Future Choices - A Student's Guide

FUTURE CHOICES HOW SHOULD I PREPARE NOW FOR MY FUTURE? A HAMPTONIAN’S GUIDE

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

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

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

• Gap years

• Degree apprenticeships

• Other ways to develop your skills

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

• Volunteering opportunities

The Hampton Careers and UCAS Team are happy to help so please do contact us if you need guidance.

The UCAS Meeting Room (next to Chemistry lab C2) is staffed during the first half of every lunch time, or you 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

Remember it is not enough to just have good grades, to be successful in the future you must be proactive about building up knowledge, skills and experience alongside your 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

HOW TO USE UNIFROG

13 OTHER POSSIBILITIES Much of what we suggest will require use of Unifrog.

If you have forgotten your account

details, please go to www.unifrog.org/ sign-in and click on ‘Forgotten your password’.

02 I HOW TO USE UNIFROG

WHAT SHOULD I 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 you might like to study, the careers you may be interested in and the

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

different options open to you, you need to complete some research.

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

Your research will help you understand what the potential choices you

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

might make involve and ensure you are well-informed about your options.

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

On Unifrog, you 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 teachers probably frequently tell you to read around the syllabus, and, if you intend to go to university, developing insights beyond what you are learning in class is vital to demonstrate interest and knowledge in the subject you are studying.

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

The following are just some ideas of how you can develop your 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

to develop interest and additional understanding of the subject you want to study at university. The courses are all academically rigorous as they 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 Hamptonians complete

the subject areas which interest you, which you can then discuss on your personal statement and at interview. Hampton has subscriptions to a variety of online journals, including:

• 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

the MOOCs courses which provide them with additional

• Grove Music Online (Username: hamptonschool

material to include on their personal statement/discuss at

• History Today (Username: HSLibrarian

interview. You can select which MOOCs to complete 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 your subject area is another excellent way to develop your subject knowledge. You can often 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, ask your 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 providing an insight into careers and for building your CV; you are much more likely to get a job if you have relevant work experience.

Here is a useful introductory guide: www.unifrog.

FINDING (VIRTUAL) WORK EXPERIENCE OPPORTUNITIES:

to keep a record of the skills (competencies) you have

to-work-experience and there is information on

Here are some potential places to look for work experience

dent/activities to offer you different material to utilise. Here is

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

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

You 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 you specific relevant tasks to complete and often allows you to gain a certificate on completion.

Some companies will require you 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 do keep looking throughout the year.

opportunities: • www.unifrog.org/student/opportunity/start (Once you’ve

selected which country you are from, the tool asks which country you’re 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/

the activities you has completed here: www.unifrog.org/stusome useful guidance for ensuring your 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, you 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

CV WRITING:

when applying and/or interviewing for work experience here:

To apply for work experience and jobs you will usually need a

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

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

08 I WORK EXPERIENCE AND CV BUILDING

developed here: www.unifrog.org/student/competencies and

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 for prospective undergraduates to look around and gain an insight into university life. They usually include a tour and talks in the departments you intend to apply to.

You are allowed two days off School in the summer term of the Lower Sixth and two days in the

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

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

lectures, seminars or workshops on particular subject areas and allow you to experience the

although many university open days are deliberately scheduled on weekends. Due to Covid-19,

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

many universities have been offering, and may continue to offer, virtual open days. In contrast

useful in helping you decide whether you are interested in a particular subject and/or university,

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

and can be mentioned on your personal statement.

should be completed in School holidays.

You 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 useful to include on your CV, and can also be

directly relevant to the career you intend 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 you started:

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 you do not win, shows interest in particular areas and allows you to develop your knowledge and skills. If you do win, or are a runner up, it is clearly an impressive achievement to put on a CV or application.

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

Here are some examples of competitions you may wish to enter and extra qualifications you 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

7

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

Here are some examples of companies which offer paid-for experiences:

INVESTIN

MEDIC MENTOR

MINDS UNDERGROUND

InvestIN are a company which offers

Medic Mentor offer courses and summer

Minds Underground aims to push the

work experience courses and internships

schools for aspiring doctors, dentists and

educational frontier by boosting potential

in a wide range of careers. Hampton is

vets. As the name suggests, they aim to

and inspiring intellectual curiosity beyond

a partner school, and Hamptonians are

mentor young people through the process,

the core curriculum. They offer a range

therefore eligible for a discount (please

and also offer other opportunities. For

of opportunities, including: paid-for work

use the code Hampton10 when booking

example, you can join the Medical Society

experience, summer schools, mentoring

a course). Further information about the

and take part in their awards programme.

and competitions. You can find out more

InvestIN programmes is available here:

You can find out more here:

here: www.mindsunderground.com/

www.investin.org/collections/all

www.medicmentor.co.uk/

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

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

8

THE HAMPTON EXTENDED LEARNING PROJECT (HELP):

TAKING A LEADERSHIP ROLE OR RESPONSIBILITY:

The Hampton Extended Learning Project (HELP) provides you with the opportunity to

opportunities for you to develop these both inside and outside School. You can apply to be

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

Leadership and responsibility are vitally important and valued skills and there are

a prefect or mentor, but you 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 you have an idea for a club or society which you could offer to your peers or younger boys, either inside or outside School, setting up and running the club/society is an excellent way to develop your leadership, organisational, problem solving and communication skills as well as demonstrating vision – all highly important!

WRITING A BLOG/WEBSITE/PUBLICATION:

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

GETTING A PART-TIME JOB: Working part-time is not just a way to earn money, it also develops valuable skills, such as time-management and communication. You 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/ ).

developing and communicating your interests and provides a tangible outcome to discuss with admissions tutors and employers. Alternatively, you could sign up to the Young Reporter Scheme, which enables you to have your 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