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Sixth Form Bulletin

Here, you can find a weekly update on what is going at the school from the Head of Sixth Form, Miss L Jones.

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  • 31st March 2025

    Published 31/03/25, by Rob Bruton

    Year 13 bulletin 

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  • 31st March 2025

    Published 31/03/25, by Rob Bruton

    Year 12 bulletin 

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  • 24th March 2025

    Published 24/03/25, by Rob Bruton

    Year 13 bulletin 

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  • 24th March 2025

    Published 24/03/25, by Rob Bruton

    Year 12 bulletin 

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  • 17th March 2025

    Published 17/03/25, by Rob Bruton

    Year 12 bulletin 

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  • 10th march 2025

    Published 10/03/25, by Rob Bruton

    Morning all,

    There are just 10 weeks before the first AS/A Level exams on the 12th May. There are A4 calendars in the 6th Form Office if you want to start getting organised. Let me know if you need any support with revision and make sure you attend any support sessions being run by staff.

     

    Weekly 

     

    Quote of the week:

     

    “The only one who can tell you ‘you can’t win’ is you, and you don’t have to listen.”

         Jessica Ennis

     

    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

    • Geography Wednesday after school - Year 13 Unit 5 independent investigation support. 

    • Skills support is in F12 every Monday

     

    UCAS

     

    UCAS Extra opened just last week, and is an excellent fall back for those who find themselves without an offer of a place, or who have a change of heart over their choices. The same is true of UCAS Clearing, which follows in July.

    This article takes you through the who, how and when of both, so you know exactly how it all works. Read more here. 

     

    In total we have 75 applications, 39 pupils have all their offers and 20 have accepted offers and firmed up their choices.

    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 

     

     

     

    General Notices:

     

    Teacher awards:

     

    Is there a teacher who has inspired you, helped you or supported you? The University of South Wales are accepting nominations for their annual USW Teacher and Adviser Awards - you might want to nominate a member of staff who has inspired you or supported you within your subject or has been additional support in some way throughout the year. Especially those of you who have had a lot of support with coursework, revision or any other aspects of school life. We did have some staff nominated last year and they were thrilled to be recognised. 

    The deadline for nominations is Friday 25 April, and you can view the eligibility criteria here.


     

     

    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:

    • developing knowledge and leadership skills relevant to addressing climate and nature issues

    • engaging in cross-disciplinary learning and activities

    • taking positive action for sustainability

    • building relevant networks

    • being part of a growing community of global sustainability leaders of the future

    • dedicated careers support and the potential to enhance employability.

    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:

    • Currently hold an offer for a University of Reading undergraduate programme in 2025/26

    • Achieve grades AAA or above in your A levels (or equivalent qualification) or AAB for students eligible for a contextualised offer

    • successfully complete the scholarship application process for this scheme.

    Full terms and conditions for the scholarship. 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/  

     

    They have a last minute virtual opportunity available for your students: National Cyber Force, Application Masterclass. The event is next week so you’ll need to apply asap. 

    This opportunity is open to all students across the UK with an interest in the world of cybersecurity of STEM. 

    The National Cyber Force (NCF) is a partnership between GCHQ, Ministry of Defence, Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) and Dstl (Defence Science and Technology Laboratory). By joining this Application Masterclass, you will get insider knowledge and support on how to successfully apply for one of NCF's roles in cyber, technology, project management and more!

    Event details: 

    Date: Tue 11th Mar 

    Time: 10:00AM - 11:30AM

    Location: Online 

    Apply here. 

    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. March’s lectures include:

    Carbon Offsetting: Does It Really Work? Professor Myles Allen Tue, 04 Mar

    Divine Law, Human Prophet: Moses in Hebrew and Greek Professor Melissa Lane Thu, 06 Mar

    Banned Books and Freedom of Expression Professor Rachel Potter Wed, 12 Mar

     

    Universities

    Swansea University’s 2025 Open Days

    The next on-campus event is 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:-

    • Find out about more about courses

    • Speak to staff and current students studying their chosen subjects

    • Take a campus tour of the campus and department facilities

    Book onto an Open Day now

    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:

    • Students who apply to study a Nursing or Midwifery course at the University of South Wales AND receive an invite to interview, will be guaranteed a mock interview with the Schools and Colleges Team. Students will receive an email with a link to book their mock interview online. These are conducted via Microsoft Teams and last no longer than 30 minutes, allowing students the flexibility to participate from a comfortable environment of their choice

    • They also have a guide to applying to healthcare courses: Application Advice - University of South Wales

    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

     

    NATIONAL GRID HIGHER APPRENTICESHIPS – TO START SEPT 2025

    SALARY – APPROX £29,000

    No closing date as yet, so early applications advisable

     

    Electricity Network Planning & Design Higher Apprentice - Withybush/Llanfi Job Details | National Grid

    Location:  Carmarthenshire, SA39 9HT / Haverfordwest, SA62 4EQ

    Electricity Network Planning & Design Higher Apprentice - Ty Coch/Brecon Job Details | National Grid

    Location:  Brecon, LD3 7HW / Gwent, NP44 7EZ

    Electricity Network Planning & Design Higher Apprentice - Cardiff Job Details | National Grid

    Location:  Pontypridd, CF38 1BN / Cardiff, CF3 2EQ / Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 3TD

    Transmission Engineer Higher Apprentice - Swansea Job Details | National Grid – SWANSEA SA5 7LU

    Asset Management Engineer Higher Apprentice - Swansea Job Details | National Grid – SWANSEA SA5 7LU

    Audit Wales are advertising a higher-level Audit Apprenticeship.  They haven’t had many applications so it might be worth 

    AAT Finance Apprentice | Audit Wales

     

    They also have some Summer work placements.  

     

    https://www.audit.wales/jobs/vacancies/work-placements-financial-audit-summer-2025

     

    General Dynamics – closing date currently 31st March – please note closing date may change/may close earlier

    Electrical Maintenance & Facilities - Apprenticeship in Pentrebach, Merthyr Tydfil, United Kingdom

     

     Welsh Water – closing date 10th March

    SOUTH / EAST / WEST WALES
    Apprentice ICA Technician - Haverfordwest, Wales, GB, SA61 1XJ
    Apprentice ICA Technician - Swansea, Wales, GB, SA4 3AB
    Apprentice ICA Technician - Caerleon, Wales, GB, NP18 1PG
    Apprentice Waste Maintenance Technician - Cardiff, Wales, GB, CF64 4TR – Dinas Powys

    Network Rail Apprenticeships - Level 3 Rail Engineering Technician Apprenticeship (England & Wales) - Network Rails Early Careers

    Level 3 Rail Engineering Technician Apprenticeship (England & Wales)

    Locations: Baglan, Cardiff, Hereford, Llandrindod, Llandudno, Machynlleth, Newport, Port Talbot,

    Salary: £19,838

    Start date: November 2025

    MUST BE OVER 18 YEARS OLD

    TO START SEPT 2025

     

    MITIE - Apprentice - Electrical | Mitie – TO START SEPT 2025 -  based at British Airways Maintenance, Cardiff International Airport, Rhoose, CF62 3BD

    ASSOCIATED BRITISH PORTS - Apprentice Mechanical Technician Job Details | ABP – Cardiff

    ASSOCIATED BRITISH PORTS - Engineering Apprentice Job Details | ABP – Newport

     

    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

    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:

     

     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

    Read More

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St Cyres School, Sully Road, Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan, CF64 2XP

02920 708708