3rd February 2025
Year 13
Morning all,
Well done to all that have got their UCAS applications in. 90% of you have applied - a significant increase on last year’s cohort. Those who have applied to university might want to start looking at whether there are Bursaries and/or Scholarships available at the institutes they’ve applied to. It might help when all offers are in and you’re making choices.
Those not applying - please let us know what your aspirations are and whether we can
Weekly
-
‘Ted Talk’ Can AI companions help heal loneliness?
-
‘BBC Ideas’ What does therapy do to your brain?
Quote of the week:
“Mindfulness can help people of any age. That's because we become what we think.”
Goldie Hawn
Key dates and deadline:
-
The Maths Department runs a support session every Wednesday for A Level Maths and GCSE resit support every single Monday.
-
Chemistry runs their support sessions on Thursdays 2:40 - 3:30 pm
-
Design Tech runs support for 6th Form students after school on Wednesdays and Thursdays
-
Skills support is in F12 every Monday
UCAS
73 people have now submitted their UCAS applications, 71 have offers, 22 people have responses from all their choices and there are still some interviews taking place. If anyone wants to put in a late application please come and have a chat so we can look at the viability of that for the courses you want.
The next steps now for people are:
-
Attend Offer-holder days when you get an invite, especially if you’re unsure which of your offers to firm up.
-
Firm up offers when you’re ready - if you need help come and see me
-
From the end of March you will be apply to apply for funding through Student Finance Wales
-
Think about applying for accommodation
-
There’s some advice here regarding what you need to do to prepare for uni
-
Have a look at the virtual work experiences UCAS has on offer
Bursaries/Scholarships
Tynybedw Law Bursary - King's College London Law School is offering The Tynybedw Law Bursary to a selected Welsh student who begins an undergraduate Law degree at King's College London in September 2025. Applications for this bursary are open now to learners in Wales who are in Year 13 and are currently making applications to study Law at university. The cash bursary is worth £8,000 in the first and second years of the recipient's degree, and £9,000 in their final year. |
Reading University has an exciting new undergraduate scholarship scheme focused on creating a community of global sustainability leaders of the future. They will be offering up to 400 scholarships per year (300 in 2025), for high-achieving students. Each scholar will receive £6,000 a year, for up to four years of full-time study on their course (subject to terms and conditions), for maintenance and living costs. They will also receive access to opportunities including:
Winner of The Times and The Sunday Times Sustainable University of the Year 2025, the University of Reading is renowned for world-class research in climate change and its impacts on the environment and society. No matter your background or your subject of interest, they want to enable the next generation to build an environmentally sustainable world to lead positive change. To be considered eligible for the scholarship, you will need to:
Full terms and conditions for the scholarship (PDF - 833KB). Eligible offer holders will be contacted directly by the University with full details of the scheme, and invited to apply for the scholarship. |
The ‘Blackbullion’ App tries to ensure students have the best experience when searching and applying to scholarships. If you want scholarship updates for now, you can sign up to their Scholarships Newsletter. There are no costs associated with ANY aspect of the process - it's all completely free https://www.blackbullion.com/register |
Those of you applying to Russell Group universities may be eligible for a bursary if you check as well as Swansea having some academic excellence bursaries available. I’ve included some of the universities here that I know people have applied to in the past. It’s always worth checking/applying - the worst that can happen is that you don’t get anything - doesn’t hurt to try! There are lots available which are focused on household income, STEM (women especially) and engineering. See me if you need any help applying for these. |
Upcoming Opportunities/Events
UCAS has a CV Builder tool that might be of interest to those of you considering alternatives to university. Access it here. |
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/ Current events include:
|
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. February’s lectures include: Gresham College has a series of lectures by different Professors. February’s lectures include: Trust Issues: When Financial "Experts" Have Other Plans, Professor Raghavendra Rau, Mon, 03 Feb 2025 The Connected Brain: Network and Communication, Professor Alain Goriely FRS, Tue, 04 Feb 2025 Why Does Britain Have a Water and Sewage Crisis? Professor Martin Daunton, Tue, 11 Feb 2025 |
Universities
Swansea University’s Masterclass Series is back. Join their online Masterclass Series, where you can gain valuable insight from experts in your field of interest – all from the comfort of your home.
Each session is presented by their academics and offers the chance to:
Dates: 10 – 13 February
Whether you're planning for university or just curious about your future options, their Masterclass series is a good opportunity to get inspired and informed.
Click here to reserve your place now
2025 Open Days The next on-campus events are Saturday 15 February and Saturday 22 March. These open days are great for both early researchers in year 12, and year 13 students who have submitted their UCAS application but haven’t had a chance to visit us yet or are questioning their choices on their application form. You will have the opportunity to:-
|
Ravensbourne University has an Online Portfolio/Showreel Advice Session coming up. It is an interactive online session providing top tips, structure and project ideas for students developing their portfolio or showreel. There will be opportunities for 1:1 feedback and to see examples of excellence. It’s scheduled for:
|
University of York MOOC - University Interview Support This online course is a brilliant free resource for Year 13 students who might be interested in learning more about university interviews. This free online course covers: preparing for an interview, completing an interview, and how to understand feedback following an interview. Free to access now. |
USW has Open Days coming up. Book here. They also have other opportunities such as Guaranteed Mock Interviews for Nursing and Midwifery:
|
Bath University Apply with Bath 2024 - Applications Open Apply with Bath is a free, flexible online programme for Year 13 students who are thinking of applying to Bath. Apply with Bath provides support with applying to university and includes the opportunity to hear from current Bath students as well as help with your UCAS application, including 1:1 personal statement support sessions. It will provide you with a wealth of resources and support on relevant topics such as personal statements, accommodation, student finance and student life. The flexible nature of this programme means you can choose the parts which are most useful. Who is eligible? Apply with Bath is aimed at academically-able Year 13 students who meet their Widening Participation criteria and are planning to apply to study at the University of Bath from 2025. To be considered for a place you will need to:
Find out more and apply here |
UCL UCL Study Prep (Access now) UCL Study Prep helps students in Year 13 to prepare for university. This course is free and open to all students in Year 13, regardless of where you go to school or college or which universities you have applied to study at. |
Bristol UWE also has upcoming Open Days. Book here. |
Apprenticeships/Degree Apprenticeships
Amazing Apprenticeships The January edition of the Higher & Degree vacancy listing has now launched. Explore 2,400 Higher and Degree apprenticeship vacancies |
Hays Travel have new apprenticeship opportunities available. Hays Travel offers retail apprenticeships that provide invaluable hands-on experience, a chance to earn while you learn, and the potential for long-term career development within the travel industry. These sessions will give an insight into the various apprenticeship roles and the skills required. Details of their next Discovery Sessions:
During these sessions, attendees will hear from our experienced team members, who will share their knowledge about the apprenticeships on offer and answer any questions. We believe these sessions will be highly beneficial for students considering their career options and looking for a rewarding pathway into the travel industry. We would be extremely grateful if you could share this invitation with your students and their parents/carers, encouraging them to take part in this exciting opportunity if it’s something they’re interested in! If they’re looking to apply, please use the link below: To register for one of these events, please click on the following link: Apprentice 2025 Discovery Events
|
SOUTH WALES POLICE STAFF APPRENTICESHIPS 2025 SALARY £24,309.00 CLOSING DATE: 28th February SHORTLISTING week commencing 31st March. INTERVIEWS either week commencing 28th April or week commencing 5th May. TO START SEPTEMBER 2025
Here are the links to all the 2025/2026 Apprenticeships: Good standard of education to at least GCSE A-C Level, including Maths and English Must be prepared to work towards a qualification in a relevant subject e.g. Level 3
Leadership and Talent Support - Apprentice - Police Jobs Wales - Bridgend
Digital Forensics Apprentice - Police Jobs Wales – Cardiff Gate
ICT Apprentice - Police Jobs Wales - Bridgend
Learning and Support Unit - Apprentice - Police Jobs Wales - Bridgend
Operational Support Services - Apprentice - Police Jobs Wales - Bridgend |
Students who are interested in Technology. Elevate your applications - advice from Accenturev. Wednesday 02 February 18:00-19:00 Apply here Deloitte Insight Evening. Tuesday 04 February 18:00-19:00. Apply here |
Morgan Sindall Degree Apprenticeships and summer placements are now live and Year 13 students can apply for them.
|
Bristol: Lloyds Banking Group, Work Experience Day- 4 Apr This event is for students who are interested in exploring a future with Lloyds Banking Group and learning more about the wide range of job roles they have to offer. Apply to this event to see how Lloyds Banking Group encourages young people to develop transferable skills allowing them to access a range of opportunities at their company. |
EDF are open for applications, if you're interested in: Nuclear Engineering, Cyber degree apprenticeships, Countryside Ranger and Worker roles, Chemistry degree apprenticeships, Associate Project Management, HR and Construction roles, plus many more |
Those of you interested in apprenticeship, could sign up for the Apprenticeship Vacancies newsletter designed to make it easier for students to find out about relevant apprenticeship opportunities. Sign up to this new free mailing list and they’ll keep you updated with a variety of roles from a wide range of brilliant apprenticeship employers.Sign up here |
Amazing Apprenticeships have a ‘Student Zone’ with information that might be of interest. |
RENISHAW APPRENTICESHIPS 2025 NOW OPEN Renishaw Employer Profile - Early Talent Academy https://earlytalentacademy.co.uk/apprenticeship-employers/renishaw/#viewjobs |
BAE SYSTEMS - GLASCOED - APPRENTICESHIPS 2025 NOW OPEN – closing date currently 28th Feb – Early application is advisable as may close early. BAE SYSTEMS, GLASCOED – APPRENTICESHIPS Advanced Apprentice Electrical Maintenance Technician Advanced Apprentice Business Administration Advanced Apprentice Quality Technician Advanced Apprentice Non-Destructive Examination Advanced Apprentice Safety, Health and Environment Advanced Apprentice Civil Engineering Technical Advanced Apprentice Mechanical Maintenance Technician Higher Apprentice Procurement and Supply Higher Apprentice Project Management and Control Degree Apprentice Design Engineering Degree Apprentice Ordnance Munitions and Explosives Engineering
|
Information from Careers Wales: https://careerswales.gov.wales/apprenticeships/employers-who-offer-apprenticeships
|
Network 75 is a combined work placement and part-time study route to a degree allowing students to Work, Earn and Learn. Read more about it here. |
Support
For those of you feeling anxious about the return to school, as always, we are always available to help. If you feel you need more support here are some useful links:
There are also some useful techniques here for those experiencing feelings of anxiety:
-
Breathing techniques to calm anxiety Visit now
-
Yoga for Anxiety Visit now
Remember it is important that you keep an eye on your emails and our Twitter feed (@stcyres6th). I send out links and tweets regularly so there is a lot of information available, you just need to access it and let me know if there are any problems with you doing that.
As always, if there are any issues, get in touch; we’re here to support you.
Take care,
Ms Jones