There is a wide range of careers support available in the Sixth Form.
There are sessions on applying to university and apprenticeships for both students and parents.
In the summer term of year 12 there is a visit to a Higher Education Convention and support and guidance on completing a university application including help with personal statements. There is also support in writing CVs and applying for jobs and apprenticeships.
Throughout the year there are a number of sessions on specific careers such as routes into healthcare, teaching, business, etc. As well as specific university options including studying in Scotland, applying to overseas universities or applying to Oxbridge, medicine, dentistry or veterinary courses.
Up to date information is provided via email, tutors and careers noticeboards on university taster days, open days, gap year opportunities and apprenticeship vacancies. Students are encouraged to attend taster days and open days with a guideline of missing no more than 4 school days to careers events.
Students are encouraged to research their chosen careers carefully. There are a number of useful websites to support students in their research shown below.
In addition, we have a wide range of booklets, leaflets and university prospectus in the careers area of the Sixth Form Work room as well as support from our Student Connections service.
Student Connections
The Student Connections room is based within the Student Services block along with the Heads of College office and the Student Work Room. In Student Connections you will find range of information about further/higher education, local colleges, apprenticeships and training schemes. Computers are available at all times for your use and staff are available to help you make the most of the facilities. Call in for advice and guidance on CV’s/interview techniques/applications or to make an appointment with the impartial Careers Adviser.
Check for notices around the Student Services block for information regarding careers information and events, apprenticeship vacancies, college/university open days and specific information on lifestyle, careers and interesting opportunities.
In addition, there are many useful links on the following area of the school website:
www.alsagerschool.co.uk (Connections)
or you can follow Mrs Casewell on twitter @StudConnAlsager for careers related information
Careers websites
General Advice on Careers
www.brightknowledge.org – This one gives good information about career pathways and subject specific careers e.g sports science, architecture etc
www.getsmaart.com – information, articles and blogs about careers, unis, gap years etc.
Apprenticeships
www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk – lists all apprenticeship vacancies nationally.
www.notgoingtouni.co.uk – advice on apprenticeships, foundation degrees, jobs + gap year.
Courses and applying to university
www.ucas.com – directory of all higher education courses available in the UK and loads of other useful info.
www.unistats.com –compare and review universities and courses using statistics.
www.which.co.uk/university – great for searching for courses by entry requirements
www.push.co.uk – university choice information and a quirky alternative insight into student life.
www.whatuni.com – student articles, advice, information, opendays and uni comparisons.
www.thestudentroom.co.uk – online student community, study help, personal and professional advice and access to student guides.
www.unionview.com – videos of universities showing the buildings, accommodation, students and clips of actual teaching methods.
www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk, http://education.guardian.co.uk and www.timesonline.co.uk/education – league tables to compare universities and subjects.
http://www.inspiringfutures.org.uk/ select ‘students and parents’ then ‘our courses’ under the heading ‘skills development’. Courses for careers that it is hard to get information and advice on e.g. dentistry, working in the city, politics etc
Useful website Addresses
Summer schools
www.suttontrust.com – summer schools to encourage widening participation in universities.
www.headstartcourses.org.uk – courses for any science and maths students to encourage them to consider science, maths or engineering at university.
Student Finance
www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance – apply for your student loans and maintenance grants through this site. Also more info and advice on student finance including a calculator which can help you find out what financial support they are likely to get.
www.slc.co.uk – the student loan company.
www.scholarship-search.org.uk – Allows you to search all universities for available bursaries and scholarships. Also a budget calculator and loan predictor.
www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/students – info on bursaries for healthcare and social work students.
Gap year and volunteering sites
www.worldwidevolunteering.org.uk
Works experience