The applications for the  Pathway to Bath programme are open now! This award-winning blended curriculum enrichment programme for Year 12 students from Widening participation backgrounds offers students: 

• The opportunity to complete a project in a subject of their choice alongside academic tutors and undergraduate e-mentors 
• The opportunity to apply to a free 3 day residential at the University of Bath
•  The chance to receive a guaranteed offer to the University of Bath 

You can apply via the website now and the deadline is 31^st January 2024. 

 Please note that eligibility criteria apply which includes Free School Meals and Index of Multiple deprivation – the Polar postcode profile is not included in the criteria. For more information please click here.

If you don’t meet their widening participation criteria, please look at Ask Bath, which enables students to connect with current university undergraduates who are trained E-Mentors and exchange 1:1 chat message via the partner Brightside’s secure platform.  The service is available at any time, simply by downloading the Brightside App onto your laptop, tablet or phone.  

Please follow this link to a short video:  Ask Bath (vimeo.com)

A number of St Cyres students have used this pathway over the years as a way to guarantee an offer - it’s definitely worth doing.

Gresham College has a series of lectures by different Professors; October’s lectures include: Astronomy and the Forging of Mathematical Communities by Dr Laure Miolo, which looks at how astronomical practices have been shaped through the activity of a group of 14th century Oxonian scholars. 

Brain Computer Interfaces, Professor Victoria Baines Tue, 24 Oct which asks; what are the implications of having new hardware in our heads?

The Marvels of the Solar System by Professor Chris Lintott, Wed, 25 Oct. which looks at the remarkable diversity of landscapes, from the frozen deserts of Mars, which to the hellish surface of Venus 

For anyone considering taking on a Christmas job, Careers Wales have collated some opportunities: Christmas seasonal jobs | Careers Wales (gov.wales). 

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/ 

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. 

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 and Vale University Health Board has an amazing opportunity for 15 pupils to be a part of their half day Pharmacy 'Taster Session' on 7^th November 2023 at Llandough Pharmacy Department. This opportunity would be ideally suited for a student who is interested in pursuing a career in Pharmacy, specifically:-

• A Level students with 4 GCSEs including Maths, English and Science who have an interest in careers which are based in science/healthcare /pharmacy 

For further details on the session plan, along with the learning aims and objectives - please see the document 'Taster Session Plan - Pharmacy'. If you are interested in being a part of this exciting opportunity, please complete and an application via the following link:-https://forms.office.com/e/bg0Vdqw3nc  

The Social Mobility Foundation will be coming in to talk to you about their programme in the next few weeks but before then you can familiarise yourself with the programme and think about any questions you may have for them when they come in. 

Applications for the Social Mobility Foundation’s free Aspiring Professionals Programme are now open for 2024. Please be aware there are eligibility criteria in terms of pupils’ demographic and academic (grade) profile. Check whether you meet the eligibility criteria details here. 

Aspiring Professionals Programme (APP)

The APP supports high achieving Year 12 students from low income backgrounds across the UK to access top universities and careers. We offer support through our four pillars:

1. Mentoring by a professional
2. Tailored skills sessions and career workshops
3. University application support and guidance
4. Internships with top employers

How students receive our four pillars of support is dependent on where they live. Please see below for further details of the programmes they offer.

You must apply by 12 noon, Friday 15th December 2023 by completing the application form here.

Application form and resources

Click the links below to access information and resources.

Application Form

Watch their video to hear from SMF students

Swansea University

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

Cardiff University

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

Cardiff University and The Sutton Trust have some upcoming opportunities:

Pathways to Law

Their Pathways to Law programme is in partnership with the Sutton Trust, a social mobility charity which offers students the opportunity to complete work experience with law firms, take part in academic workshops with academics at Cardiff University Law School, visit Cardiff University, take part in the Pathways to Law National Conference and lots more! Read the eligibility criteria and apply here. 

Pathways to Engineering

In addition to Pathways to Law, they also offer a Pathways to Engineering programme.

Over the course of the programme participants will get the opportunity to experience teaching from Cardiff University’s School of Engineering and meet current students. Student’s will gain an insight into university life with interactive sessions on topics like student finance, societies and exploring the campus. Industry professionals and companies will offer students an insight into the world of engineering through panels and the chance to apply for work experience. Apply here. 

Applications for both programmes will close next Friday 27th October

The Sutton Trust also has a range of excellent online courses for students interested in Banking & Finance,  Consulting (business and project management), Law, or Veterinary Medicine?  They have places available on their fully virtual programmes (Pathways to Banking & Finance, Pathways to Consulting, Pathways to Law, and Pathways to Veterinary Medicine). 

What are the Pathways Online programmes?

Unlike their in-person programmes which are restricted by proximity to partner universities, their virtual programmes can be applied to from anywhere in the UK. So if you are interested in their programmes but don't have any on offer nearby, these still have available spaces. Use the links below to find out more:

Veterinary Science

Consulting

Banking and Finance 

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 is a combined work placement and part-time study route to a degree allowing students to Work, Earn and Learn. Network75 Trainees are able to apply their academic knowledge to real-life work within their host company gaining the necessary skills, experience and qualifications that are highly sought after by industry. 

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