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THURSDAY, AUGUST 17, 2023 | EXPRESS & STAR
A COMMERCIAL SPOTLIGHT ON A - LE VEL RESULTS
WHAT NOW?
It’s smiles all round after great results There were celebrations all round as Wolverhampton Grammar School students collected their A-level and Cambridge Technical results today.
Wolverhampton Grammar School has clearly bucked the trend with a stellar crop of results which has put a smile on everyone’s faces. Speculation was rife that the move to bring back pre-Covid grade
distributions would affect grades negatively across the country, but in fact the percentage of Upper Sixth students at WGS awarded with the top A* to A grades was 45% of this year’s cohort, up 12% on 2019 gradings. An impressive 19% of students this year were awarded an A* with five students achieving straight A*s. Two of these were awarded a remarkable four straight A* grades and secured their places to study Maths and Engineering at Oxford
University. All students studying the vocational Cambridge Technicals achieved a Merit or higher. Prospective families looking to join WGS for Sixth Form will be impressed to note a further improvement on the percentage of students awarded A* to B at A-level, up to 74% of the 2023 cohort, compared with 72% last year. This is clearly the marker for students looking to secure places at the nation’s top universities and along with the choice of 20+ A Levels and 2 Cambridge
Technical qualifications, makes WGS a compelling destination for 16+ education. A key benefit of joining WGS is the freedom to mix subjects freely without being restricted to selecting from option blocks. Higher education preparation ensures that all students choose the right pathway for them and is reflected in the high numbers achieving their first-choice destination. 100% of WGS early applicants were successful in securing their university of choice.
Acting Head, Nic Anderson commented: “I am extremely proud of all our students, they have shown great commitment to their studies and their hard work has been justly rewarded with a fantastic set of results which our whole school community are proud of.” Students awaiting GCSE results next week are still welcome to apply to Wolverhampton Grammar School for Sixth Form study this September. Call the Admissions team on 01902 422939 to find out more.
Transforming lives as well as minds An all-through school for boys and girls ages 4 to 18 • Whole School Open Day – Saturday 7th October (Tours at 9.30am and 11.30am) • Year 7 Application Deadline – Friday 1st December • Sixth Form Application Deadline – Friday 9th January • Year 7 Entrance Test – Thursday 18th and Friday 19th January
11+ and 16+ Scholarships and Bursaries available
Flexible and convenient school bus services across 3 counties
National Award Winners
Securing places at the most prestigious universities including Oxford and Cambridge
26 WHAT NOW?
EXPRESS & STAR | THURSDAY, AUGUST 17, 2023
West Midlands State Secondary School of the Year 2018
Results see students’ dedication pay off
Wolverhampton Girls’ High School would like to congratulate all of their pupils on achieving excellent examination results this year.
Wolverhampton Girls’ High School “Ludus Supra Praemium”
Join our Sixth Form success story!!
For more admissions information, please visit our website Visit the school website at www.wghs.org.uk for more information about the admissions process and to complete an application form. www.wghs.org.uk
01902 551515
Tettenhall Road Wolverhampton WV6 0BY
WGHS students continue to strive for greatness and the hard work and dedication that has been displayed by A-level students this year has, yet again, been admirable. WGHS offers academic excellence, a stimulating working environment and a range of extra-curricular activities. However, what new students to the school have commented on most is the friendliness of the community and the warm family atmosphere. Academic excellence makes up just a small proportion of what WGHS has to offer.
Welcomes
Each year, the school welcomes back returning students as well as welcoming applications from external pupils who wish to join for sixth form. Our sixth form student body is enriched by the vast range of individuals, who all have varying aspirations for life after sixth form. The vast majority of WGHS students go on to study at Russell Group Universities, with some gaining places at Oxbridge. There is, however, an extensive careers program, which includes talks from apprenticeship providers and ex-
Students’ hard work has paid off posure to other post A-level pathways. At Girls’ High, we believe that the important thing is that we help each student to achieve their dream and a personalised, individual approach is taken when planning careers advice. Each student at WGHS will take three A-level subjects, with some opting to study four or five subjects depending on their individual interests and aspirations. For more information, please visit the Sixth Form Admissions page on the website.
School shines bright as pupils celebrate Sixth Form pupils at Tettenhall College are rejoicing in their excellent A-level results, which mark a significant milestone in their academic journey.
The exam regulator for England, Ofqual, has told exam boards to aim for the proportion of top grades to be in line with levels seen in 2019. Tettenhall College A-level students performed even better than this last pre-COVID cohort. Today, the school proudly announces the overall pass mark is up on the 2019 results, as is their percentage of A*/A and B grades. A quarter of grades were awarded at A* to A, leaving students, parents, and teachers with a lot to be proud of. The future is bright, as pupils are preparing themselves for new beginnings, with many choosing to continue their educational journey at a range of Russell Group universities. Headmaster Mr McAllister shared his optimism about the prospects of pupils and said: “I am delighted for our pupils, and I would like to congratulate them for their efforts and resilience which have led to great academic achievement. “I’m sure they will join me in thanking their teachers who have been a great support throughout their studies.
Celebrations for many at school
“I wish them the very best in their next steps and I am sure the foundations laid at Tettenhall College will be their springboard to evermore success in life.” Tettenhall College Sixth Form offers a broad range of subjects for A-levels, from art & design to computer science, from music to psychology and more! There’s still time to enquire about sixth form at Tettenhall College. Call the Admissions team on 01902 751 119 or email admissions@tettcoll.co.uk
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 17, 2023 | EXPRESS & STAR
Chance to stay local and go higher
Just done your A-levels or looking to upskill or retrain with a university-level qualification? Stay local and study an undergraduate programme at Dudley College.
Higher National Certificates, Diplomas and Higher-Level Apprenticeships including Degree Apprenticeships are all available on your doorstep, allowing you to deepen your knowledge, enhance your skills and increase your earning potential over your whole lifetime.
Prospects
While degrees tend to be knowledge-focused, our courses directly prepare you for the world of work or if you are already in work, they allow you to combine work and study, accelerating your career prospects. A spokesman said: “With this in mind, we offer qualifications that lead to exciting careers in areas that employers are recruiting. You can also top up your studies to degree level at university. “Advancing your qualifications doesn’t have to mean spending thousands of pounds going to university. We’re a cost-effective option for studying a HNC or HND and
Dudley College courses prepare you for the world of work or allow you to combine work and study
you could save up to £9,000, compared to equivalent levels of study at certain universities. “Many of our undergraduate students choose to stay local to boost their career prospects, save on fees, minimise travel and take on less debt, so they are in an ideal place when they graduate. “With our HNC/D qualifications starting September 2023 you can apply for a low-interest student
loan. The loans are available to cover tuition fees and help support with living expenses whilst you are studying, so there are no up-front costs to stop you enrolling.” Studying a HE course at Dudley College offers many benefits over attending traditional universities: n Significant savings on fees – but still with full access to tuition fee loans via Student Finance England
n Staying close to home – save on accommodation costs and stay close to family and friends n Earn while you learn – most courses take place one day a week; allowing for time to earn, for industry placements and professional development n Small class sizes – providing greater quality tutor support and guidance, helping you progress and excel
n Links to local employers – providing opportunities for employment, work experience and mentoring Higher Education courses are normally studied after achieving A-level or Level 3 qualifications, however applicants who have relevant work experience are also welcome to apply. For our degree level apprenticeships, the backing of your current employer is critical, if you are not looking for an immediate change. If you want to go to university but left school without the grades you need, you can study an Access to HE course at Dudley College. These courses are a one-year programme, recognised by universities, designed to give you the knowledge and skills to study at a higher level. The college has two pathways: Access to HE in Midwifery and Access to HE for Health Professionals. Both of these courses are free to study if you are aged 19 or over and live within the WMCA (West Midlands Combined Authority) Area. Apply now at dudleycol.ac.uk or if you would like a free Careers Guidance consultation to learn more about how higher education could support your career goals, call 01384 363 363 or email learner. services@dudleycol.ac.uk
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EXPRESS & STAR | THURSDAY, AUGUST 17, 2023
Support is on offer from college advisers Life after A-levels isn’t just about going to university!
ENROL NOW! COURSES START SEPTEMBER
○ www.wolvcoll.ac.uk/enrol
Just got your exam results and need to know what opportunities are available? Our careers guidance team is on hand to help you define your future. �mail CareersGuidanceTeam@wolvcoll.ac.uk to book an appointment.
FULL-TIME / PART-TIME / APPRENTICESHIPS / HIGHER EDUCATION / T LEVELS DEFINING FUTURES
The Hart School
Congratulates Year 13, Class of 2023
Well done for your amazing efforts and good luck in your future endeavours.
Year 12 Open Evening Thursday 19 October 2023 5.00pm - 7.00pm
www.hartschool.org.uk | 01889 802440 | enquiries@hartschool.org.uk
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WE CAN • WE WILL • WE DO
At City of Wolverhampton College there’s a range of alternative options available to equip young people with the skills they need for their future career. Whether it’s vocational courses to gain the industry skills and knowledge that employers are looking for, or combining earning and learning on an apprenticeship scheme, there’s something for everyone, whatever sector they want to work in and whatever A Level grades they received.
Flexible What’s more, with a range of higher education HNCs, HNDs and Foundation Degrees on offer, students can do university-level qualifications closer to home with flexible study options. Need advice on what to do next? Making a decision on what to do after A-levels is a big step, but the college’s careers guidance team is there to help, with free and impartial advice and support available to everyone, not just college students! Whether it’s information on what to do if grades aren’t what were expected, discussing alternative routes to different careers, advice on college courses or apprenticeships, or planning what to do next, they’ll provide individualised support to help young people
College has something for everyone
make the decision that’s best for them. To speak to a careers adviser call 01902 317689 / 01902 821558, email careersguidance@wolvcoll.ac.uk or drop in at the Paget Road campus, in Compton, or Wellington Road campus, in Bilston. For more details of all courses, qualifications and apprenticeships offered by the college go to the website at www. wolvcoll.ac.uk
School celebrating success in exams
The Hart School has praised the tenacity of its sixth form students as they move on to their next chapter after collecting exam results this week.
The oversubscribed school in Rugeley is celebrating its latest cohort accepting a range of courses across the UK and securing university places. Other successful students have secured places on Higher Apprenticeships and start in September. The school, part of Creative Education Trust, is not only celebrating a 100% pass rate for its Level 3 vocational subjects but a host of notable student successes at A-level too. They include Lieah Elson, Distinction in Health & Social Care, A in Sociology, B in Psychology; Mia Smith, Distinction Health& Social Care, B Psychology, B Sociology; Sophie Oldaker, Distinction Health & Social Care, B Psychology, B Art; and Alicia Astle, with A Maths, B Further Maths and C in Spanish. Renowned for creating a bespoke curriculum for each Sixth Form intake, Hart School is excited to announce that prospective Year 12 students can now take Double Dance Award (equivalent to 2 A-levels). This means students can take a full Performing Arts course from this September and there is still time to apply.
Plenty of choice at The Hart School The move comes on the back of the school and pupils excelling in performing arts. Principal Rachael Sandham said: “We’d like to say thank you to all of our sixth form students for their hard work and tenacity. Their GCSEs, falling in the pandemic, were difficult, but they showed great resilience and tenacity throughout their two-year studies. “Well done from us all at The Hart School and we wish you all the very best for your next chapter and in your future careers.” Sixth Form applications can be emailed to Ben.Brennan@hartschool. org.uk and for more information visit www.hartschool.org.uk/ or email enquiries@hartschool.org.uk
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 17, 2023 | EXPRESS & STAR
Greatness begins at top county college
Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG) are extending a ‘huge congratulations’ to all who collected their A-level results today.
NSCG is today congratulating the ‘Class of ‘23’ on their fantastic A-level results, with most securing the grades to progress to the next step of their educational journey. Annually, around 97.5% of NSCG students progress to university, an apprenticeship or employment with many graduates choosing to remain at NSCG to further progress their education.
Fantastic
With a range of Higher Education (HE) and Access to HE courses available, including foundation degrees, Higher National Certificates (HNCs) and Diplomas (HNDs) and Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs), learners can benefit from smaller class sizes in a supportive and welcoming environment within a dedicated University Centre in a smaller institution that boasts first class facilities, fantastic student support and excellent results. Principal and Chief Executive of NSCG, Craig Hodgson said: “This is always an exciting time of year as students across the country prepare
Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG) boasts first class facilities, fantastic student support and excellent results to receive their all-important exam results. “For many, a university place away from home may be calling, but an increasing number of young people are choosing to progress to a higher-level programme with NSCG. “With the benefit of smaller class sizes, committed and knowledgeable staff and with less financial pressure than traditional degree courses, many choose to study within the College’s dedicated University Centre as they progress on their educational journey.”
There are a range of course options available to study including, HNC/Ds in Computing, Digital Content Creation, Education, Engineering, Health and Social Care, Music, Performing Arts, Public Services, Sport and more, and it is not too late to apply to start this September. Learners are guaranteed a warm welcome at both the Newcastle-under-Lyme and Stafford-based campuses, with first class facilities and supportive and knowledgeable staff on hand to help them succeed at every level. You can also save £3,000 per year
Congratulations on your A Level Results. Take yourself to the next level. Our amazing range of undergraduate options give you a recognised qualification in your chosen field and unlike many degrees, HNCs, HNDs and HTQs are vocational, so they can lead straight to a career or act as a stepping stone to a higher qualification.
compared to a traditional university course and depending on your personal circumstances, loans are available to help you cover the costs and you don’t have to pay upfront – contribute when you earn more than £25,000. NSCG is Staffordshire’s highest-performing college with a 100% pass rate on many university-level courses with 93% of students walking straight into a job or onto a topup degree upon completion. There are options to study either full-time or part-time depending on your schedule meaning you have
more control over how you study whilst benefitting from industry-experienced staff who’ll instil a career-focused perspective and help you reach your full potential. NSCG also offers many professional and recreational courses for anyone looking to upskill or take up a new hobby. Whether your interests lie in accountancy, ceramics, photography or languages you’re bound to find an adult course suited to you. Find out more about NSCG’s higher and degree-level education programmes by visiting nscg.ac.uk/ HE.
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University isn’t for everyone
University isn’t for everybody, but if you’re still keen to continue in education then there are other paths you can take. Higher National Certificates (HNCs) and Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) can boost your career prospects and earning potential. They are also a great way to prepare for a career in a specific industry and lead directly to the workplace. Many students use the qualification as a stepping stone to an honours degree while they decide what to do next. These courses tend to focus on ‘learning by doing’ and are designed to meet the needs of employers. Both qualifications are provided by further and higher education colleges. HNCs take about one year to complete full-time and two years part-time. It is equivalent to the first year of a degree. HNDs take two years full-time and can also be taken part-time, which takes longer. This is the equivalent to two years of a degree. Both HNCs and HNDs can be very practical qualifications, so they do not just involve theory. There is also a financial advantage because the tuition fees are generally lower than degree courses. They also enable you to keep your options open as they allow you to start your degree at college, and then if you decide you like it, carry on to university. They are assessed through assignments, projects and practical tasks.
EXPRESS & STAR | THURSDAY, AUGUST 17, 2023
Preparing for the next big step
Now you’ve got your results, your thought might be turning to your next chapter and what you will need if you are off to uni.
As new students head off to university for the first time, both they and their parents will be hoping they have packed everything they will need in the months ahead. But it’s also important to be clear on what they DON’T need to take. “Students don’t need to feel under pressure to buy lots of new things for the start of their new adventure,” says Courteney Sheppard, head of customer contact at the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service UCAS (ucas.com). He says for those living away from home for the first time, it’s a good idea to get in touch with some students already at the university or college accommodation to get an idea on the facilities and items available. “It’s often good to bring some items to make your new surroundings feel more like home, but leave anything that’s very valuable or very sentimental at home until you’re fully settled,” he advises. Student accommodation isn’t the roomiest of spaces, and the basic principle is less is more, stresses the
Consider what you will be able to fit in your student room
National Union of Students (NUS nus.org.uk) which says that although at this time of year students are bombarded with information about what they need for university, they shouldn’t rush to buy certain items such as kitchen appliances, cleaning products and other non-essentials until they’ve moved into their accommodation, as student halls are often part-furnished. The NUS points out that students are at the forefront of the cost of living crisis, so making their money last is at the top of everyone’s mind.
Here experts suggest what not to take to uni… n Kitchen appliances – Tom Davis, Principal at David Game College (davidgamecollege.com) in Liverpool, says although it varies in different universities, often the kitchens in furnished student residences will already have items like kettles, toasters and microwaves. “If in doubt, check with your university or residence company,” he advises. n Too much stationery – Splurging on the contents of a sta-
tionery store before heading to university is an unnecessary expense, warns personal finance expert Julian House. “Take a few pens, a notepad and a USB stick – anything else that you find you may need during your stay can be easily purchased online or in local stores. “ n A printer – Although you may need to print things out, the NUS says you’ll be able to use a printer at the university library. n Course books – The NUS says it’s important not to be overwhelmed by the long list of course books you get before starting your studies, pointing out that the university library will usually stock most, if not all, of them, or you can pick them up second-hand, potentially saving hundreds of pounds. n Lots of food – While it’s good to buy non-perishable food if your meals aren’t provided in halls, the NUS warns that the first few weeks of uni can be quite spontaneous, so it’s probably best not to waste precious money on food that might go off. n All your clothes – Think carefully about the clothes you’ll be able to store in your often small wardrobe, advises Davis. n Candles & wax burners – Any kind of naked flame is usually forbidden at student residences as a safety precaution, says Davis.
IS YOUR SCHOOL HAVING A
SIXTH FORM Open Event? Why not promote this in the Express & Star newspaper and on our website.
For more information please contact Tracy Baker 01902 319650 or email tracy.baker@expressandstar.co.uk
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 17, 2023 | EXPRESS & STAR
Take your next steps at Halesowen Halesowen College has an excellent reputation for its range of courses, outstanding results, fantastic campuses and facilities and excellent student support. Thousands of students are finding out for themselves the benefits of making Halesowen College their number one choice for A-levels, T Levels, vocational courses, apprenticeships, higher education and courses for adults.
Investments The college campus has undergone extensive investments and renovations to ensure individuals can learn in state-of-the art facilities. The impressive Cyber Security and Esports Labs ensure access to industry standard equipment and the new Business School is a modern purpose-built space for those with entrepreneurial spirit. Fully funded, reliable transport is also offered to learners, that covers over 24 routes and allows for student travel to be safe, secure and makes Halesowen College one of the most accessible colleges in the area. Halesowen College is expecting another extremely successful year
Thousands of students are finding out for themselves the benefits of making Halesowen College their number one choice
in 2023 with outstanding results year-on-year making it one of the highest achieving 16-18 institutions within the local area. The college also has increasing levels of progression into higher education, employment and apprenticeships, with over 800 students continuing their studies at universities around the country. Many students decide to remain at the college in order to study higher education qualifications, with choice from a range of HNC, HND, Foundation Degrees and Level 5 Di-
plomas in study areas including creative, health and care, management & accountancy, sciences, teaching and technology. Halesowen College is the perfect choice for those who wish to study close to home or study their chosen course part-time to fit in around work and other commitments. The college partners with the University of Worcester to offer a selection of Foundation Degree courses which gives learners the perfect opportunity to then top-up to a full degree at the University.
The college also partners with the University of Worcester for ‘University Centre Halesowen’, which creates a cultural and educational hub for students at Halesowen College and the surrounding community. University Centre Halesowen aims to encourage further participation in higher education, hosting a variety of public lectures and events throughout the year. Halesowen College offers higher education learners flexible study options to fit in around all lifestyles, more affordable fees, academic sup-
port from expert tutors and smaller class sizes. The college is also committed to creating a caring, supportive and inclusive community for all of its learners. Outstanding pastoral care is available to help students access any financial, learning and emotional support they need to reach their full potential. To find out more about Halesowen College visit www.halesowen. ac.uk or follow on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn for all the latest news and updates.
Higher Education Whether you are leaving College or have been out of education for some time, our range of Higher Education courses could be perfect for you.
Why HE @
Why HE @ HC? • Quality teaching • Small class sizes • Affordable fees • Excellent facilities • Welcoming campus • Local and close to home • Flexible study options • Inclusive learning environment • Outstanding academic support
Apply Now!
Scan the QR code to view our 2023 / 2024 Higher Education prospectus
For more information visit:
www.halesowen.ac.uk
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EXPRESS & STAR | THURSDAY, AUGUST 17, 2023
The Black Country & Marches Institute of Technology in Dudley delivers high-quality, higher-level technical qualifications including apprenticeships in four specialist growth areas.
planned, manufactured and pre-assembled off-site in a factory setting. The IoT works with many leading construction companies who embrace new technologies to deliver skills development in high level building services engineering, civil engineering, construction design and building information modelling.
MANUFACTURING AND ENGINEERING The Black Country is renowned for its manufacturing and engineering excellence. Following in the footsteps of its industrial legends, whether it be designing parts of an electric car, maintaining robotic machines or machining new materials, there are many interesting and expanding career opportunities in this area. Britain’s manufacturers are now entering a new era. Technologies such as automation, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the “fourth industrial revolution” are helping boost productivity, streamline production and allow businesses to become more creative.
DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES Digital tech is everywhere and has transformed modern life -it is changing the world we live in. Technology is needed in almost every job from financial services, healthcare, creative industries, sports and much more. All businesses need digital skills and knowledge to survive and with the UK tech industry is currently employing 2.93m people, which has almost doubled in the last 2 years, so it’s a thriving industry to be a part of. The IoT programmes develop a multidisciplinary understanding of the subject, which can be applied in the real world and industrial settings providing students with related skills and experience. Full and Part-time study options are now available. Join the IoT and be the talent that employers want. n Visit www.blackcountryand marchesiot.ac.uk
Gain vital skills for your ideal career
As a hub of innovation and world-leading technological advancements, the IoT bridges the skills gap, responds to business needs, provides a real-world learning experience, and creates unrivalled talent in the process.
The IoT bridges the skills gap, responds to business needs, provides a real-world learning experience, and creates unrivalled talent in the process
You can be a part of this exciting future. MEDICAL ENGINEERING AND HEALTHCARE Medical engineering refers to the process of checking medical equipment to make sure it’s working properly and is safe to use. There is a shortage of qualified engineers in the NHS and companies that de-
sign, repair and maintain electronic medical devices and equipment for public and private health services. These settings all use a vast range of medical equipment, ranging from simple devices such as nebulisers to deliver treatment for respiratory patients through to sophisticated radiotherapy linear accelerators for cancer treatments and other cutting-edge technologies.
MODERN CONSTRUCTION METHODOLOGIES Construction is a major sector of the UK economy. It generates almost £90 billion annually and employs in excess of 2.93 million people in the UK, and demand for skilled construction professionals continues to grow. Modern construction methods allow parts of a build to be designed,
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