There’s a fantastic opportunity with the organisation tutor2u who are offering a new Free Online Course for all Sixth Form students. The course includes a mix of videos, engaging activities and resource downloads and covers:

• An overview of the options for students beyond their time in sixth form
• Finding out more – suggested research links
• Advice on how to make strong applications to higher education institutions
• How to complete an effective personal statement
• Specialist higher education applications (including Oxbridge, medicine etc)
• All about apprenticeships
• Gap years
• Student finances – a practical guide

Use the link here to register: Studentshttps://ondemand.tutor2u.net/students/beyond-sixth-form-skills-booster

To begin the preparation for university, you could have a look at when university Open Days are happening this half-term. Use the link here to check: https://www.opendays.com/calendar/ 

Student Volunteers needed for:

The Forget-me-not Chorus

The ‘Forget-me-not Chorus’ involves community sessions for people living with and alongside dementia in Penarth. It’s a great opportunity to support a good cause and add to your extracurricular activities, especially if you are considering any type of healthcare route in the future. Their Cardiff South & Vale sessions run on Thursday evenings, 6:30pm-8:30pm at Elfed Avenue Church, Penarth CF64 3LX. If you want to find out more use the link here and please come and see me if you’re interested.

Speakers for Schools has a range of work experience opportunities, just be aware some are aimed at students in England - especially the Healthcare ones which relate to NHS England. Use the link here to see whether there’s anything relevant to you. 

Gresham College has a series of lectures by different Professors; September’s lectures include: 

The Big Brain: Size and Intelligence by Professor Alain Goriely, Tue, 17 Sep 2024 • Watch Online

What is Modern Paganism? By Professor Ronald Hutton, Wed, 18 Sep 2024 • Watch Online

Human Rights Law: Bringing Power to the Powerless by Prof Clive Stafford Smith, Thu, 19 Sep 2024 • Watch Online

The Ancient History of Computers and Code by Professor Victoria Baines, Tue, 24 Sep 2024 • Watch Online

Singing the Laws: Ancient Greek Lawgivers in History and Legend by Professor Melissa Lane, Thu, 26 Sep 2024 - Watch Online 

General advice

Discover Uni is a government-funded facility which has data on nearly every university and their courses. You can find the entry data of students who joined a degree course and the percentage of those students who entered with particular grades - if you have the same grades then your chances are higher than if you have lower grades.try the website here: Discover Uni. 

Many universities have got upcoming Open Days so make sure you have a look at the places you think you may want to study at. I’ve just put the links for our most popular destinations’ Open Days below as well as the Open Days calendar. 

To make sure you understand the grades you might need for courses you’re interested in and confirm entry requirements please use the following website: https://www.whatuni.com/ Ask your LC to look at courses with you if you’re not sure whether you might need specific subjects/grades for a course you are considering.

Cardiff Metropolitan

They have Open Days coming up on the 12th October and 9th November, use the link here to register. 

Swansea University

They have Open Days coming up on the 19th October and the 9th November, use the link here to register.

Cardiff University

They have an Open Day coming up on the 19th October, use the link here to register.

Bristol University’s Access to Bristol Scheme (Apply now)

The Access to Bristol scheme is for local students (this includes South Wales) taking A-levels, BTECs, Access to HE courses or equivalents. It is a unique way to experience what studying at the University of Bristol as a local student might be like, and offers a chance to discover more about a subject you are interested in from current university students and academic staff. Successful completers of the scheme will be guaranteed a contextual offer/interview from Bristol. Applications close on Sunday 6 October. 

Nottingham University 

Ambition Nottingham Programme (Apply now) 

Ambition Nottingham is a free two-year scheme for all Year 12 students from anywhere in the UK. The programme offers support and guidance to students through a variety of online sessions. Nottingham also offers the opportunity to attend their Open Days as a VIP with extra activities and support. In addition to this advice and guidance, some participants who meet additional criteria could also be eligible for additional benefits should they apply to the University of Nottingham, such as an enhanced contextual offer. Applications are open until 1st December 2024.

You might also want to check out the advice given on the ‘Better uni choices’ site which has some helpful tips on how to get the best out of attending Open Days. 

Aspire is a collection of free careers, university and further education resources. It is designed to give state-educated students the tools and knowledge they need to make more informed decisions about their future. Their ‘guide’ is a free resource, full of information and guidance, designed to inform you and help you navigate the range of careers and further education out there. Access the online version of the Guide, alongside other resources, on the Aspire website

Please sign up for Uptree here and then check out all the opportunities they have: https://schools.uptree.co/opportunities/  and also the different events they have on offer https://schools.uptree.co/events/ 

Network 75 

PwC has more information for potential accountants, business management or technology students interested in degree apprenticeships with them. Use the link  here to find out more