Future Choices - A Parent's Guide

FUTURE CHOICES HOW SHOULD MY SON PREPARE FOR HIS FUTURE? A PARENT’S GUIDE

The time between now and finishing university is a crucial period for your son in planning and preparing for the future, including making informed decisions about subject choices, developing knowledge beyond what he’s studying in class and gaining experience for his CV.

PREPARING FOR THE NEXT STEP This guide is designed to advise you on how your son should prepare for his time beyond Hampton.

In thinking about the future, he may wish to consider and find out about: • University

• Gap years

• Degree apprenticeships

• Other ways to develop his skills

• Studying abroad (for instance in the US) • Careers and relevant work experience

• Volunteering opportunities

The Hampton Careers and UCAS Team are happy to assist, so do encourage your son to contact us if he needs guidance.

The UCAS Meeting Room (next to Chemistry lab C2) is staffed during the first half of every lunch time, or he can e-mail us on UCAS@hamptonschool.org.uk or individually: • Mr A Wilkinson (Assistant Head) A.wilkinson@hamptonschool.org.uk

• Miss L Teunissen (Careers, work experience, degree apprenticeships) L.teunissen@hamptonschool.org.uk • Mr D Schofield (Oxbridge) D.schofield@hamptonschool.org.uk • Mr A Doyle (US applications) A.doyle@hamptonschool.org.uk

It is not enough to have good grades, to be successful in the future your son must be proactive about building up knowledge, skills and experience alongside his studies: SUCCESS = QUALIFICATIONS + SKILLS + EXPERIENCE + CONTACTS

INTRODUCTION I 01

CONTENTS 04 RESEARCH

06 DEVELOPING SUBJECT KNOWLEDGE 08 WORK EXPERIENCE AND CV BUILDING 09 UNIVERSITY OPEN DAYS, TASTER COURSES

AND SUMMER SCHOOLS 10 VOLUNTEERING 11 COMPETITIONS AND ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS 12 PAID FOR COURSES 13 OTHER POSSIBILITIES

HOW TO USE UNIFROG Much of what we suggest will require use of Unifrog. As a parent, you can log in to Unifrog by going to

www.unifrog.org/code and using the code ‘hamptonparents’.

You will need to fill in the various details, such as your name, a

memorable password, etc., but will only need the code the first time,

as you will use your username and password after that.

If your son has forgotten his account

details, he should go to www.unifrog. org/sign-in and click on ‘Forgotten

your password’ to reset his password.

02 I HOW TO USE UNIFROG

WHAT SHOULD MY SON BE DOING NOW TO PREPARE FOR THE FUTURE?

W H AT S H O U D M Y S O N B E D O I N G ? I 0 3

1

RESEARCH First and foremost, in order to gain a better understanding of the courses

he might like to study, the careers he may be interested in and the different

Here are a few examples of guides and websites which your son may find particularly helpful in his research: SUBJECT CHOICES AND UNIVERSITY APPLICATIONS www.unifrog.org/student/subjects

options open to him, your son needs to complete some research. His

www.ucas.com/undergraduate/what-and-where-study/ucas-undergraduate-what-study

research will help him understand what the potential choices he might

www.unifrog.org/student/know-how/uk-universities/strategies-for-success-uk-university-applications

make involve and ensure that he is well-informed about his options.

www.unifrog.org/student/know-how/uk-universities/ucas-timeline

On Unifrog, he can research subjects here: www.unifrog.org/student/sub-

www.unifrog.org/student/know-how/uk-universities/how-to-fill-in-the-uk-ucas-form-a-step-by-step-guide

jects and careers here: www.unifrog.org/student/careers and sign up for

www.unifrog.org/student/know-how/uk-universities/writing-like-a-boss-the-personal-statement

webinars here: www.unifrog.org/student/webinars.

www.unifrog.org/student/know-how/uk-universities/what-happens-after-submitting-your-ucas-application

There are also various useful guides on different topics in the Know-how

www.unifrog.org/student/know-how/uk-universities/how-to-choose-your-uk-firm-and-insurance

library here: www.unifrog.org/student/know-how.

www.unifrog.org/student/universities/start

04 I RESEARCH

US APPLICATIONS

CAREERS AND WORK EXPERIENCE

www.unifrog.org/student/know-how/us-universities/the-us-vs-the-uk

www.unifrog.org/student/know-how/useful-stuff/how-to-decide-on-a-career-path-6-tips

www.unifrog.org/student/know-how/us-universities/study-in-the-us-how-to-determine-your-fit

www.unifrog.org/student/careers

www.unifrog.org/student/know-how/us-universities/us-applications-timeline-for-uk-students www.unifrog.org/student/know-how/us-universities/us-applications-platforms

www.unifrog.org/student/know-how/uk-universities/uk-university-degrees-and-careers-how-theyare-linked

www.unifrog.org/student/usa/start

www.ucas.com/further-education/find-career-ideas www.successatschool.org/careerzones

OXBRIDGE

www.successatschool.org/advice/how-to-become www.morrisby.com/CourseAndSubjectSearch

www.unifrog.org/student/know-how/oxbridge/whats-different-about-oxbridge

www.unifrog.org/student/know-how/world-of-work/a-guide-to-work-experience

www.unifrog.org/student/know-how/oxbridge/oxbridge-mythbusters

www.unifrog.org/student/know-how/world-of-work/how-to-get-an-internship

www.unifrog.org/student/know-how/uk-universities/navigating-oxbridges-attitude-to-extracurricular-activities

www.hamptonschool.fireflycloud.net/careers-5/work-experience-guidance

www.unifrog.org/student/know-how/uk-universities/oxbridge-personal-statement www.unifrog.org/student/know-how/oxbridge/oxbridge-admissions-tests

GAP YEARS

www.unifrog.org/student/know-how/oxbridge/how-to-ace-your-oxbridge-interview

www.unifrog.org/student/know-how/uk-universities/uk-deferred-entry-pros-and-cons

www.unifrog.org/student/oxbridge/start

www.unifrog.org/student/know-how/useful-stuff/gap-years www.ucas.com/alternatives/gap-year/gap-years-ideas-and-things-think-about

DEGREE APPRENTICESHIPS www.unifrog.org/student/know-how/uk-apprenticeships/degree-apprenticeships-explained www.unifrog.org/student/know-how/uk-apprenticeships/university-vs-apprenticeship www.unifrog.org/student/know-how/uk-apprenticeships/how-to-apply-for-an-apprenticeship www.hamptonschool.fireflycloud.net/careers-5/degree-apprenticeships

www.ucas.com/undergraduate/applying-university/when-apply/deferred-entry www.successatschool.org/advice/gap-years www.gapyear.com/ www.realgap.co.uk/ www.bestgapyear.co.uk/

www.springpod.co.uk/degree-apprenticeships/ www.ucas.com/alternatives/apprenticeships/apprenticeships-england/what-apprenticeships-are-available/degree-apprenticeships www.ucas.com/understanding-apprenticeships/what-types-of-apprenticeships-are-there/degree-apprenticeships www.unifrog.org/student/apprenticeships/start

RESEARCH I 05

2

DEVELOPING SUBJECT KNOWLEDGE Your son’s teachers probably frequently tell him to read around the syllabus, and, if he intends to go to university, developing insights beyond what he is learning in class is vital to demonstrate interest and knowledge in the subject he wishes to study.

This guide provides a helpful overview of ways in which your son can develop his knowledge and understanding: www.unifrog.org/student/know-how/uk-universities/what-does-wider-reading-mean.

Here are some suggested ways to develop his subject knowledge beyond the syllabus:

MOOCS

JOURNALS

MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) are a great way

Journals are intellectually rigorous publications and reading journal articles is a great way to follow current developments in the

to develop interest and additional understanding beyond

subject areas which interest your son, which he can then discuss on his personal statement and at interview. Hampton has

the syllabus for the subject your son wants to study at

subscriptions to a variety of online journals and the School Library staff will be happy to your son identify and search those relevant

university and are all academically rigorous because they

to him. The journals include:

are developed by universities.

You can find out more about them here: www.unifrog. org/student/know-how/useful-stuff/what-are-moocs-andwhy-should-you-take-one . Lots of boys complete them

• The Economist (Username: digital@hamptonschool.org.uk Password: economist)

• English and Media Centre Magazine (Username: hamptonschool Password: hampton) www.englishandmedia.co.uk/e-magazine/emag-login

and then discuss them on their personal statement/at

• Grove Music Online (Username: hamptonschool

interview. Your son can select which MOOCs to complete

• History Today (Username: HSLibrarian

on Unifrog here: www.unifrog.org/student/moocs/start

06 I DEVELOPING SUBJECT KNOWLEDGE

www.economist.com

Password: oxfordonline)

Password: history123)

www.oxfordmusiconline.com

www.historytoday.com/user/login

• JSTOR (Username: hamptonschool* Password: library) www.jstor.org/ • New Scientist (Username: digital@hamptonschool.org.uk Password: Hampton15) www.newscientist.com

LECTURES AND PODCASTS Watching lectures and listening to podcasts on topics related to his subject area is another excellent way for your son to develop his subject knowledge. He can attend lectures at local universities, but many are also available online, for instance: • Massolit www.massolit.io/ (Username : massolit@hamptonschool.org.uk Password: HamptonMASSOLIT!)

• Imperial College www.imperial.ac.uk/be-inspired/social-and-multimedia/lectures-online/ • Oxford University www.podcasts.ox.ac.uk/ • Gresham College www.gresham.ac.uk/ • Yale University www.oyc.yale.edu/courses

EXTRA READING Each department has its own reading list, so your son should ask his subject teachers or the Head of Department for a copy, or for their book recommendations. A general reading list can be found on Firefly here: www.hamptonschool. fireflycloud.net/library/book-lists/sixth-form-reading-list. The school also has subscriptions to some useful academic book collections: • Connell guides for English and History (Username: HamptonSchool Password: Hampton123): www.connellguides.com/

• Cambridge Core Companions (Username: user@hamptonschool.org.uk

Password: HamptonSchool1557): www.cambridge.org/core/what-we-publish/collections/ cambridge-companions

I N T RR OEDSUECATRI O CN H I 05 1

3

WORK EXPERIENCE AND CV BUILDING Work experience is extremely useful, both in terms of providng your son with an insight into different careers and building his CV; he is much more likely to get a job if he has relevant work experience.

Here is a useful introductory guide: www.unifrog.

FINDING (VIRTUAL) WORK EXPERIENCE OPPORTUNITIES:

the skills (competencies) he has developed here: www.unifrog.

to-work-experience and there is information on

Here are some potential places for your son to look for work

material to utilise. Here is some useful guidance for ensuring

org/student/know-how/world-of-work/a-guide-

Firefly here: www.hamptonschool.fireflycloud.net/ careers-5/work-experience-guidance/opportunities-for-work-experience

Your son can seek work experience by applying to existing schemes, by utilising contacts and/or by approaching local businesses and companies. Due to Covid 19, many companies are now offering virtual work experience, which is designed to give participants specific relevant tasks to complete and often allows them to gain a certificate on completion.

Some companies will require applicants to apply for work experience by sending a CV and letter of application, whilst others will have their own online forms for applicants to complete. Work experience schemes take place at different times and have different opening and closing dates for applications, so your son should keep looking throughout the year.

experience opportunities: • www.unifrog.org/student/opportunity/start (Once your son has selected which country he’s from, the tool asks which country he is interested in; to find all the virtual work experience opportunities, select ‘Online/ Worldwide’) • www.springpod.co.uk/find-work-experience/ • www.theforage.com/

• www.speakersforschools.org/experience-2/

• www.hamptonschool.fireflycloud.net/careers/work-experience-guidance/opportunities-for-work-experience

• www.in2scienceuk.org/students/apply/

here: www.unifrog.org/student/activities to offer him different your son’s CV is as effective as possible: • www.unifrog.org/student/know-how/keywords/acing-your-cv

OTHER ASPECTS OF WORK EXPERIENCE APPLICATIONS: When applying for work experience, your son may be required to complete a cover letter or fill in an application form. Often employers will be looking for what are called competencies, which are essentially transferable skills such as communication and teamwork. Find out more about aspects which might be required when applying and/or interviewing for work

CV WRITING AND LINKEDIN:

experience here:

To apply for work experience and jobs your son will usually need

• www.unifrog.org/student/know-how/world-of-work/

a CV (curriculum vitae), which is a summary of his qualifications, skills and experiences. He can complete (and keep updating) his CV on Unifrog here: www.unifrog.org/student/cv. He will need to amend his CV or application depending on the position or work experience he is applying for, so it is useful to keep a record of

08 I WORK EXPERIENCE AND CV BUILDING

org/student/competencies and the activities he has completed

how-to-write-a-speculative-application

• www.unifrog.org/student/know-how/world-of-work/how-towrite-a-winning-cover-letter

• www.unifrog.org/student/know-how/useful-stuff/competencies-what-are-they-and-why-do-they-matter

4

UNIVERSITY OPEN DAYS, TASTER COURSES & SUMMER SCHOOLS University open days provide a great opportunity to look around and gain an insight into university life.

They usually include a tour and departmental talks.

Your son is allowed two days off School in the summer term of the Lower Sixth and two in the

Taster courses and summer schools are designed to give participants a flavour of university life

autumn term of the Upper Sixth to attend open days, plus an additional day for Oxbridge open

through lectures, seminars or workshops on particular subject areas and allow boys to experience

days, although many university open days are deliberately scheduled on weekends. Due to

the university campus and facilities first-hand in a less contrived setting than an open day. They

COVID-19, many universities have been offering, and may continue to offer, virtual open days.

are useful in helping your son decide whether he is interested in a particular subject and/or

In contrast to open days, taster days/courses can be a few hours, a day, a weekend or even a

university, and can be mentioned on his personal statement.

week and should be completed in School holidays.

Your son can find some taster courses and summer schools on the Special Opportunities Tool on Unifrog here: www.unifrog.org/student/opportunity/subjects and here are some other useful resources on open days and taster courses: www.ucas.com/undergraduate/what-and-where-study/events-and-open-days

www.ucas.com/events/exploring-university/learn-about-uni-taster-course

www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/open-days

www.unitasterdays.com/

www.opendays.com/calendar/

www.unifrog.org/student/know-how/uk-universities/summer-schools

www.unifrog.org/student/know-how/uk-universities/uk-uni-open-days

www.london.ac.uk/ways-study/study-campus-london/university-taster-courses

www.unifrog.org/student/know-how/uk-universities/uk-university-open-day-checklist

www.lse.ac.uk/study-at-lse/meet-visit-and-discover-LSE/visit-lse/taster-courses

U N I V E R S I T Y O P E N D AY S , TA S T E R C O U R S E S & S U M M E R S C H O O L S I 0 9

5

VOLUNTEERING Volunteering is an excellent way to develop useful transferable skills such as communication and time-management.

As well as being highly personally rewarding, volunteering is also useful to include on a CV, and can also be directly relevant to the career your son intends to pursue in the future. For instance, many

boys wishing to study Medicine volunteer in hospitals or other healthcare settings. There are many opportunities to volunteer in charities, local and national organisations; here are some suggested resources to get your son started on:

www.unifrog.org/student/know-how/keywords/volunteering-why-it-matters-and-how-to-start www.ucas.com/alternatives/internships/internships-and-volunteering

www.targetcareers.co.uk/careers-advice/skills-and-experience/894117-volunteering-for-teens www.iwill.org.uk/young-people/opportunities-for-young-people

www.volunteeringkingston.org.uk/volunteers/youth-volunteering/ www.sja.org.uk/get-involved/young-people/cadets-ages-10-17/

www.royalfreecharity.org/get-involved/volunteering/young-volunteers-programme/ www.redcross.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer/work-experience-for-young-people www.ageuk.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer/telephone-befriender/

www.shootingstar.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer/young-volunteers/

10 I VOLUNTEERING

6

COMPETITIONS AND ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS Gaining additional qualifications and entering competitions, even if your son does not win, shows interest in particular areas and allows him to develop his knowledge and skills. If he does win, or is a runner up, it is clearly an impressive achievement to put on a CV or application.

This article on Unifrog provides you with information about potential competitions your son may wish to enter: www.unifrog.org/student/know-how/world-of-work/enhance-your-job-application-with-certificates-and-awards Your son can search for competitions on the Special Opportunities tool here: www.unifrog.org/student/opportunity/subjects

Here are some examples of competitions your son may wish to enter and extra qualifications he may wish to gain:

ARTS AND HUMANITIES:

SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY:

www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/applying-to-oxford/teachers/academic-competitions-schools-and-colleges

www.pet.cam.ac.uk/essay-prizes

www.trin.cam.ac.uk/undergraduate/essay-prizes/

www.robinson.cam.ac.uk/prospective-students/essay-prize

www.pet.cam.ac.uk/essay-prizes dukeseducation.com/essay-prize/ www.robinson.cam.ac.uk/prospective-students/essay-prize www.nchlondon.ac.uk/essay/ www.johnlockeinstitute.com/register-your-interest-for-2021 www.girton.cam.ac.uk/lawrence-room www.libraeducation.co.uk/essay-prize

www.dukeseducation.com/essay-prize/ www.oxsci.org/schools/ www.libraeducation.co.uk/essay-prize

www.ciwem.org/awards/uk-junior-water-prize

www.competition.thebigbangfair.co.uk/get-started/starting-your-project/ www.makethefuture.shell/en-gb/shell-eco-marathon www.crestawards.org/ www.idea.org.uk/

C O M P E T I T I O N S A N D A D D I T I O N A L Q U A L I F I C AT I O N S I 1 1

PAID FOR COURSES

There are various companies which charge for courses to give participants insight into particular subjects or careers. Your son should not feel in any way pressured to complete these, as there are plenty of extremely valuable things he can do without paying. Some Hamptonians do, however, take up opportunities offered by companies such as InvestIN, and find them useful.

INVESTIN

MEDIC MENTOR

MINDS UNDERGROUND

InvestIN is a company which offers work

Medic Mentor offer a company who offer

Minds Underground aims to push the

experience courses and internships in

courses and summer schools for aspiring

educational frontier by boosting potential

a wide range of careers. Hampton is

doctors, dentists and vets. As the name

and inspiring intellectual curiosity beyond

a partner school, and Hamptonians are

suggests, they aim to mentor young

the core curriculum. They offer a range

therefore eligible for a discount (please

people through the process, and also offer

of opportunities, including: paid-for work

use the code Hampton10 when booking

other opportunities. For example, boys

experience, summer schools, mentoring

a course). Further information about the

can join the Medical Society and take part

and competitions. You can find out more

InvestIN programmes is available here:

in their awards programme. You can find

here: www.mindsunderground.com/

www.investin.org/collections/all

out more here: www.medicmentor.co.uk/

1 2 I PA I D F O R C O U R S E S

7 PREMED PROJECTS

Premed Projects offers work experience in hospitals for aspiring doctors, nurses, midwives and dentists, and also offer

courses on different aspects of medical applications, such as interviews.

You can find out more here:

www.premedprojects.co.uk/

,

OTHER POSSIBILITIES

8

There are plenty of other ways your son can develop useful knowledge, skills and experiences for the future while he is at Hampton. Here are some suggestions:

THE HAMPTON EXTENDED LEARNING PROJECT (HELP):

TAKING A LEADERSHIP ROLE OR RESPONSIBILITY:

The Hampton Extended Learning Project (HELP) provides your son with the opportunity

for your son to develop these both inside and outside School. He can apply to be a prefect

to develop his knowledge and understanding of a particular topic by writing an extended essay. The HELP programme includes a presentation, enabling your son to enhance skills such as research, evaluation and time-management. He can find out more on Firefly here: www.hamptonschool.fireflycloud.net/help

Leadership and responsibility are vitally important and valued skills and there are opportunities or mentor, but he can also take on other leadership roles, for instance opting to be an

academic mentor to a younger pupil, taking a role of responsibility within a co-curricular

activity, for example as a sports coach, or by joining a scheme outside of School, such as the National Youth Parliament (www.byc.org.uk/uk/uk-youth-parliament)

SETTING UP AND RUNNING A CLUB OR SOCIETY (OR ATTENDING ONE): If your son has an idea for a club or society which he could offer to his peers or younger boys, either inside or outside School, setting up and running the club/society is an excellent way to develop leadership, organisational, problem solving and communication skills as well as demonstrating vision. Alternatively, there may be existing clubs or extension classes which your son can attend to develop his knowledge and interest.

WRITING A BLOG/WEBSITE/PUBLICATION:

Writing a blog, website or publication, such as a magazine, can be an excellent way for

GETTING A PART-TIME JOB:

your son to develop and communicate his interest and provides a tangible outcome to

Working part-time is not just a way to earn money, it also develops valuable skills, such as

to sign up to the Young Reporter Scheme, which enables

time-management and communication. Your son may wish to gain experience working in a shop, at a summer camp or babysitting. Tutoring is a popular part-time job for Hamptonians, for example at Explore Learning (www.explorelearning.co.uk/careers/part-time-tutor/ ).

discuss with admissions tutors and employers. He may also wish participants to have their writing printed in a newspaper.

Find out more here: www.hamptonschool.fireflycloud.net/young-reporters

OTHER POSSIBILITIES I 13

Hampton School, Hanworth Road, Hampton TW12 3HD

Tel: 020 8979 5526 Email: admissions@hamptonschool.org.uk Twitter: @HamptonSchool

www.hamptonschool.org.uk