Great to see we have pupils applying to The Social Mobility Foundation  (well done Altayib and Alicia B) remember there is still time for others to apply; the programme is brilliant for those wanting to apply to competitive courses in university. 

The Social Mobility Foundation applications for the Social Mobility Foundation’s free Aspiring Professionals Programme are still 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

Reading University has a Scholars Programme with residential:

They run a subject-based programme for Widening Participation students to be involved with a subject area and explore what life might be like at university. This includes day trips to Reading, online guidance and information sessions, as well as a 4 day residential in July. I have attached a pdf of the brochure for LCs to share with you which outlines the subject area offering the programme, and also see here for more information on the website.. Applications will go live at the start of December and close in mid-January.

The In2STEM programme empowers young people to achieve their potential in STEM.

­ The 2024 programme is free and matches Year 12 students from low-income and disadvantaged backgrounds with STEM professionals. The experience provides students with the skills, knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions about their future. 

The programme consists of:

• A one or two week in-person work experience placement
• Online skills, employability and careers workshops
• Public engagement competitions
• Student inductions and celebration events
• A bursary to cover travel and lunch costs

Eligibility Criteria    Student Application Form

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; November’s lectures include: 

The Maths of Sudoku and Latin Squares by Professor Sarah Hart, Tue, 21 Nov 2023

Why 1.5°C Matters Professor Myles Allen, Tue, 21 Nov 2023

Human-led AI Dr Marc Warner, Mon, 27 Nov 2023

Abortion: Law's Ethical Dilemma Professor Leslie Thomas KC, Thu, 30 Nov 2023

Reducing harms after Nuclear, Radiological and Chemical Incidents Professor Chris Whitty FRS Tue, 28 Nov 2023

Iran’s ‘Woman, Life, Freedom’ Movement Dr Shabnam Holliday Wed, 29 Nov 2023

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.

University of South Wales has an interesting online event taking place on Tuesday 21st November, Mark Sedwill, Baron Sedwill of Sherborne is giving a talk about National Security in a Turbulent World. This might be of interest for students who are interested in Politics, History, Sociology, and Law. 

Details:

This Tuesday 21 November

3.30pm - 4.30pm

National Security in a Turbulent World with Mark Sedwill, Baron Sedwill of Sherborne

UK National Security Adviser 2017-2020. He is President of the Special Forces Club, a member of the IISS Advisory Council, a Trustee of the RNLI, an Honorary Colonel in the Royal Marines and an Honorary Doctor of Laws of St Andrews University.. He is also the recipient of several awards and honours for national and international public service.

This is a virtual event.

Book your place here<https://forms.office.com/e/jJrMZ7Txpq>

Newcastle University is working with the Sutton Trust on the Pathways to Medicine and Pathways to Law, two-year programmes offered in partnership with the Sutton Trust. You would complete a work experience placement and summer school and get academic and sector-specific support. You could also receive a conditional offer that's typically up to three grades lower than normal entry requirements.  Use the link here to apply. 

They also have The PARTNERS Academic Summer School (PASS), designed to give you an early introduction to various aspects of Higher Education study and help you to prepare for life at Newcastle University. PASS is taught by undergraduate lecturers in the same subject field that you apply to as your firm choice course. During the event, you will meet some of your undergraduate lecturers, use Newcastle University facilities to complete academic tasks and get to know other students on your course.

Upon completion of PASS, we hope this will mean that you feel more confident in your ability to be successful at Newcastle University and that you'll be more than ready to begin studying at Higher Education level once the first semester begins in the autumn. Find out more here. 

Cardiff University

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

They also have a ‘Questions Live’ session with Dr Margot Rubin who is a Lecturer in Spatial Planning at Cardiff University’s School of Geography and Planning

If you have any questions about studying Geography or Geography and Planning please send them to RubinM@Cardiff.ac.uk and they will answer those questions and any others on the day. 

Details:

6th December at 4pm. 

Zoom link

You can also Sign up to get info on all their upcoming opportunities

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/ 

New events coming up:

• Technology Work Experience Event

Thu 23rd Nov 10:00AM - 1:00PM

Virtual event

Students aged 16-21

• Tax and Consulting Work Experience Day

Tue 5th Dec 10:00AM - 12:30PM

Virtual event

Students aged 16-21

• Professional Services Application Masterclass

Tue 12th Dec 10:00AM - 12:00PM

Virtual event

Year 12 students

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.

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