Skip to content ↓
Main School
Main School

Sixth Form Bulletin

8th April 2024

Year 13 bulletin 

Morning all,

I hope you all had a fantastic Easter break and got to spend some time with your friends and family, relaxing as well as making sure you consolidated your learning ahead of the final term.

Student Finance is open for those of you applying to university and I’ve still included some info about Student Finance and general advice about UCAS.

 

Weekly 

 

Quote of the week:

 

“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.”

Mahatma Gandhi

 

Revision/support:


 

  • Psychology 8:15-8:45 Every Thursday
  • The Maths Department run a support session every Wednesday for A Level Maths and GCSE resit support every single Monday. 
  • Chemistry have both Year 12 and 13 chemistry support sessions every Monday after school.
  • Biology has after school support sessions on Thursdays in H23
  • Digital Technology and Computer Science revision sessions/coursework catch-up will be held on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 2.40 till 3.30 in H03

 

A few general announcements:

 

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 orUse the link here to nominate someone. 
  • Search for free money while you study. Scholarships exclusive to Blackbullion are listed with this company, plus a lot more free scholarships.  The Scholarship Hub is now a Blackbullion company. Sign up here

  • The National Trust has launched the Time + Space Award, offering 16 - 25 year olds the chance of time, space, support and inspiration to unlock their ideas at Sir Isaac Newton’s home in Lincolnshire, where he discovered gravity and the famous apple tree still stands in the garden.  Each award will be up to the equivalent value of £5000, which will be a bespoke package of mentoring, time with experts and extra support and expenses to help winners realise their big idea. These experts include Professor David Olusoga, British space scientist Dame Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock, zoologist, wildlife TV presenter and science communicator Megan McCubbin and TV presenter, social & environmental activist Tayshan Hayden-Smith. Closing date for applications is 30th April 2024.
  • Please make sure you are all signed up to the Exams Google Classroom - this is how you will find out vital information about each exam series, resits, mocks and other details. The classroom code is aj5fjjv
  • The ERIC App https://www.meet-eric.com/ provides opportunities for school leavers to prepare for a career in creative industries. If students download the app they can take part in Careers events e.f there is an upcoming Warner Bros event for apprenticeships in the UK.  Lots of other opportunities for Careers guidance and it's free. 

UCAS

We have submitted all this year’s applications now and almost everyone has at least one offer now - 43 people have all their offers. 

Student Finance

A lot of you are asking about student finance, so here are some links which might help you understand the process better:

UCAS Extra is a free service which opens that allows you to keep applying for higher education courses even if you've already used up your original five choices, as long as you applied through UCAS and are not holding any offers or waiting for a decision on any of your initial five applications; you can also use it if you have changed your mind about what you want to study. 

What’s the difference between Clearing and UCAS Extra…?

The clearing process is from Results Day for those students who don't meet their offer requirements and have no place or change their mind about their course or university at that point. On the other hand, UCAS Extra is for students who got offers but have changed their minds and wish to apply to different universities. There is a link here to a blog with more information about UCAS Extra. 

So in summary, UCAS Extra opened last week and enables you to withdraw your applications and apply to new courses (one at a time). Just be aware that by the time Extra opens, the most high demand courses may already be full. If you think this is something you might want to use, please come and see me for a chat about it. 

Other than that, the next steps now for people holding offers, especially if you have all your offers, are:

If you’re struggling with deciding where to go, remember that it is a nervous time and there's a lot to think about in terms of what happens next? The main thing to be aware of is that you’re in a position of power: the universities will all be hoping you’ll choose them. They’ll be sending you emails, inviting you to visit days, perhaps even sending you a brochure or two in the post. But the reality is that the power now rests with you. You get to choose which offers to accept.

So, how does it all work, and what should you be thinking about as you accept your offers?

The summary is this. You get to accept two offers. One is your Firm choice, and if you get the grades for this choice, your place is guaranteed. The other is your Insurance choice, so if you miss out on your Firm choice, but get the grades for this choice, you’ll be going there instead. Simple? Well yes, but of course there are a few more things to think about. There’s quite a useful blog with some advice here. 

Bursaries

There is a new App ‘Blackbullion’ which tries to ensure students have the best experience when searching and applying to scholarships. If you're ready to start applying for funding, then it is best to sign up for a Blackbullion account. Or, if you just 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. 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. 

Opportunities/Events

Gresham College has a series of lectures by different Professors which are really useful to show your proactive engagement with the subject you’re hoping to study: browse the series they have here: ​​https://www.gresham.ac.uk/whats-on/lecture-series-2023-24 

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,

Universities

Struggling with your Personal Statement; use the support from UCAS

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. Here’s the best place to check dates for Open Days: https://www.opendays.com/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 about things.

Bath University may give a lower offer to students in Wales as a result of their WBQ prediction; read more about their approach to the Welsh Bacc and their alternative offer here. To support students, they are holding a MOOC delivered in partnership with Aberystwyth University  ‘How to succeed in your Welsh Bacc: the Individual Project Essentials’. 

Aberystwyth University has a new Higher Education streaming platform, Aberflix and a range of generous scholarships available.

Cardiff University

Their lecture series is ongoing; https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/community/events 

Work Experience

Please sign up for Uptree here if you didn’t do so last year. And then check out all the opportunities they have: https://schools.uptree.co/opportunities/  

Other current Jobs and placements.


 

  • Lloyds Banking Group: Multiple Apprenticeships, Various Locations. Application deadline: open

Find out more

 

Gain insights into different industries, develop your essential skills and learn how to ace your future applications. Check out their newest course Introduction to the National Cyber Force! If you're after something different you can also check out courses with J.P. Morgan, Arm and ATAC.

Safran Seats GB is proud to announce the launch of its 2024 Apprenticeship recruitment campaign.

This year they have:

13 opportunities across Manufacturing, and Engineering – Level 3 to Level 6

There are three levels of apprenticeships in operation at Safran Seats GB:

• Advanced level apprenticeships that offer a work-based learning programme leading to a BTEC and NVQ level 3.

These qualifications, known as Craft Apprenticeships, are trade skill-based roles to become a CNC machinist.

• Higher Apprenticeships that offer a work-based learning programme leading to a Level 4 qualification: equivalent to a higher education certificate, higher education diploma or a foundation degree.

At the end of this course, you will be able to apply for Manufacturing Engineering roles.

• Degree Apprenticeships designed by industry to bring together the very best in higher and vocational education.

At the end of this course, you will be a qualified Engineer with a full Bachelor's in either Mechanical or Electrical

 

4 opportunities across Health & Safety and Supply Chain/Logistics.

Health & Safety, or Supply Chain/Logistics Apprenticeships - Safran Seats - United Kingdom, Cwmbran - 136240 | Safran (safran-group.com)

• Higher Apprenticeships that offer a work-based learning programme leading to a Level 3 or 4 qualification: equivalent to a higher education certificate.

At the end of this course, you will have completed either a Business Admin L4 or a Supply Chain L3 qualification.

• Degree Apprenticeships designed by industry to bring together the very best in higher and vocational education.

At the end of this course will have full Bachelor's in Supply Chain and Logistics.

 

Depending on the level, that you come into your apprenticeship at will determine your starting point.

If you start on a BTEC L3, your first year will be full time at college from September until July and then you will work onsite and attend college 1 day/week during term time to complete your academic qualification.

If your previous qualifications mean you can start on a Higher Apprenticeship, you will attend college 1 day/week to complete your academic qualification and work onsite 4 days/wk.

 

Successful candidates will ideally have achieved or expect to achieve at least 5 GCSE's - including Math and English - Grade A-C or 4-9, Science and a technology.

Professional services.

Deloitte is one of the largest, leading professional-services firm in the UK. If  you're interested in a career in professional services and looking for an apprenticeship/full time job, apply for Professional Services Application Masterclass
 

Apprenticeships/Degree Apprenticeships

Sgil Cymru is once again thrilled to announce that applications are open for CRIW (Welsh for ‘Crew’), a game-changing 12 month Apprenticeship Programme for 2024, open to those who are keen to work behind-the-scenes on exciting and major film and TV productions – in South Wales. Successful applicants will gain hands-on experience of roles on-set, right here in Wales. This Apprenticeship Programme has been created to reflect the dynamic, flexible nature of freelance work that is the heartbeat of the industry. The CRIW Apprenticeship Scheme is a brilliant way to come into the industry since it shows people how the sector really works, as the apprentices will be moving from production to production, depending on shooting schedules. 

Important dates and how to apply: 

Closing date for applications - Midday, today Monday 8th April ‘24

Recruitment Workshops - w/b Monday 22nd April ‘24

Apprenticeship scheme start date - Tuesday, 28th May ‘24 

 

For more information and to apply, please visit:

https://www.sgilcymru.com/en/job-description-criw-apprentice/

Apprenticeship opportunities with

Philtronics Ltd, Unit 11 Hirwaun Industrial Estate,

Aberdare, Mid Glamorgan CF44 9UP

Fully Funded Apprenticeships with Philtronics (philtronicsltd.co.uk)

 

Electro-Mechanical Assembly Engineering Apprentice – apply as soon as possible.

Our apprentices are always fully funded while working with us.

Network75 students have both their tuition fees and bursary paid for

Aspire Apprentices are paid age-related minimum wage when they start with us from their 2nd year in college.

Building Services Electrical - Level 6 Apprenticeship - Careers | ARUP

Have or expect to achieve:

A Levels Grade C or above including Mathematics and Physical Science (or equivalent)

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. 

UCAS has a lot of information about apprenticeships: https://www.ucas.com/apprenticeships 

Support

For those of you feeling anxious about the UCAS process or anything else, 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 

 

 

 

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

02920 708708

Cookie Policy