The Welsh Government has worked with Young Wales to set up the Keeping safe online youth group to hear directly from young people about the realities of being online. The first project is looking at AI and recent technology developments from a young person’s perspective. Group members will have the opportunity to shape and participate in a national event taking place on Safer Internet Day 2024.

If you are interested, please use the link and get involved: Children in Wales | Keeping Safe Online Youth Group

QFF (qualified for the future) are currently looking for applicants to join their Learner Advisory Group and help co-construct the new suite of GCSEs and related qualifications for 14–19-year-olds to support the Curriculum for Wales.

Their initial focus: the new suite of GCSEs and related qualifications:

• They are going to create 30 new GCSEs, and two other related qualifications, across two phases. You can find a list of all these qualifications here "What qualifications are being reformed?"
• Qualifications Wales has written their Decisions Report and Approval Criteria the new suite of GCSEs.

Responsibilities of members of the Learner Advisory Group

Members of the Learner Advisory Group are central to the development of the qualifications. In this role you will be expected to undertake some or all of the following:

• Give your views on qualification design.
• Contribute from a learner's perspective.  
• Participate in additional discussions around WJEC products e.g. website, social media and learner content.

Why should you take part?

• You will be involved in shaping the future of education in Wales.
• You will use and develop your critical thinking and communications skills.
• You will use and develop your time management skills.
• This is a great opportunity to add in your personal statement and to refer to in your next interviews!
• You’ll receive a £20 Amazon gift voucher.

Am I eligible to apply?

You need to be:

• A learner in Year 9 to Year 13, aged 14-19 from a range of learning programmes.

• A learner with good verbal communication skills and a desire to contribute to discussion.

How do I apply?

Apply to join the Learner Advisory Group

The closing date for applications is Friday, 29 September 2023, 5 pm.

For further information contact diana.molins@wjec.co.uk

There’s a new scheme from National Dance Company Wales. They are opening up rehearsals (in person and online) so that people can actually see the choreographer and dancers in action creating new pieces. People will also get to ask questions at the end. The next in person performance will be at the Dance House, Wales Millennium Centre for 1 hour at 6pm on 1^st November at 6pm. 

 For more information and to book onto the sessions you can go to - ndcwales.co.uk 

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: Island Universes: Discovering Galaxies Beyond the Milky Way by Professor Chris Lintott, will look at how galaxies like our own formed and evolved. Why Music Moves Us  by Professor Milton Mermikides will look at how music elicits joy, sorrow, consolation and the chills.Meet the Cybercriminals Professor Victoria Baines 19 September 2023, 6pm Register Now Ancient Goddesses of Sex and War Professor Ronald Hutton 20 September 2023, 6pm Register Now

Can AI Protect Children Online?Professor Andy Phippen 21 September2023, 6pmRegister NowTheDeath Penalty: A Colonial Relic?Professor Leslie Thomas28 September 2023, 6pm Register Now For other lectures which are at undergraduate level use the link here.

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 an Open Day coming up on the 7th October, use the link here to register. 

Swansea University

They have an Open Day coming up on the 21st October, use the link here to register.

Cardiff University

They have an Open Day coming up on the 21st October, use the link here to register.

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/ 

Army Apprenticeships Opportunities: Check them out  now.

For anyone interested in apprenticeships with the British Army, they have a lot of information about upcoming opportunities or general advice on their website. Have a look, using the link  here. 

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