare & review universities/subjects www. nus. org. uk National Union of Students www. prospects. ac. uk/ UK’s official graduate careers web site www. yougo. co. uk Student only networking site www. careerpilot. org. uk Post 18 options (future study, employment…) www. apprenticeships. org. uk One stop site for all apprenticeship information

Y 13 enrolment Subject choice confirmation n Form to be completed by Monday 9 July n

Results day n n n Thursday August 16 th from 1 pm GOO 1 in Charnwood Post-16 Atrium at Redland Green School Post 16 team will be around to provide support Passes in 3 AS/BTEC subjects a condition for returning to A 2/BTEC courses Appointment sessions available for post examination advice

Post results support n Friday 17 August – UCAS support ‘drop in’ – 9. 00 am – 3. 00 pm n Wednesday 29 August – Post 16 clinic ‘drop in’ – 1. 30 pm – 3. 00 pm n Thursday 30 August – Post 16 clinic ‘drop in’ – 1. 30 pm – 3. 00 pm Important: Demand for support is high on these days and waiting times could be lengthy!

Start of term n Wednesday 5 September – Year 13 welcome assembly – Collect timetables – 1. 30 pm n Thursday 6 September – All lessons start