What Next 2024

YOUR SIX TH FORM OPTIONS

GE TTHE SKILLSNEEDED TO STAR TAJOB WITH VOCATIONALTRAINING

YOUR GUIDE TO CHOOSINGTHE RIGHTUNIVERSIT Y

MAKING THERIGHT CHOICE IS SO IMPORTANT...

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WELCOME

WELCOMETOWHATNEXT? YOUR GUIDETOPOST-16 STUDY OPTIONS, UNIVERSITY,APPRENTICESHIPSAND TRAINING.

At South StaffordshireCollege, our students areatthe heart of everything we do.

We arecommitted to providing you with an outstanding learning experience at South StaffordshireCollege as well as ensuring you have the skills and qualifications needed for afulfilling ‘careers not courses’. We’ll support you with selecting the study or training options that will help you to best reach your career aspirations.

We remain committed to enhancing the employability of our students and will provide you with high quality training from expert staff. Youwill have the opportunity to undertake relevant work experience and industry placements with awide range of employers to gain real world experience alongside your studies.

We have colleges located in Tamworth, Lichfield, Rodbaston and Cannock, meaning you will be able to study locally to where

you live, whilst having access to ahost of specialist facilities.

In our safe, supportive and inspiring learning environment you will be able to enjoy yourself, make new friends and work hardtoreach your full potential.

Our friendly and helpful staffwillgive you the best possible transition from school to college life and we very much look forwardtosupportingyou as you work towards achieving your goals.

ClaireBoliver Chief Executive Principal South StaffordshireCollege

WHAT WILL YOUDONEXT AFTERYOUREXAMS?

IT’S the beginning of awhole new chapter of your life –you’redeciding what to do after you’ve finished your GCSEs.

And with so many different opportunities depending on your skills, interests or chosen career path –the world really is your oyster

It might feel like it’sstill along way off but it will be herebeforeyou know it, so it now is the time to give it some serious thought.

When it comes to considering the next chapter in your learning, look at the pros and cons of each of the options available to you. Youmight decide to stay on to study A-levels in your school’ssixth form, go to college for vocational training or start an apprenticeship.

For some of you, the decision might be easy because perhaps you’ve always known that you want to be adoctor, plumber or architect. For the rest of you it might seem morethan alittle mindboggling deciding what it is you want to do.

But thereare ways to make it seem less daunting, which start with

approaching it positively and with an open mind.

Considering what you aregood at and what you areinterested in can be a good place to start. If you enjoy learning and want to continue your education in afamiliar environment, then A-levels are the most traditional routetouniversity and take two years to complete.

These qualifications have recently been overhauled. The content for the new A-levels has been reviewed and updated, with universities playing amuchgreater role in this for the qualifications than they did previously.

It is hoped that this will make A-levels better preparation for university study and the move has been welcomed by higher education institutions.

A-levels areachieved after two years of study and thereare lots of different subjects to choose from. They can be done at aschool sixth form or afurther education college and you can also take them alongside vocational qualifications.

The combination of subjects you choose is very important as it will influence your chances of getting on to adegree

course at university.It’simportant to research which A-levels arerequired for the subject you would like to study later or the career path you want to take. Some courses, such as veterinary medicine, for example, will requireyou to have studied specific subjects. It’salways better to spend time finding out what the industry wants so you’renot disappointed later

TLevels areanalternative to A-levels, apprenticeships and other 16 to 19 courses. Equivalent in size to three A-levels, aT Levelfocuses on vocational skills and can help students into skilled employment, higher study or apprenticeships.

Each course includes an in-depth industry placement that lasts at least 45 days. Students get valuable experience in the workplace and employers get early sight of the new talent in their industry

The courses areavailable at selected colleges, schools and other providers across England. TLevels arebeing gradually rolled out and the first selection have now been launched.

Thereare plenty of other qualifications you can look into such as NVQs and

BTECs. They offer amorepractical approach than traditional academic courses and may be related to abroad employment area such as business, engineering, IT,health and social careor they might lead to specific jobs such as hairdressing, accounting, professional cookery or plumbing.

But if you think you’reready for the workplace, then taking an apprenticeship is agreat way to learnhands-on skills in areal world setting and you will be paid while you learn.

Thereare morethan 280 types of apprenticeship for morethan 1,500 job roles –anything from engineering to boat-building, or veterinary nursing to accountancy

Post-18 options

When it comes to looking at your options for when you’re18, higher education continues to be apopular choice for school-leavers, whether it’s university or morevocational courses such as Higher National Diplomas (HNDs).

If you opt to work towards adegree, you can go down the academic routeor pick acourse moreclosely connected to your dream job. Thereisevidence that graduates go on to have higher earning potential and have agreater choice of jobs.

University also helps you to develop life-long skills that will come in handy in all

kinds of different jobs and industries. For some careers, higher education is amust, so don’tdiscount it without looking into what qualifications areexpected for your chosen profession because you don’t want to be disappointed later.Research is key

Vocational courses can give you morehands-on experience and can be a quicker routeinto work.

It’salsopossible to do an apprenticeship when you’re18. These are becoming moreand morepopular with an increasing number of opportunities available every year –soare well worth some serious consideration. They give you the chance to be paid while you aretrained on the job and areworking towards industry-specific qualifications so they might be amoredirect routetothe career you want.

Employers arekeen to recruit apprentices who they can train to develop the necessary skills for their industry and in certain industries they areinhigh demand duetoageing workforces.

Higher and degree apprenticeships areavailable for morethan100 different roles across around 75 industries.

So, thereare many paths to consider when you aredeciding what next. Always aim to do something you will love because thereisnopoint wasting time on something you won’tbepassionate about.

PICK THECOURSE TO PUTYOU ON THEPATHTO YOUR IDEALCAREER

There areawide rangeof subjects to choose from.Ifyou thinkyou want to study certain subjects at university,orifyou have acareerareainmind, it’s importanttocheck if they have anyparticularA-levelentry requirements.

Themost importantcriteriafor choosing A-levels subjects are:

n What youare likely to enjoyand be good at?

n Arethere anyparticular subjects andgradesyou may need?Ifyou have aparticular career, joborfurther study in mindyou mayneed to choose certainA-levels in ordertomeet entryrequirements.

n Howopen youwanttokeep your future study andcareer choices?

n Abilityand enjoyment–Think aboutthe subjects youare good at andlike. If youenjoywhatyou’re studyingyou arelikelytobemore motivated. If youhaveability in your chosen subjects youcan increase your chancesofsuccess.

n Newsubjects–Schools and colleges mayoffer A-levels in subjects that youhavenot studied before –it’sreallyworth taking some time to find outwhat’s involved in newsubjects (talkto your teachers andtostaff at open days andopenevenings).

n Subjectcombinations–

Some subjects covercommon ground –suchasgeography and environmentalstudies,ormedia studiesand film studies. Youneed to checkthey’re not toosimilaras some colleges anduniversities maynot accept thecombination forentry to higher levelcourses

Some mayhaverestrictions on subjectcombinations, so check. This canbeparticularly importantifyou’rethinkingof studyingscience subjectsand are considering goingtouniversity

GETAFEEL FORYOUR NEWSCHOOLORCOLLEGE

OPEN days will provide you will everything you need to know about student life at your new sixth form or college.

They areagreat way to get afeel for the place whereyou will be spending alot of time over the next couple of years.

By attending an open event, you can learnmoreabout the courses you are interested in and ask any questions you might have.

Most will include atourofthe school or college and its grounds which will include everything from the classrooms and library to the dinner hall and sports facilities.

By visiting in person, you can get afeel for the place wherecould be studying for the next couple of years. Therewill also be achance to meet the staff, including the headteacher or principal, as well students, who will be able to give you an insight into what it’slike day to day

Beforethe open day,make sureto make alist of afew key questions to ask in order to get the most out of the visit. Understanding how many students are in each class, as well as the structureof

lessons, will give you an idea about how you will be educated.

Other questions to ask could include topics such as who parents or carers would talk to if they had any concerns about their child’sprogress or wellbeing.

It’salsoimportant to ask how the school or college challenges high achievers and supports those who require extra help as well as what strategies they have to ensurethat children learnand achieve well.

If you have aspecial interest such as playing amusical instrument or enjoy a particular sport then asking about extracurricular activities is also key.You could also ask if therewould be any trips and events to develop and widen your interests and knowledge outside the classroom curriculum.

Often current pupils will be drafted in to show prospective students around their classrooms and this will give agood insight into what life is like at the school or college. If they areenthusiastic and motivated then this agoodsign that they arehappy

If it’sasixth form, then asking about what support is available to help students decide what to do after leaving school is important.

Find out if they have any links with employers and organise work experience placements.

When the open day is finished, it should give you agoodfeel for the school. Think about how you felt when you listened to stafforsaw the classrooms. Consider what you liked about the facilities and if you saw or heardanything that concerned you.

Colleges and sixth forms arealso turning to technology to help them showcase what they have to offer prospective pupils and their families. Virtualopen days became popular during the pandemic as away of offering a glimpse into life in theclassroom and showcasing the school’sfacilities. Some will also arrange online question and answer sessions with key staff.

If you can’tmake an open day,then most will be able to organise an individual tour at aconvenient time for you.

COLLEGESWITH SPECIALFOCUS

SOME schools, academies and colleges specialise in vocational subjects and offer bespoke curriculums to help students on the way to their chosen careers.

Some have aSTEAM (Science, Technology,Engineering, Art and Maths) or health focus, while others specialise in music, dance and performing arts and broadcast media.

Students can choose arange of subjects that arerelevant to their chosen futurecareer and can take advantage of industry-standardfacilities.

These specialist schools, academies and colleges work in partnership with the industries so that students areable to apply their learning to the world of work.

This ensures that they arefully equipped to successfully compete for places in further education or the increasingly competitive job market.

Specialist vocational qualifications arehighly valued as they encourage and stimulate students’ achievement through practical learning and forms of assessment based on applied knowledge and understanding of the relevant subject area.

Level 3vocational courses arebroadly equivalent to 3A-levels in the National Qualification Framework and areaccepted

for university entry via the UCAS points system.

As well as astrong commitment to academic rigour and vocational excellence, they arealsodedicated to the personal development, support and wellbeing of students.

Thereare also Studio Schools, which seek to address the growing gap between the skills and knowledge that young people requiretosucceed, and those that the traditional education system provides.

They areusually small schools for 300 students; and with year-round opening and a9-5 working day,they feel morelike aworkplace than aschool.

Studio Schools will offer arange of academic and vocational qualifications. Students also get paid work placements linked directly to employment opportunities in the local area.

Many collaborate both with local businesses and the biggest corporations to ensurepupils get arealistic insight into the industries and give the chance to participate in work placements.

Students will gain abroad range of employability and life skills through the CREATE skills framework, and will have the option to go on to university,further training and employment.

UTCS HELPINGTO PREPARESTUDENTS FORWORKING LIFE

University TechnicalColleges (UTCs) aregovernment-funded schoolswithaSTEMfocus

Throughtheir association with employersand universities, throughproject-based learning, andthroughafocus on technical subjects,UTCsbridgethe gap between theworld of education andthe world of work

Today, thereare 48 UTCs open across England, educatingin theregionof17,500students, andsupportedbymorethan400 employersand universities.

They aim to preparestudents forfuturecareersinindustries such as engineering, healthcare, social care andscience.

They offerasecondary-age educationfor KeyStage 4and Key Stage5withsomestartingearlier at KeyStage 3.

UTCs aresaidtobemorethan just aschool. As well as providing astronggroundinginthe core subjects of English, Mathsand Science, each UTChas one or more technicalspecialism linked to theirlocal industry partners Thecurriculumprovides ablend of academic and technicallearning, with balance appropriatetoeachKey Stage.

They aim to offeryoung people theeducationtheyneed today to equipthemfor tomorrow’s careers andstudentsare given chancestogainrealexperience that is genuinelyrelevanttotheir future

On leavingaUTC,studentshave alreadyestablished connections with localemployers,have appliedpractical skillsthrough project-basedlearningand are used to working in aprofessional environment.

This makesthemhighly employable andsetsthemupfor abroadchoiceofpathways.

WHAT AREYOUROPTIONS FORSIXTH FORM STUDY?

Mrs Nicola Hastings-Smith Head of Senior School and Sixth Form at St Dominic’s Grammar School

THERE aremany options for Sixth Form, from continuing at your current school, to moving to college.

Mrs Nicola Hastings-Smith outlines why an independent education for A-levels could provide the springboardtofuture success.

“As aparent, as well as an education professional who has worked in both the state and private sector,itisclear to me the difference an independent education gives your child.

“Smaller class sizes and one-to-one support have asignificant impact on development and achievement, and a nurturing environment allows them to develop their confidence and flourish.

“I know first-hand from teaching at St. Dominic’sand sendingmyown daughters herethat it provides support and opportunities that might not have been available elsewhere.

“An independent sixth form environment supports the individual needs and aspirations of students. It allows them to get to know their teachers really well, enabling stafftoadvise them on their futurepath and provide bespoke personal references to support applications to university

“With fewer students per class, teachers can dedicate moretime to each individual, offering tailored support and guidance to help students reach their full potential. Asmaller setting encourages active participation and promotes asense of community within the school, where every student is known.

“Dedicated career guidance, a personal mentor who meets regularly to ensurestudents arekeeping on top of their studies and managing any concerns, and greater individual attention supports academic and personal growth.

“Thereisastrong focus on preparing and supporting students in their university

applications, including one-to-one mentoring in choosing options, UCAS support, mock interviews and additional support for admissions tests.

“Independent sixth forms offer high levels of personalised learning, something which isn’talways easily accessible in other settings. Students may also benefit from amoreflexible tailored timetable, and qualifications which may not be available elsewheresuch as the Extended Project Qualification, which gives valuable additional UCAS points and additional skills.

“Studying for A-levels is achallenging time, which requires dedication and hard work. Students need to feel supported and have their progress monitored, while they develop the skills needed to focus and organise their studies. It is also important for them to have abalanced approach, so their focus is not solely on academia.

“Thereare often moreopportunities for extra-curricular activities at independent schools, with astrong focus on holistic development so students can progress personally and socially,aswell as academically.

“At St. Dominic’s, we encourage

students to exploretheir interests and passions in greater depth. We offer the Duke of Edinburgh Award, clubs, volunteering and charity challenges such as our sponsored Three Peaks mountain climbing excursion.

“With acommitment to instilling values such as integrity,responsibility,and leadership, independent schools nurture well-rounded individuals who areequipped to thrive in an increasingly competitive world.

“Thereare anumber of advantages to an independent sixth form education; students and their families need to consider their individual needs, aspirations and circumstances.

“If your child gets lost in big class sizes then an independent education in asmall setting is ideal to ensurethateach and every child flourishes.

“So, if you areworried that your child blends into the background of alarge school and is never really able to stand out, then maybe you should consider exploring what asmall independent setting with atrack recordofsuccess has to offer

“You could well find, as Ihave done, that it is aworthwhile investment in your child’sfuture.”

EXTRASUPPORT IS AVAILABLE

FOR those of you who need extra support as you move onto the next stage of your education, thereare many different paths available.

Organisations and services providing support will work together to help you continue your education and training, or find ajob, and it gives you agreater say in the support you need and how it’s provided.

Thereare many options including staying on at school, going to afurther education or specialist college, applying for work-based training with an employer or training provider and voluntary work.

Your current teachers and those at the school or college you’reapplying to, will be able to give you information about educational support you can get.

It’sworth looking into specialist colleges as these offer extra facilities and one-to-one support you may not get at your local college or school. They might be helpful if, for example, you have sight or hearing difficulties, need medical care, or requirespecial equipment.

Universities will have many on-campus support services available to disabled students. Most universities, institutions

and colleges have disability co-ordinators and advisors that areonhandtohelp.

Supported internships areanother popular routefor students with learning difficulties or impairments. To be eligible you need aStatement of SEND, a Learning Difficulty Assessment, or an Education Health and CarePlan.

Internships areoffered by further education colleges, sixth form and independent specialist providers. They are unpaid and last for at least six months with the aim of getting apaid job.

These study programmes areput together to give each student the training, support and work skills they need to help them get employment.

Most of the learning is done in the workplace with hands-on experience. At the same time you will also have the chance to study for qualifications and other training or learning.

During the internship you will have a tutor and expert job coach to work with you and the employer

Youcan find out moreabout supported internships from your school, local college, social worker,transition worker,orfromJob CentrePlus.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ANYEXTRA OPPORTUNITIES

n The DukeofEdinburgh’sAward –Fromthe age of14, young people canworktowards earning The Duke of Edinburgh’sAward.

Most schoolswillrun aDofE programmewiththree progressive levels which, when successfully completed, lead to aBronze, Silver or Gold award. Notonlyis it an opportunity to discovernew interestsand talentsbut it’s also a recognisedmarkofachievement; respectedbyemployers.

There arefoursectionsto complete at Bronze andSilver leveland five at Gold.They involvehelping thecommunity/ environment, becoming fitter, developing newskills, planning, trainingfor andcompleting an expedition and, forGold only,working with ateamona residentialactivity.

n An EPQ(ExtendedProject Qualification)–Thisasixthformqualification that involves studentschoosingatopic,carrying outresearch, creating areport (or‘product’ andreport) and delivering apresentation.

There areseveral types of EPQ –studentscan writearesearchbased report,put on an event like acharity fundraiser, make somethingsuchasapiece of art or modelorput on aperformance such as amusical.Other options include producingapiece of creative writingormultimedia. Students must show that it is academically useful,eitherrelating to theircurrentcourseofstudy or future career.

Students canexpectsupport andguidancefromasupervisor (normallyateacher)and most do theirresearchinthe summer holidays followingyear12and complete theproject in the first term of year 13.EPQsare currently gradedA*toEand they areworth up to half an A-level, as well as UCAS points

STARTEARLY ANDTAKE STRESS OUTOFREVISION

STARTING revision can be more than alittle daunting and let’sbe honest, poring over piles of notes and textbooks, is probably the last thing you want to do.

But don’tforget it’sall for agood cause –your future–and thereare many ways to make the task moremanageable and less overwhelming.

And the earlier you can start revising, the less pressurethereisonyou to fit it all in beforesitting your exams.

n Allow plenty of time. The later you leave it to begin your revision, the more you arelikely to panic as your exams draw near.Speak to your teachers as they will be able to advise you on asuitable time to start hitting the books.

n Find somewhereathomewhere you feel comfortable to work and make sureit’squiet and uncluttered as this will help you focus. But try not to revise in front of the television or computer as these distractions arebound to prove too tempting.

n Make arevision timetable –you can see what needs to be done and plan your time correctly

n Split your revision into small chunks –you can’texpect to concentrate for hours and take everything in. Set your phone alarm for 45 minutes and then take ashort break away from the books. Keep repeating to make sureyou are taking frequent breaks during your revision session.

n Review and summarise your notes. Pick out the key points and write them down again. One of the best ways ways to

memorise information is by making notes over and over again.

n Revision cards –get apack of blank postcards and write down the main points for each topic. Youcan take them where you go to test yourself

n Revise with your friends –Iffriends aretaking the same exams then arrange to get together to do some occasional group revision –aslongastheywill not distract you! Youwill be able to review notes and test each other.Talking to your mates, who understand what you’regoing through, will make you feel less stressed.

n Do plenty of past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam style and the type of wording used for the questions. If you get these checked by ateacher,you will learnhow they are marked too.

n Eat well and drink lots of water Keeping blood sugars level will help your concentration and motivation.

n Keep testing yourself. Once you have completed atopic, don’tjust put it to one side. Keep going back and reviewing it again as repetition will improve your memory

n Get plenty of sleep. Make sureyou arewell-rested because being tired will not help you perform at your best.

n Allow time to exercise. Keeping active is important and will provide agood break away from your revision. Even if you just go for aquick walk –the fresh air will clear your head and perk you up.

n Find ways to relax. When you are planning your revision schedule, leave some time for your hobbies or seeing your friends because this will help you to switch offyour brain for abit.

n Emily Allen, Senior Learning Coach at legal education experts BARBRI, recommends taking practice tests to help familiarise you with the exam layout and question formats, and they will also highlight gaps in your knowledge that you can work on.

Taking regularpractice tests can help to ease the stress and anxiety that accompanies the actual exams and help you to consolidate your knowledge into answering actual questions.

She also says explaining topics to someone else can reinforce your knowledge, while afellow student could

help you to see atopic from adifferent perspective.

n And finally,staypositive. If you go into to it expecting to fail and letting yourself get stressed, you aregoing to find the whole experience thoroughly miserable. Put it all into perspective, you can only do your best and as long as you do that everyone will be proud of you, no matter what actually happens on results day

WHYMOCKS ARE AUSEFULWAY TO PREPAREFOR THE REALTHING

Mockscan be averyusefulway to preparefor your exams.

Students canfamiliarisethemselves with the typesofquestions that maybeasked andensuretheycan answer everything in theallocated time.MyTutor hasofferedsome top tips on thetools andskillsneeded to tackle mocks:

n Timingiskey –Getting used to howlongittakes to complete apaper or writeanessayiskey to understandinghow long you ought to be spendingonacertain question.Doing past papersunder timedconditions is greatpracticefor acclimatisingtoexamsettings

n Familiariseyourselfwiththe questions–Dosome diggingto find outwhatkindofquestions the paperswillask.For example, if they arerequiring evidence from specificcasestudies?Isitaskingfor more than one example or specific, tailored responses.

n Understand what they areasking you–There arecertain buzzwords in exam questionsthatrequiredifferent responses.For instance:‘examine’, ‘describe’,‘assess’,‘evaluate’, ‘discuss’which areimportant to be mindfulofbeforeanswering the question

n Feedback is important– Taking thetimetoreadwhere youwent wrongiscrucial

n Studythe mark scheme –The good thingabout mocksisthattheytend to be past exam papers, this usually meansthere will be existingmark schemesthatyou canaccess online or viayourteachers.

n Re-testing–Onceyou’vetaken some time to analysewhere youmay have gone wrong,and have studied themarkscheme–givethe question anothercrack!

n Remember,itisn’t theend of theworld –Ifyou aresomewhat disheartened by your mock exam results, just remember,thisisn’t the real thing!

IT’S IMPORTANT TO STAY CALM ON RESULTSDAY

IT’S only natural to feel nervous on exam resultsday.But staying calm will help you, whatever happens, as you take your next steps.

For many,itwill be agreat experience as they receive confirmation that all of their hardwork has been worth it and they’ve secured the grades required for their next step.

But for others it can bring disappointment and uncertainty about what lies ahead. Not getting the results you wereexpecting can feel like the end of the world but you shouldn’tpanic because whatever your grades, therewill still be great options open to you and it might be you find your dream course somewhere you hadn’tpreviously considered.

Trytoremain calm, as you need to stay focused to be able to consider your next steps properly and you may need to make quick decisions if you areoffered alternative university places.

Remember that you arenot alone, as thousands of other students up and down the country arelikely to be going through the same experience. Preparation is key, so take some time to research what else you could do, it might be considering a different subject or qualification.

On results day,ifyou’ve just missed getting the grades you need for your first choice of A-level, college or university course then it’sdefinitely worth contacting them directly and asking if they will still accept you. Some will make exceptions and will accept students with lower marks. If they can’tgive you aplace on the course you originally applied for,they may offer you adifferent one.

If you’reapplying to university,check the situation with your insurance choice –if you’ve got the grades you needed then you will have aplace and if you haven’t then they may still make you an offer Always keep an eye on Track –the name of UCAS’ online tracking system –where you can see how your application is progressing.

If you haven’tgot aplace and you still want to go to university,you can use Clearing, which is available through the UCAS website from results day.This is how universities and colleges fill any places they still have. Clearing vacancies

areupdated regularly by universities and colleges and if you don’tfind the course you’relooking for straight away,it’sworth trying again later.Itmay be that you can find the same course available somewhere else with lower entry grades or you might want to consider adifferent subject.

If you areflexible with the location, then that is likely to increase the choices available. Youdon’t have to stick with your original idea, so speak to an adviser at school about what else you could do or contact the university to find out more

about adifferent course that you may have discounted before. Once you’ve found asuitable one, you can then contact the university or college directly to see if they will accept you.

If you still want to go to university but you can’tfind acourse or your heart is still set on your first choice, then look into whether you can re-sit your exams and re-apply for next year

University is not the only option, so think about other paths you may not have considered before. Vocational training may be aquicker routetoyour chosen career and provide valuable on-the-job experience.

If you arestill unsurewhat to do then consider agap year to buy yourself some thinking time. Youmay find your priorities change. This can also be agoodchance to get some work experience or learnnew skills.

Finally,put it all into perspective. You could only do your best and as long as you did that, family and friends will be proud of you, no matter what happens on results day

Our unrivalled range of 16-18 courses will giveyou plenty of options to choose from and our extra-curricular enrichment activities and firstclassfacilities aredesigned with youinmind.

• Theonly OfstedOutstanding college locally to offer university levelcourses

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TheRoyal School

ADIVERSEAND VIBRANTSIXTH FORM WHICH PLACES HIGH EXPECTATIONSONSTUDENTS TO HELP PREPARE THEM FORA BRIGHT ANDPROSPEROUSFUTURE

The Royal School offers adiverse andvibrant sixth form experience.

Not only do our students achieve excellent results in the most rigorous, facilitating academic subjects, but the requirement for them to take on roles of responsibility alongside the arrival of new faces in Year 12 brings an added dimension to sixth form life.

Most of our existing GCSE students stay with us to study A-levels and BTECs, but we arealso delighted to welcome students joining us from other schools in the region as well as sixth form boarders from the UK and overseas.

Russell Group universities.

Sixth Form students areattracted to The Royal for several reasons. We combine aspecialism in the STEM subjects of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths with abroad range of A-level and BTEC subjects and students do particularly well in the traditional facilitating subjects required by

The average class size is 15-20, allowing everyone to receive the individual attention they deserve, resulting in strong, positive relationships forming among peers and between students and teaching staff.

High academic achievement is only part of the story.Universities and employers areincreasingly drawn to applicants who can demonstrate leadership, determination, resilience

and flair.The Royal School excels in this style of ‘leadership education’ providing students with ample scope to thrive in cultural activities, competitive sports, and entrepreneurial endeavours, as well as opportunities to travel and make avalid contribution to the wider community

Every sixth former is expected to play an integral part in school life –beitthrough our house system, by mentoring younger pupils, or by getting involved in charitable and community-minded activities. It’sabig askfor any teenager,especially when they arerequired to study hardinall subjects, but it is these high expectations that set us apart from other sixth form providers in preparing students for abright and prosperous futureand it hasbeen evidenced that universities and employers arelooking for rather morethan good grades.

Inspiring the Individual

Award winning pastoral care

Supportive and friendly environment

Extensive enrichment opportunities

ExcellentALevel results

AffordableState Boarding

WindsorSixth Form

SIXTHFORMOFFERS AN OUTSTANDINGLEARNINGENVIRONMENT WHERESTUDENTSARE ENCOURAGED TO MAXIMISE THEIRPOTENTIAL ANDDEVELOP THEIRSELF-CONFIDENCE

Windsor Sixth Form, based in Halesowen, is aspecialist contemporary facility which provides an outstanding learning environment for its students.

It has been designed for sixth form study and reflects auniversity environment.

We have areputation for academic excellence and this is very much apart of our Sixth Form ethos. We begin each year with abespoke induction programme whereour focus is on unlocking both academic and personal potential.

Class sizes allow for apersonal approach and individualised learning. As well as dedicated classrooms, our Sixth Form centrehas aquiet study room for independent learning, with access to PCs, laptops, iPads and support staff.

Our TwentyTen common room and cafe is aplace for students to socialise and purchase hot and cold snacks and drinks.

Windsor Sixth Form

Facilities in the Sixth Form include a fitness suite, dance studio, sports hall, incorporating four badminton courts, and football and rugby pitches, including an astroturf pitch. We also have music practice roomsand amusic technology room, product design workshops, science laboratories and aperformance hall with stage and lighting.

To help students unlock their personal potential, arange of extra-curricular activities and leadership rolesare also

WhyWindsor Sixth Form?

Progress and Succeed

Ourstudents make excellentprogress,moving onto outstanding destinations,including topRussell Group universities.

GreatStudentExperience

Astudents’union, clubs,socials and trips.During your time at our Sixth Form youwill socialise,make friends and enjoyyourself.

Outstanding Facilities

OurSixth Form has outstanding facilities in auniversity style environmentwhich supportyour studies.Our facilities include a fitness suite, IT suites,specialised sciencelabs and our Twenty TenCafé.

available, alongside abroad tutorial and extensive enrichment programme offering volunteering, work experience, Duke of Edinburgh Gold and awide variety of competitive and noncompetitive sports.

Mr Leathem-Pugh, Academic Director of WindsorSixth Form, said: “Wepride ourselvesonthe support we offer to each individual to maximise their potential, as well as develop their selfconfidence and belief. The majority of our students aspiretostudy at university Their chosen degree courses arewide ranging including areas such as law, sciences and the performing arts.

“Students arealsosupported to securepositions in employment or higher apprenticeships. We areproud of what we have to offer and believe that the quality environment and teaching will ensure afantastic Sixth Form experience for students.”

For further information, visit our website: www.windsorsixthform.org.uk

King Edward VI College

ACARINGCOMMUNITY COMMITTEDTOSTUDENT SUCCESS

Success

Our teachers areexperts: they areexaminers, have PhDs, books to their names and backgrounds in industry

All arecommittedand enthusiastic, inspiring you to work hardand enjoy your learning.

It’snosurprise that King Ed’s students do very well: we send the highest number of students to Oxbridge locally,but also to other excellent destinations, including competitive higher apprenticeships, giving talented young people a head start in their careers.

Community

and they love to express their individuality No matter what your background, you can flourish here.

We plan carefully so that thereare many opportunities to meet new people and find your crowd.

Students hereare friendly, compassionate and committed. They fully embrace tolerance and mutual respect,

We have ahighly supportive and inclusive culture, with teams of counsellors, inclusion co-ordinators, expert tutors and careers advisers, as well as regular events to keep you informed and happy at college.

Independence

King Ed’shas the feel of aminiuniversity,combined with caring and vigilant staff: an ideal step on the way to independence.

We arethe Black Country’sonly specialist A-level provider,offering 38 subjects, to create aprogramme that really meets your needs. Alongside, we offer over 85 extracurricular activities.

Whether you want to be a journalist on our paper,afootballer in one of our teams, or use your creativity to make carepackages for those in need, your time herewill be fulfilling.

If you arelooking for an educational setting at 16 that will give you ahuge range of opportunities, support your needs, and inspireyou to challenge yourself to succeed beyond what you think might be possible, come to one of our open events in 2024!

Amethyst 6th

UNLOCK YOUR POTENTIAL AT AMETHYST SIXTHFORM!

Areyou readytotakecontrol of your future? At Amethyst 6th, we offer more than just education; we provide a journey that shapes futures.

With awide array of A-level and vocational courses coupled with elite sports training opportunities, Amethyst 6th is the place whereambitions arenurtured and dreams arerealised.

Imagine aplace whereyour academic interests align seamlessly with your career goals. At Amethyst, whether you are passionate about the sciences, enchanted by the humanities, or driven by the arts, our curriculum is designed to propel you towardexcellence and we have the support staffinplace to help you realise your ambitions.

Our academic portfolio is designed to cater to awide range of interests and career aspirations. Students can choose from avariety of A-level courses in sciences, humanities, and the arts, including Biology,Physics, Chemistry, History,and English Literature.

For those looking towards vocational qualifications, our offerings include subjects like Business Studies, Sports Science, and Performing Arts. These courses arestructured to provide both depth and practical knowledge, preparing students for university and beyond.

Beyond academics, Amethyst 6th is committed to your personal and professional development. Our nurturing environment supports growth in every aspect, fostering resilience, emotional intelligence, and critical life skills. Engage in arange of enrichment activities that enhance your learning experiences, from volunteering opportunities to leadership roles that prepareyou for the challenges of tomorrow.Our inclusive community ensures that every student receives the

attention and support they need to thrive.

In an exciting development for the West Midlands, the Amethyst Football Academy has been chosen as the West Midlands hub for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) Academy UK. This partnership marks asignificant milestone, elevating the academy’sstatus and offering football enthusiasts –both boys and girls –the unique opportunity to represent PSG Academy UK. Aspiring players can now showcase their talents on both national and international stages, gaining recognition under one of the world’s leading football clubs.

Moreover,the Football Academy promotes an holistic approach by integrating A-level academic opportunities with athletic development, ensuring students excel academically and athletically.This collaboration not only enhances the academy’scommitment to

nurturing well-rounded individuals but also brings world-class football training and a wealth of resources to Moreton School, setting anew standardofexcellence in youth football development starting in 2024.

Do not miss your chance to be part of something extraordinary.Whether you aim to excel in academia, shine on the sports field, or both, Amethyst 6th is your gateway to success. With ourexpert guidance, state-of-the-art facilities, and a commitment to excellence, we areready to help you shape abrilliant future.

Join us at Amethyst 6th, whereyour potential knows no bounds. Visit our website or contact our admissions team today to learnmoreabout how you can start your transformative journey at Amethyst 6th.

Your futurestarts now –embrace it withconfidence and curiosity!

AMETHYST 6TH FORM

•A knowledge rich education.

•A wealth of enrichment opportunities

•The support and skills to realise your full potential in life

The Amethyst 6th is truly focused on paving the wayfor your successful future.

Amethyst FootballAcademy is thrilled to announce our exciting partnership as the new West Midlands hubfor Paris Saint-GermainUK for2024! his collaboration marks asigni cant milestone in our journey towards enriching our curriculum with worldclass football skills and cultural capital.

Tel: 01902 556868 jbhangal@aatrust.co.uk www.amethyst6th.aatrust.co.uk

CHANCE TO GETATASTE OF THEWORLD OF WORK

WORK experience gives you achance to explorepossible careers and build new skills that will prove useful in the future.

It’sagreat opportunity to discover what interests you, build confidence and get used to the routines of work.

Thereare lots of different ways of obtaining work experience.

Your school or college may have links with employers and be able to put you in touch with people who can help advise you on your application.

Many well-known large businesses operate their own work experience programmes. It can be agood idea to speak to the manager or owner,either in person or by phone, beforemaking a formal application.

Don’tlet the fact that abusiness does not advertise work experience opportunities put you offfromasking if they will take you on.

If you areinterestedinwhat abusiness does, it is worth contacting them to see if they would offer you work experience.

Another way to gain valuable, real life experience is through volunteering. Helping others is not just hugely satisfying, it can also help you to make friends and learnnew skills.

As well as benefitting the wider community and making adifference to the organisation, it should also make you feel pretty good about yourself.

Thereisawiderange of charities and groups that arealways on the lookout for extra pairs of hands, of all ages, even if you can only spareacouple of hours a week.

When considering wheretovolunteer, think about what you feel most strongly about and then research the different charities and groups in that area in the community.

Depending on the organisation you choose, you could volunteer in the evenings, at weekends or in the holidays.

If you go to college or university,you may be able to fit time for volunteering around your studies or job.

Opportunities can include activities

such as befriending, helping at events, fundraising, conservation activities, providing support to children and older people.

Youcan make adifference to the lives of others, help the environment, or help others less fortunate or without avoice.

As well as volunteering close to home, you could also consider lending ahand overseas. Thereare many charities on the lookout for extra help with projects abroad such as building schools for disadvantaged people.

Volunteering can help you gain confidence by giving you the opportunity to try something new and build areal sense of achievement.

It can help you feel part of something outside of your friends and family and you will meet lots of different people.

It will make you feel valued and part of ateam.

By volunteering, you aredoing what you can in order to improve the environment around you.

Through volunteering you can develop skills for the workplace from organisational and time management to communication and the ability to work with different age groups. It may also give you aroute to earnqualifications.

Alot of non-profit organisations will offer training to volunteers, which often leads to accreditation too.

It can also be agreat way to get work experience in your chosen career field and get an insight into the profession.

Employers will be impressed that you’ve shown initiative by getting some hands-on experience.

As well as looking good on your UCAS personal statement, if you areconsidering goingtouniversity, it will help your CV to stand out too because it proves you can think independently and that you’ve shown commitment by getting unpaid work.

n For moreinformation about volunteering opportunities visit www.ncvo. org.uk

YOUR CHANCE TO MAKE AGREAT FIRSTIMPRESSION

CVsare importantbecause they areyour firstand maybeonly directcommunication with a potentialemployer.

That meansaswellasbeing afull record of your educationand work experience, it’s also your chance to make agoodimpression.They need to be carefullythought out, designed andwritten so that they make apositiveimpact.

Here aresome hintsofwhat businesses andorganisationsare lookingfor in aCV:

n Firstly,makesuretoinclude your contactdetailsatthe top but do not include your ageora photograph unless specifically askedtodoso.

n Youwantthe layout to be clear andconcise because toomuch information canbehardtotakein so trytokeeptonomorethantwo pages. Your choiceoffontisalso key to making sure awould-be employer carriesonreadingyour CV –simple formatsworkbest.

n It needstoinclude your educationand achievements and employment history, such as any part-timejobs, as well as anywork or volunteer experience, making sure to include detailsofyourroles andresponsibilities.

n Mentionany personal, technical or specialist skillsyou have –you couldprovide examples of how you’ve used them to show youare motivated andready forwork.

n Also,you canadd afew lines abouthobbies or personalprojects that mayberelevanttothe job youare applying for andinclude detailsoftwo referees.These couldbetutors or someonewho managedyou at your part-timejob or during workexperience.

n Make sure to checkspelling andgrammar andthatyour phone number andemail address arecorrectasthisisthe way employerswillcontact you.

Thomas AdamsSixth Form

SIXTHFORMOFFERS ACOMMUNITY FEEL,EXCELLENT PASTORAL CARE ANDCOMMITTED ANDENTHUSIASTICSTAFF WHOHELPMAKE LEARNING REWARDINGEVERY DAY

Set in 30 acres, Thomas Adams is asuccessful school, sixth form and boarding house in the centre of Wem, North Shropshire.

At our sixth form site, we offer over 25 subjects at A-level and BTEC, combined with acommunity feel and excellent pastoral care.

Serving 16 to 18-year-olds, our welcoming Sixth Form stands alone in its Noble Street campus, offering agenuine feeling of independence.

Our caring environment provides small class sizes, daily access to atutor,supervised study sessions and excellent careers advice.

support with accessing financial bursaries.

Self-study sessions take place in our attractive former grammar school buildings, supervised by our staffof committed and enthusiastic experts who help make learning rewarding every day We also offer excellent guidance and

Areyou seeking aSixth Form boarding place?

Adams House is astate boarding school for students aged 11-18. Increasingly,wefind that parents are choosing state boarding schools ahead of boarding in the independent sector as they

see they can obtain the education and pastoral carethey areseeking for afractionofthe cost.

Boarding schools area fantastic option for many families, providing ahomeaway from home that allows young people to focus full attention on their studies and extra-curricular activities. Giving young people achance to live independently will make them better prepared for their next steps in life, such as university Parents pay only for boarding at Adams House, and the government pays for the education as it would at any other state school in England and Wales.

By selecting Adams House, parents arechoosing top quality boarding care, with staffwho areabsolutely committed to the wellbeing of young people.

Please visit www.thomasadams.net for moreinformation.

Colton HillsSixth Form

ADIVERSEAND INCLUSIVE SCHOOL THAT COMMITS TO PROVIDINGANEXCEPTIONAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENTINWHICH STUDENTS CANFLOURISH, NOTONLYINTHEIR CAREERS,BUT ALSO IN THECOMMUNITY

Colton Hills Community School has awelcoming, ambitious and exciting Sixth Form offer that we would love you to be apart of next year

As aHigh Performance Learning School, we believe in making surethat our students strive for the very best outcomes, led by passionate and expert teachers who can ensureyour success.

Our Sixth Form is based in our dedicated post-16 area, with access to a common room, study areas, IT facilities, afitness suite and with direct access to an excellent careers advisor.Weoffer our Sixth Form students the chance to develop and become leaders across the school, working to support younger students and develop qualities that universities and apprenticeships seek.

Our curriculum is based around recommended options pathways which link into careers and degrees which are

real-world relevant and popular in our community.They are:

n Medicine and Health

n Entrepreneurship

n Social Studies

n Sports Sciences

Within each of these areas, we offer excellent teaching experiences, dedicated work experience placements and chances

to visit universities to help you to secure the next steps in your journey after you leave Colton Hills.

We see all activities in the Sixth Form as being important in supporting our students to go on to university,and more than 80% of our Sixth Form students do this each year

Our newer courses include E-Sports and Criminology,withour dedicated E-Sports room allowing students to explorevideogaming from all its business and social aspects. We arealso looking to find ways to make our offer relevant and inspiring for our students and their interests.

We would be delighted to have you with us as part of your journey to world class. To find out moreorenquire about admissions, visit www.coltonhills. co.uk, call 01902 558 420 or email

coltonhillsschool@wolverhampton.gov.uk

WolverhamptonGrammar School

WGSISA SUPPORTIVE ANDCHALLENGINGENVIRONMENT WHEREYOU CANTHRIVE

Wolverhampton Grammar School Sixth Form offers a supportive and challenging environment whereyou can thrive both academically and personally

n Outstanding results: Small class sizes and dedicated teachers mean you’ll get moreattention and moreopportunity to ask questions and excel.

n Subject choice galore: Exploreyour passions and delve into awide range of subjects that can lead to degrees from cuttingedge Aerospace Engineering to thought-provoking Law

n Beyond the classroom: WGS isn’tjust about exams. Get involved in avariety of extracurricular activities, from sports and drama to volunteering and Pudding Lectures (with free cake!).

n Specialist facilities: Take advantage of WGS’sfirst class facilities, including science labs, an art studio, atheatre, asportshall, and adesign and technology suite.

n Support for your future: WGS offers one-to-one careers advice to help you map out your dream pathway to university or beyond.

74% of our most recent cohort achieved A* –BatA-level and 100% of students gained aMerit or higher in Cambridge Technicals. Students can choose from 20+ subjects with flexible subject options.

Youwill study in small class sizes of typically 15 students but often fewer School transport offers easy access

across the region with routes into school from Telford, Penkridge, Walsall, Oldbury, Stourbridge and Bridgnorth. Thereisalso free parking for students with their own car.

Joining us from other independent, grammar and state schools, all students agree that the close rapport they enjoy with staffisone of the best things about WGS.

WGS boasts arich tapestry of cultures and is guided by its values to be an “inclusive and inspiring community built on individuality,respect, equity and kindness”.

Youmay wish to join our Diversity Champions who have been nominated for anational awardrecognising their great work to make WGS ahappy and inclusive school.

Our 2023 leavers secured places at 27 different universities across the country including 20% of students gaining their first choice offer from one of the prestigious Russell Group universities.

Students move on to study a vast spectrum of subjects ranging from Aerospace Engineering to Law,Fine Art, Medicine, History, Economics, English Language and Linguistics and Sports Journalism. 100% of our early applicants to study medicine, veterinary science and at OxfordUniversity were successful this year.

If you areconsidering applying to Wolverhampton Grammar School, you will be invited for an interview beforeorafter Christmas. We have aSixth Form Music Scholarship worth up to 25% fee remission and an OW Sports Scholarship for students living in the Wolverhampton area (WV postcode) which is means tested and worth up to 100% fee remission. (With all awards, should therebemorethan one candidate of equal merit, the award may be shared and thus the level of fee remission offered to each individual may be lower.)

Families with an annual household income below £60,000 may also contact us to discuss financial assistance in the form of ameans-tested bursary

“Thetea hersarein redi lysupporti eand ha e onsistentlyshowna enuineinterestin mylearnin , oin a o eand eyond. Sienna

“TherelationshipsIformedatWGSwith myfriendsandtea hersareonesIwill herishforyearsto ome. Vishwas,Oxford Universityundergraduate

“WGShasallowedmeto alan emysportin areerwithmya ademi wor , oostin my on den easwellas on ratulatin meon mysu ess. Charlie

Hereford SixthFormCollege

SIXTHFORMGIVES STUDENTS THESPACE TO TAKE HOLDOF

THEIRFUTURES WITH APROGRAMME OF STUDY TAILORED TO THEIRINTERESTS

HerefordSixth Form College is more than aplace to gain qualifications. It is abridge between school and higher education or employment where students aregiven the space to take hold of their learning and find their futures.

As specialists in sixth form education, HerefordSixth Form College offers a wide range of courses in almost any combination, providing aprogramme of study tailored to students’ interests and career goals.

The college’sextensive enrichment programme is designed to underpin a foundation of excellent education with opportunities to enhance employability and enrich the college experience.

Students receive bespoke careers guidance to support their strengths and ambitions. Students benefit from strong links with top universities, opening doors to expert advice and professional insight into their areas of interest.

HerefordSixth Form College helps

students maximise their potential and constantly looks to better its students and guide them to exceed expectations.

With consistently strong examination results, awide range of courses and enrichment activities, alongside

outstanding support and guidance, an excellent education is closer than you think.

Visit HerefordSixth Form College at the upcoming Open Event on June 20 from 5.30pm to 7.30pm to find out more.

BewdleySixth Form

AVIBRANT SIXTHFORMTHATOFFERS AHIGH-QUALITYEDUCATION,EXPERIENCES AND SUPPORTTOENABLESTUDENTSTOBECOMESUCCESSFULINTHEIR FUTURE CAREERS

The Bewdley Sixth Form offers morethan aplace to gain excellent qualifications.

It is asupportiveenvironment that bridges the gap between school and further education and employment.

With awide range of Advanced Level courses on offer,werecognise students as individuals, and support them to make the right choices to carve their own pathway into further education and the workplace.

In our Sixth Form Centre, students have access to excellent facilities, including adesignated study room, 6° Café, lecturetheatreand seminarrooms. Small class sizes and specialist Sixth Form teachers ensurethat academic standards remain high, and students have high aspirations for themselves.

Each student will receive daily

individual support from their tutor.Inthe Sixth Form base, our committed and enthusiastic staffare also available to support with arange of strategies, from proof-reading essays to helping develop revision timetables. All students have access to My Super Curricular,and a weekly bulletin, both bursting with super curricular opportunities.

We also offer Young Enterprise, Gold Duke of Edinburgh, Operation Wallacea and opportunities to organise charity events. Workingwith Springpod enables all students to exploreindustry sector insights and apply for varied work experience opportunities.

We host a‘Next Steps’ conference whereseveral universities and apprenticeship providers visit Sixth Form and discuss the application process including how to select the right course and career path.

The Bewdley Sixth Form motto is ‘we fly with our own wings’. Our aim is to ensurethat each individual is supported to make the right choices for them about their future, and we arepassionate about helping students to ‘fly’ by reaching their true potential.

ThreeSpires SixthForm

ADIVERSEAND INCLUSIVE LEARNING COMMUNITYWHERE STUDENTS RECEIVE A COMPREHENSIVE EDUCATIONTAILOREDTOTHEIR INDIVIDUAL NEEDSAND ASPIRATIONS

At Three Spires Sixth Form, we pride ourselves on fostering adiverse and inclusive learning community dedicated to the success and wellbeing of every student.

Our collaborative approach between St Peter’sCollegiate Academy and St Regis Church of England Academy ensures that students receive acomprehensive education tailored to their individual needs and aspirations.

Our team of dedicated subject specialist teachers is committed to nurturing each student to reach their full potential. Through personalised support and guidance, we prepareour students for success in their chosen path, whether it be further education at university,pursuing apprenticeships, or entering the workforce.

In addition to academic excellence, we offer awide range of enrichment opportunities designed to develop wellrounded individuals who actively contribute to their communities.

From volunteering and peer mentoring to gaining practical skills through accredited courses and extracurricular activities, our students can access a wealth of experiences that enrich their educational journey

Furthermore, our state-of-theart facilities provide students with opportunities for both academic and personal growth.

Our newly-renovated campuses boast modernclassrooms equipped with the latest technology to enhance learning experiences.

Students also have access to dedicated study areas wherethey can

collaborate with peers and receive additional support from teachers. Moreover,our Tettenhall Campus features abrand-new fitness suite and swimming pool. Whether it’sparticipating in fitness classes or enjoying aswim after aday of studying, our facilities support students in maintaining ahealthy lifestyle.

We areexcited to announce the launch of our Cricket Academy starting in September 2024, adding to our existing sports programmes, such as the Basketball Academy based at our Compton Campus. These sports academies enable our students to develop their skills and passion for sports in a supportive and competitive environment.

At Three Spires Sixth Form, we believe

in striking abalance between academic rigour and enjoyment, ensuring that our students thrive inside and outside of the classroom.

By collaborating with two esteemed institutions, we redefine the sixth form experience and inspireyoung minds to achieve greatness together

We invite you to explorethe opportunities available at Three Spires Sixth Form and discover how our state-ofthe-art facilities and supportive community can enhance your educational journey

Visit us for an open day to experience first-hand the transformative education we offer,orvisit our website –www.threespiressixth.org –for further information.

Tettenhall College

Areyou finishing school and looking at your next steps?

We know finishing Year 11 and thinking about sixth form can be both exciting and daunting.

Tettenhall College offers a welcoming environment where you’ll feel at home from day one.

Our close-knit community fosters long-lasting friendships and unforgettable memories.

We’rededicated to unlocking the potential of each student. Academic excellence is supported by many enrichment activities. Whether it’ssports, taking to the stage in school musicals or playing an instrument, there’smany things to get involved in.

We want to prepareand supportyour career aspirations. That’swhy we place great emphasis on developing personal skills. We facilitate and encourage involvement in charitable work, work experience and roles of responsibility

preparing you for real life and further study. Our commitment to student success is evident with the majority of our students securing places at top universities, including Russell Group universities, distinguished art colleges and universities worldwide. Students keep in touch with us. They love to sharetheir successes,

and this is down to their experience with us.

Scholarships may be awarded for entry in Year 12. We are committed to ensuring that admission is available to as many deserving and qualifying students as possible. Scholarships are awarded following an assessment in academics, sport, performing arts, art and music. Families can apply for abursary award, ameans-tested assessment which may result in apercentage reduction in school fees.

Get to know us. Come and visit us at an open day or arrange apersonalised tour.Talk to tutors, meet current students and discover avibrant community that awaits you.

For moreinformation, contact our Admissions team at admissions@tettcoll. co.uk or call 01902 751 119.

Stay updated on upcoming events by visiting www.tettenhallcollege.co.uk/events

TheHartSchoolSixth Form

SCHOOLGOESTHE EXTRAMILE, OFFERING ABESPOKE CURRICULUMTOHELPSTUDENTS ACHIEVE THEIRGOALS ANDASPIRATIONS ANDGOFORWARD WITH CONFIDENCE

When it comes to going the extra mile for its students, The Hart School has a proven track recordofdoing just that.

Not only is the secondary school in the Top5ofYear 6parents’ first choice for Staffordshirechildren, but when it comes to setting pupils up for futurecareers, its successful sixth form offers impressive support across the board.

Just one of its unique selling points is that it creates abespoke curriculum that caters for the career goals of each individual sixth form cohort –akey success factor that’sseen students going offtostudy at topuniversities and secure jobs with global companies.

Sixth form “forward-thinking and innovative”

Head of Sixth Form, Mr Ben Brennan, said: “As aforward-thinking and innovative sixth form, we prepareour students for what lies ahead. Abroad range of Level 3courses offer multiple routes for our students, giving students moreflexibility and greater confidence in studying things

that they love. Our motto is ‘WeCan, We Will,WeDo’ and we work together with our sixth formers to achieve their goals and aspirations to enable them to go forwardwith confidence to take the next step into the world of work on their chosen career path.”

Enrichment programme builds on balanced and bespoke curriculum

The school also recognises the need to develop individuals and provides

opportunities to take part in Enrichment Programmes to extend students’ skills outside the classroom, enhance CVs and Personal Statements, and further bolster applications to universities, apprenticeships or employers.

Its Extra-Curricular Programme also continues to stand out from the crowd by offering ahost of amazing opportunities to further expand students’ experience and skill sets.

And The Hart School’ssupport for its sixth formers doesn’tstopthere. It also boasts dedicated areas for sixth formers to study in; independent in-house careers officer to guide and support students; arranges visits to universities, apprenticeship fairs and UCAS conventions; bursaries to enable students from disadvantaged backgrounds to succeed; and in-house mental health and well-being student support.

For morecall 01889 802440, email enquiries@hartschool.org.uk, or visit www hartschool.org.uk

The Hart School Sixth Form

StaffordGrammar School

SIXTHFORMOFFERS STUDENTS ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE,OUTSTANDING PASTORAL SUPPORTAND AWORLD OF EXTRACURRICULAROPPORTUNITIESAND EXPERIENCES

SGS Sixth Form is the perfect transition from GCSEs to A-levels, writes head boy TomPickstock and head girl Priya Mahal.

As current students, we can tell you first hand how nerve-wracking starting sixth form can be, but the teachers here go above and beyond to make everyone feels welcome and included.

With weekly group activities and extracurriculars, you’ll have every opportunity to form friendships and make memories that will last alifetime.

When moving from Year 11 to sixth form, it’sevident how the dynamic between students and teachers changes, gaining anewfound sense of respect and trust between each other.Due to the small class sizes at A-level, you form afriendship between yourself and the teachers.

Depending on the teacher,you may even have abit of banter every now and then, adding to the relaxing atmosphere within the sixth form.

Wednesday afternoons aredesignated to activities and talks from external speakers to prepareusfor adult life. With topics spanning from ‘How to write agreat university application’ to ‘Staying safe on the road’, we can confidently say that SGS has prepared us for the big changes coming up.

After we’ve spent an hour worrying about what life will be like without our parents, we move to the sports hall for P.E. As asixth former,the choice of which sport to take part in is yours. Training for first team sports is overseen by our experienced sports teachers, but if you’re not interested in playing for the school, there’salarge selection of activities that cater to all abilities and interests.

In terms of academics, SGS offers a wide range of subjects to help in future decisions regarding life after sixth form. Each curriculum is designed to challenge and inspire, leaving every student in the best position to tackle the big exams at the end of Year 13. Endless revision sessions and subject clinics prove just how dedicated the teachers areto our education; Mr Anderson will stop at nothing to help you understand the intricacies of anerve cell!

SGS does not stop at academics, it branches much further into extracurricular activities and opportunities. Starting with

musical opportunities, SGS offers alarge variety of instruments to learnaswell as bands to take part in. Thereisadifferent band going on almost every lunch!

If performing is moreyour thing, then why don’tyou take part in one of our school musicals? The chance to perform on stage in such aprofessional production is immense! If you would rather take aless professional approach, then the infamous sixth form pantomime is for you. It’sa great way to boost your confidence and it brings us all together.Working as ateam to organise last-minute rehearsals and put some ridiculous outfits together was an

experience we will cherish forever.After all, we never thought we would see Tomup on stage in gold hot pants (a sight I’m sure Mr Pietrek will never forget)!

Once everyone has settled down into sixth form life, the time to choose prefect roles comes around. These provide you with an opportunity to improve your leadership and communication skills, and as an added bonus, it looks great on a university application! Votesare submitted by both teachers and fellow sixth formers, meaning everyone gets asay in the process. However,don’tworry if youmiss outonthe opportunity the first time round, prefects can be nominated at any point in the year if you can prove yourself worthy

No matter what prefect role you’re assigned, you’ll soon see that they’reall important as the main goal of all prefects is to help the school run smoothly and set an example for others.

In conclusion, we would be the first to tell you that going to SGS Sixth Form has been one of the best choices we will ever make. The stupendous amounts of extracurricular opportunities, balanced with the outstanding academic support is superb! We have made friends and experiences at SGS that will stand the test of time.

Ormiston ForgeAcademy

OFFERING STUDENTS PERSONALISED TEACHING ANDONE-TO-ONESUPPORT TO HELP THEM DEVELOPSTUDY SKILLS ANDREALISE THEIRFULLPOTENTIAL ACADEMICALLY

Ormiston Forge Academy’s results position it as one of the most successful post-16 providers locally.

Indeed, in 2023 over 40% of all A-level entries wereA*- Bgrades and over 65% of BTEC entries wereDistinction* or distinction grades. This ultimately meant that all students who wanted to go to university have started adegree course.

The support we offer our sixth form students is second to none. In our most recent student voice survey, support was highlighted as the key benefit of being asixth form student.

Support comes in awide variety of forms; daily pastoral support, weekly support with job/university applications and, of course, academic support from our expert KS5 teaching staff

Our class sizes aremuch smaller in the sixth form compared to the larger specialist post-16 colleges, allowing for

morepersonalised teaching and moreoneto-one support.

Our learning grant provides £400 of financial support for sixth form students, irrespective of household income.

What our students say: “For me personally,one the greatest aspects of sixth form is the quality of teaching; lessons are varied and interesting and the teachers clearly have apassion for what they teach,” said Keira.

“The help and support you get from teachers is amajor benefit. Ireceived alot of personalised support, which helped me to achieve my academic goals,” added Michee.

Darren Grimes, Assistant Principal for Key Stage 5, said: “Support lies at the heart of our sixth form. Whether it’spastoral, academic or careers support, we have established programmes that ensureour students aresuccessful.

“Our sixth form pastoral leaders arealways at hand to help and advise our students, whilst our various tutoring programmes help students to develop study skills and realise their full potential academically.Moreover,bybuildingweekly university application and employment workshops into the timetable, our students arewell supported in planning for life after sixth form and making the eventual transition to higher education or employment.”

Harper AdamsUniversity

UNIVERSITYOFFERS AWIDERANGE OF DEGREESAND COURSESTOHELPYOU EXCELAND EQUIPYOU WITH THESKILLSNEEDEDTOTHRIVEINTODAY’S WORKFORCEAND BEYOND

Experts at Harper Adams University have designed an exciting range of digitally-led, future-thinking and industry-aligned degree programmes, set to launch this Autumn.

Harper Adams, aleading specialist university in the heart of Shropshire, offers awide range of degrees and courses that can help pave the way to your dream career,building on our expertise in preparing students for the future.

Whilst Harper Adams has courses ranging across Agriculture, Engineering, Veterinary Professions, Food Innovation and more, thereare also brand new courses in Applied Data Science, Digital Business Management, and Robotics, Automation and Mechatronic Engineering; designed to help you excel and equip you with the skills needed to thrive in today’sworkforce and beyond.

In the past year,Harper Adams has been named Specialist University of the Year 2024 by the Times and Sunday Times, ranked the top Modern University in the UK in the Daily Mail University Guide, and placed within the top five UK universities for delivering courses that preparetheir students for

futurecareers in the latest National Student Survey.

At the WhatUni Student Choice Awards, Harper Adams took the top spot in the Career Prospects category for the seventh year in arow –with theGraduate Outcomes survey finding morethan 99.2 per cent of our UK-based undergraduates arein work or further study 15 months after completing their studies.

We’ve been an important part of the Newport and Telfordcountryside for morethan acentury,with our beautiful, state-of-the-art, specialist campus community.Now,our new courses are taking us into the heart of Telford, building on the town’sproud industrial heritage to forge anew,digital revolution.

If you’reinterested in finding out more about our new courses –and why you should study with us –visit harper.ac.uk/ stationquarter today to find out more.

Wrekin College Head Toby Spence has praised the school’ssixth formers for being an integral and leading part of many of the projects and groups which bring together students from across all year groups.

Mr Spence said he was delighted that the school’ssenior students regularly went above and beyond to ensureextracurricular events and activities werenot only thriving at the school but winning national prizes and widespread acclaim.

He said the sixth form was abusy hive of activity on its own with numerous competitive first sports teams, enviable international exchange and DofE programmes together with abroad range of A-level and BTEC courses including Agriculture, Accounting, Product Design, PE, Music, Computer Science and Business Studies. Sixth formers also have the option to complete an EPQ (Extended Project Qualification).

However,headded that most students werealso part of or leading other

societies, groups and musical ensembles also open to those in Years 7to11.

“In aclear sign of how Wrekin develops not only leadership skills but adesiretohelp others and promote community cohesion, our sixth form is really visible when it comes to extracurricular activities,” he added.

These contributions to school life are not only helping to hone employability skills, but have helped students to add further depth to good exam grades when

it comes to university applications.

From the Year 13 exam class of 2023, afifth of all grades wereAorA*with places gained at some of the UK’stop universities including Durham.

Anumberofstudents have also won coveted apprenticeship opportunities in recent years at the likes of Deloitte and PWC.

To find out moreabout the Wrekin College Sixth Form, including upcoming open events, visit www.wrekinoldhall.com

DO YOUWANTTOTAKEA BREAKFROMSTUDYING?

Agap year can provide endless opportunities whether it’stravelling around the world, learning anew skill, volunteering or getting ajob to pay for your studies.

It’straditionally a12-month break from study taken by students beforethey start their degree or employment. But however you decide to spend the time, the benefits must outweigh the disadvantages of taking abreak from your education.

If you have finished your A-levels and you decide this is the right path for you, then you need to spend this time wisely and really make it count. As fun as it might sound, it’snot goingtoimpress anyone if you spend 12 months lounging around at home binge-watching shows on Netflix because let’sbehonest –you can’tput that on your CV

One beneficial way to spend agap year is to use it to build up some work experience –either relevant to the career you have in mind or to help you to develop general skills such as IT,language and communication. Working for ayear can also be away to earnmoney for university,

taking the pressureoff your finances. Work opportunitiesare notjust available at home as many companies run schemes allowing gap year students to work abroad on paid placements. These might include roles involving working with children or conservation work.

Many students use this time to travel, which can bring many benefits such as the chance to be independent, budgeting and learning other languages and cultures. It’sthe perfectopportunity to have new experiences while standing on your own two feet for the first time. This can help make you better prepared for university, both academically and socially.But make sureyou have aplanofaction for when your year is up –whether it’sfurther study or work.

If you don’tfeel ready to go on to university or higher education, then this break can also buy you some valuable thinking time beforefurther study, especially if you don’tknowwhich course to choose.

Options include programmes such as Camp America, which provides achance

to spend your summer living and working on asummer camp in the USA. There arealsovolunteer programmes both here in the UK and overseas, working holiday packages, and adventuretours

Do IT is the national database of volunteering opportunities and people can search positions by interest, activity or location and apply online. The NCVO (The National Council for Voluntary Organisations) website has details of other organisations that promote volunteer vacancies.

Trailfinders Travel Academy provides opportunities such as volunteering in one of Africa’snational parks and International Citizen Service (ICS) provides overseas volunteer placements for 18-25 year olds.

Experience you gain while on agap year can also make your CV stand out when you start applying for jobs.

Consider your options and long-term goals carefully and whether taking agap year will benefit you later on. The UCAS website can point you in the right direction of some of the opportunities available if you decide this is the right move for you.

COULDONLINELEARNING WORK BETTER FORYOU?

ONLINE distance learning can be a convenient option for those who want to work towards adegree but also want to start earning by getting afull-time job.

Students aretotally free to organise how and when they study,making it the most flexible higher education option.

Materials aresent directly to the student or accessed via the internet and tutorial support is provided via electronic means such as Skype and email.

This way of learning enables you to fit afull degree around your personal and work life. It also doesn’tmatter where you live because you can gain adegree from anywhereinthe world. Youcan also study undergraduate, postgraduate and professional level courses all via distance learning.

One advantage is that adistance learning course often costs less than a full-time face-to-face degree course, with students usually offered a‘pay as you learn’ option rather than paying the full course fees at the start.

The majority of UK undergraduate

students study with the Open University with courses covering arange of subjects from arts to science and everything in between.

Students can use these to build arange of qualifications that include certificates of higher education, diplomas of higher education, foundation degrees or honours degrees.

Tutors mark assignments, provide detailed written feedback, and offer support to students by telephone, email, or computer conferencing.

But many universities up and down the country now offer distance learning programmes too. They all work hardto ensurethey areofthe same high quality as campus-based programmes.

Officials say they have the same status as any student on campus but there’sno need to come on to campus. Also, they will be given deadlines like other students on campus but areable to manage their time leading up to assessments to work around what suits them best.

Those enrolled can access lectures, recordings and course material online

whenever it suits them and they can study wherever they are. Then, once they’ve finished, they can celebrate their graduation with everyone else.

At most universities, online distance learning courses still follow the standard semester calendar with, usually,astart date in September.

Applications need to be submitted directly to the university or college, rather than going through UCAS.

The downside to this style of learning is that some people can find it lonely and isolating because you arenot meeting your fellow course mates regularly

However,the programmes often include day schools or residential weekends whereyou work with other students on aspecific project.

These can be followed by continued contact with the team as you work together,and result in another residential whereresults arepresented and assessed.

n For moreinformation see www ucas.com/undergraduate/what-andwhere-to-study/distance-learning

WHAT IF UNIVERSITYISN’T RIGHTCHOICEFOR YOU?

IF you’ve decided that university isn’t the right choice for you but you’restill keen to continue in education then thereare other options available.

Higher National Certificates (HNCs) and Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) can boost your career prospects and earning potential. They arealso agreat way to preparefor acareer in aspecific industry and lead directly to the workplace.

Many students use the qualification as asteppingstone to an honours degree while they decide what to do next. These courses tend to focus on ‘learning by doing’ and aredesigned to meet the needs of employers.

Both qualifications areprovided 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 adegree.

HNDs take two years full-time and can also be taken part-time, which takes longer.This is the equivalent to two years of adegree.

Both HNCs and HNDs can be very practical qualifications, so they do not just involve theory.Thereisalso afinancial 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 HNCs and HNDs tend to be assessed through assignments, projects and practical tasks that you complete throughout the course. Both can be ‘topped up’ with extra studies at alater date in order to convert them to afull Bachelor’sdegree.

Some of the most popular HND courses available include accounting, business and finance, business management, civil engineering, construction, electrical engineering, graphic design, management, nursing, mechanical engineering and photography

According to the Higher Education Statistics Agency,17per cent of recent HND graduates studied business studies, while nine per cent studied computer science and eight per cent electrical and electronic engineering. Hospitality,leisure, sport, tourism and transport and general

engineering werealsopopular choices. Students often have many opportunities to impress potential future employers. If you’recarrying out work experience alongside your studies, not only will you develop and hone the skills employers arelooking for,but you’ll build contacts that could be useful in your job hunt. HND graduates have the

advantage of gaining practical, specialised experience.

Thereare also foundation degrees which areaqualification in their own right but can be ‘topped up’ to afull degree. They aregreat for students who are unsureifadegree is for them.

They can be agood stepping stone for people unsureofuniversity and those who want to study part-time while working. They areequivalent to the first two years of an honours degree.

Most arecreated with the help of employers to ensurethey areteaching the relevant skills for the local area and are normally designed with and validated by a specific university

While the course will still involve academic study,therewill also be practical work-related learning. Students can then complete the final year of the degree at the partner university

Shrewsbury School

COMBINING TRADITIONWITHAVIBRANT,MODERN CO-EDUCATIONAL VISION TO DELIVER ADYNAMIC EDUCATION THAT DEVELOPS THEABILITIES ANDENTHUSIASMS OF ALLPUPILS

Shrewsbury School has aworldclass reputation for all-round excellence.

Fully co-educational, with a seven-day boarding heartbeat and an integral day community for ages 13 to 18, Shrewsbury delivers adynamic education that develops the abilities and enthusiasms of each and every girl and boy

Founded in 1552, Shrewsbury School combines tradition with a vibrant, modernco-educational vision. At Shrewsbury,learning is ‘serious fun’. Academic life focuses on developing intellectually curious young adults who think critically and creatively,have the confidence to question and to challenge and areequipped with the skills that they will need to thrive at all stages of life.

This is complemented by the rich tapestry of opportunity involved in the co-curricular life of the school. Pupils areencouraged to develop their unique

strengths and passions. With outstanding facilities and inspiring staff, pupils are nurtured and encouraged to reach their potential.

Shrewsbury’sFutures Department plays avital role in preparing pupils for their next steps.

The Futures Department offers advice on the many different career paths available, university courses, work experience and the ways in which pupils

can develop and enhance their employability skills.

Thereisarich and varied programme of events each year, providing pupils with the opportunity to meet professionals from abroad range of sectors. This includes Shrewsbury’sEnterprising Futures Conference, aday of skills workshops and presentations delivered by inspiring entrepreneurs from arange of professions.

At Shrewsbury nearly all pupils head on to university.Around80% of pupils progress to aWorld Top200 or Russell Group University,with agrowing number of pupils attending universities overseas. The Futures Department also offers guidance on well-structured Gap Years, as well as School Leavers’ Programmes, which include acombination of workplace training, professional skills development and further education through professional qualifications.

Highfields School SixthForm

HELPINGSTUDENTSTOBECOMEWELL-ROUNDEDINDIVIDUALS WITH THEKNOWLEDGE, SKILLS ANDQUALITIES TO BE SUCCESSFUL ON WHATEVER PATHWAYTHEYFOLLOW

At Highfields Sixth Form, we take great pride in the achievements of our students.

What makes us so special is the cultureofexcellence that is the foundation of all that we do and the firm belief that every individual can be successful. We work in close partnership with students and their families to ensurethat every one of our students fulfils their potential.

In joining Highfields, students will benefit from abroad and engaging curriculum, high levels of support and challenge, and awarm and welcoming school community.Thereisanexceptional range of facilities and amodernschool building which helps students to prepare for the world of work.

Every year thereare morethan 100 students who progress on to high quality university places, including those who attend Oxford, Cambridge and other Russell Group institutions, whilst others take up apprenticeship and employment opportunities within the local area

and beyond. Teaching and learning at Highfields is second to none. The breadth of experience and expertise amongst staffenables them to deliverhighquality lessons across the full curriculum.

Thereisadedicated Sixth Form

Pastoral Team to help students overcome any challenges they may face. Students arealsoprovided with awide rangeof enrichment opportunities and careers

advice throughout their time in Sixth Form, ensuring that all students leave with the character,skills and qualities that they need to be successful in the future.

If Highfields sounds like the right option for you, please visit the website where you can view acomprehensive list of the courses that areonoffer,hear from the Sixth Form Team, and find details on how to apply

SouthStaffordshire College

FIND YOUR PASSIONAND CREATE YOUR CAREER AT SOUTHSTAFFORDSHIRECOLLEGE

Thereare so many exciting opportunities and courses on offer at South StaffordshireCollege!

Whether you’replanning acareer in animal care, construction, travel, photography,esports or uniformed public services, with us you won’tjust follow your passion –you’ll #CreateYourCareer in it.

Throughout your time at college, you’ll receive hands-on practical training in our fantastic facilities led by our industry expert tutors (otherwise known as our #CareerCreators).

We areall aboutcareers

Our focus is to help you achieve a fulfilling career,not just complete acourse. We work closely with employers to ensure we stay up-to-date with the skills they most demand in the workplace and pride ourselves on ensuring you leave college with those skills.

We will support you to select the study option that will best help you to reach your career aspirations.

We offerawide range of full-time courses and apprenticeships (across avariety of levels), as well as T-levels and higher education courses, so we’re sureyou’ll find something to spark your passion.

Study locally

Start the journey to your dream career by studying locally to whereyou live. At our current Tamworth &TorcCollege’s we offer courses in beauty,business, bricklaying, carpentry,early years, electrical, engineering, hairdressing, health and social care, catering, sport, IT,travel, public services and more! Be one of the

first students to study in our brand-new Tamworth College which opens in 2025.

Rodbaston College is the perfect place to start your career in agriculture, animal care, veterinary care, arboriculture, countryside management and equine. Rodbaston isn’tjust aland-based college, you can also start your career in trades such as plumbing and motor vehicle.

Showcase your creative flair at Lichfield College with courses ranging from art and design, fashion, games design, esports, journalism, media, music, performing arts to photography

At Cannock College you can start your career in bricklaying, business, carpentry,construction, digital, electrical, engineering, early years, esports, health

and social careand uniformed public services.

Earnwhile youlearn with an apprenticeship

Combine practical on the job training alongside studying at college. This means you’ll get to work alongside experienced employers in the workplace putting into practice what you learnatcollege whilst earning awage.

Youcan complete an apprenticeship in abroad range of areas withus such as animal and vet care, accounting, business administration, early years, electrical, hairdressing and barbering, horticulture, hospitality,powered pedestrian doors, teaching and learning and trades such as

engineering, electrical, gas, plumbing and motor vehicle.

To view current apprenticeship vacancies, visit: southstaffs.ac.uk/ apprenticeship-vacancies

Take your career to the next level –T-level

Designed with employers, T-levels are atwo-year programme designed to give you ahead start in your chosen career. You’ll spend 80% of your time in college and 20% of your time learning on the job. Equivalent to three A-levels, T-levels offer the same UCAS points, allowing progression to HE study

From September 2024 we’reoffering T-levels in animal care, electrical, media,

health, plumbing and heating engineering. To find out morevisit:southstafffs.ac.uk/tlevels

Additional learning support and high needs

At each college, we have adedicated learning support team who will work with you to ensureyour individual needs are supported to help you to reach your full potential.

Futures is our dedicated provision to cater for students aged 16 –25withhigh needs.

Higher Education

Study adegree with us in avariety of subjects including zoo animal

management, education, film &TV, health &social care, sports coaching, games development, engineering, art &design and more. Study at your local college, with fees up to £3,000 lower than attending university

Take your first steps towards your futureand #CreateYourCareer.Visit www southstaffs.ac.uk to see the full range of courses and apprenticeships on offer as well as booking to attend one of our open days.

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TikTok: @southstaffscollege

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VISIT OUR

OPEN EVENTS

With lots of full-time courses, T-Levels, apprenticeships and university level courses on offer at South Staffordshire College,there is something for everyone. Come and meet our tutors and have alook around your local college in Cannock, Tamworth, Lichfield or Rodbaston in Penkridge. ...and manymore!

To findout more and bookyour placeatour next open day,scan the QR code or visit: southstaffs.ac.uk/open-days

St.Dominic’s SixthForm

AVIBRANT,CLOSE-KNITCOMMUNITY WHEREDEDICATED STAFFGUIDE STUDENTS THROUGHTHEIR A-LEVELS,WITHEXCELLENT TEACHING,MENTORING ANDPASTORALCARE

St. Dominic’sSixth ForminBrewood is avibrant, close-knit community where young adults preparefor university and beyond.

Dedicated staffguide our students through their A-levels, with excellent teaching, mentoring and pastoral care.

Our school has been described as a ‘family’ many times by staffand students, and Sixth Form is no exception. Personal tutors offer guidance in weekly sessions to support students with studies, work experience, enrichment opportunities and university applications.

Apurpose-built Sixth Form centre allows students to be part of our school community while enjoying greater independence.

We have astrong academic record, with students almost always gaining a place at their first-choice university.There arealso opportunities to develop skills outside the classroom, aligning with our

Mind, Body,Spirit school ethos.

Every Sixth Form student at St. Dominic’shas their own mentor who meets with them regularly,monitors their progress, assists with revision planning and advises on their futurestudies and options.

We offerabalance between traditional, academic and morepractical subjects at A-level, and our flexible approach allows our curriculum to be personalised to the

GIRLS AND BOYS 2-18

individual. Our varied A-leveloptions come under different subject areas: STEM, Humanities, Expressive Arts, Communications and PE, and we require aminimum of Level 4inatleast eight GCSEs, including English and Maths, with preferably Level 6orabove in chosen A-level subjects.

As aschool, we also offer the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), which counts as avaluable AS-level and gives students vital UCAS points to support university applications.

Students areencouraged to take part in work placements in areas that interest them and support futurecareer options. Our students also have the opportunity to achieve aDuke of Edinburgh Award.

For afocused, supportive education, with small class sizes and outstanding pastoral support, St. Dominic’sisthe ideal choice, providing auniqueand nurturing Sixth Form experience.

InvictusSixthFormisavibrantsixthform,offeringacademic excellenceinacaringenvironment.InvictusSixthFormisbuilt uponourInvictusTrustkeyvalues.OurValueOneis‘Everyday, ineveryway,ourstudentscomefirst’.Thisvalueencompasses our passion in providing a first class Post 16 education experiencealongsideindividualpastoralandcareersupport.

About s

StudentsatInvictusSixtharechallengedbyarangeofhigh-quality academic courses, taught by our verybest subject specialists achacademicyearweo erawidevarietyof eveland evel VocationalcoursesWeareunlikemanyotherprovidersasweallow ourstudentstodesignatailoredpathwayofsubjects Students canchooseablendofbothVocationaland levelsubjects ur personalisedmeetingsensurethatstudentsareencouragedonto the appropriate career pathways which allow progression onto highereducation,apprenticeshipsortheworldofwork Students haveopportunitiestofurtherdeveloptheirunderstandingwithin their subjects through eld trips, visits andvisiting external speakers

OurAcademies

FurtherEducationSupport

The vast majorityof our students progress onto university or higher-leveldegreeapprenticeships.Inordertoensuresuccess, studentshave a structured andcomprehensive programme of supportandguidance. spartoftheprogrammestudentsaregiven the opportunity tovisit various universities, and apprenticeship providers.Theyalsohaveopportunitiestoattendworkshopson how towritean e ective personal statement, V and practise interviewtechniques

OurFacilities

InvictusSixthFormprides itself on state-of-the-art facilities across itssites including specialist classrooms, laboratories, musicstudio, sportssuite, Tsuite,new stroturfs,anew multi million pound sportshall, swimming pools and dedicated sixthformcentreswithworkareasandsocialspaces

VI

InvictusSixthFormstudentsalsohavetheopportunitytobepart of our Invictus cademies within Football, Rugby, Netballor PerformingArts uracademiescombineacademicstudyand high-quality sporting and performing arts provision Students are able togain optional quali cations including evel and oaching wards, evel ciating, mergencyFirst id, andSafeguarding uracademiesaredeliveredbyhighlytrained experiencedprofessionals

OurEnrichment

Wearealsodeterminedthatthebroaderexperienceofbeingpart ofInvictusshouldberichandvaried urenrichmentprogramme has been carefullyplanned to give students the chance to pursueotherinterestsandquali cationsinconjunctionwiththeir academic courses The opportunities provide a basis in which studentscanpersonallydevelopandalsoenhanceemployability Someexamplesoftheenrichmentweo eristhe xtended roject uali cation,the nglish-Speaking oard, ore aths,Speaking nglishasaForeign anguagequali cation,Student ouncil, eer entoringandThe ukeof dinburgh old ward

PastoralSupport

neofthemanyfeaturesthatsetsInvictusSixthFormapartfrom other ost providersistheoutstandingpastoralcareweprovide Studentsarenotmerelyanumberamongstthecrowd swellas our highlyexperienced SixthForm sta we are able to access support from other in-house andexternal support networks to makesurethatnooneisleftbehindandnooneislefttostruggle ontheirown Weprideourselvesinthisareaandtrulybelievethat thisisoneofthekeyreasonswhyourstudentsaresosuccessful

CannockChase High School

ASIXTH FORM WHEREEVERYONEISTREATED AS AN INDIVIDUAL ANDSUPPORTED ON THEIRPERSONAL JOURNEYTOSUCCESS

Cannock Chase High School Sixth Form is dedicated to providing the highest standardofeducation and experience for 16 to 18 year olds, preparing all students to be ‘futureready’.

The vision of our Sixth Form is a place whereevery student, regardless of background, thrives and achieves personal excellence. Our Sixth Form seeks to ensureall students have the opportunity to excel on their chosen pathway

Many of our existing GCSE students choose to stay with us into Sixth Form but we arealso delighted to welcome students joining us from other schools.

The average class size is 15-20 students, allowing everyone to receive the individual attention that they deserve, resulting in strong positive relationships between students and staff.

Last year saw another year of excellent results in the Sixth Form, bucking the trend of national headlines. We areproud

of our students’ outstanding achievements in both academic and vocational qualifications, with superb individual successes amongst our excellent overall results.

In the face of adversity over the past two years, over 95% of our university applicants have achieved aplace at the university of their choice, with other students successful in securing apprenticeships or employment; the true

measureofsuccess. Most notably,over 75%ofour students as awhole were successful in gaining aplace at university High academic achievement is only part of your journey with us. Students leave Cannock Chase High School being able to demonstrate our five school values: Teamwork, Resilience, Integrity,Excellence and Responsibility through involvement in avast range of extra-curricular activities from sport to school productions and public speaking to cubing.

Students also have the opportunity to gain leadership opportunities through being Peer Mentors, members of the School Council and Student Leadership Team.

Interested in joining us on the next stage of your journey? Please visit our website www.cannockchasehigh.com or find us on social media www.facebook. com/CCHSofficial. Alternatively,contact our Director of Sixth Form at e.fisher@ cannockchase-high.staffs.sch.uk

HIGHACADEMICOUTCOMES •LEADERSHIPOPPORTUNITIES

CannockChaseHighSchoolSixthFormisdedicatedtoprovidingthehigheststandardofeducation

Walsall Academy

ENCOURAGINGSTUDENTSTODEVELOP APASSION FORLEARNING, CREATIVITY,AN INQUISITIVE MIND ANDTHE ABILITYTOTHINKANALYTICALLYAND CRITICALLY

At Walsall Academy we are committed to providing the very best opportunities and education for our students to raise their aspirations and pursue academic, as well as vocational excellence.

In 2022, Ofsted commended us, saying: ‘Students in the sixth-form benefit from ahigh-quality curriculum offer’ and that ‘Staff’sstrong subject knowledge helps students to achieve well’. ‘Students areencouraged and nurtured to develop apassion for learning, creativity,aninquisitive mind and the ability to think analytically and critically’.

The Sixth Form curriculum ranges from facilitating A-level subjects to accredited professional qualifications and an established suite of Tlevels. We are delighted that 77% of our Year 13 entered higher education in 2023, with 10% of them now attending aRussell Group university

One of the highlights of Year 12

is the two-week work placement, which enhances our students’ skills in: communication, collaboration, problem-solving, time-management and adaptability

In the last five years, we have engaged with over 700 business and industry leaders, supported students with Higher Education and Employers Fairs at the Academy,conducted practice interviews and advised on CV writing, as well as hosting Apprenticeship Academies along with mock apprenticeship assessment

Walsall Academy’sSixth Form has awide-ranging curriculum offer of ALevels,BTECs and the new Tlevels in Education and Early Years; Health; Managementand Administration.

September 2024 Admissions

Formoredetails,including information on entryrequirements,please contactuson 01922 493910 foranapplication pack or visit the Sixth Form Admissions webpage on: www.walsallacademy.com

Lichfield Road,Bloxwich, Walsall,WS3 3LX Telephone :01922 493910

www.walsallacademy.com

days. It is always agreat delight to welcome back our former students to inspireour current cohort to fulfil their potential. At arecent alumni event, one student commented: “I’ve never had as much support as Idid between 2013 and 2018.Walsall Academy contributed hugely towards the person I’ve become today.The teachers gave me confidence to believe in myself… if Icould go back and do it all again, I would!”

The high expectations we have of staffand students greatly contribute to our unique learning environment; inspiring achievement and celebrating success. We empower our students to unlock their personal and academic potential and become leaders of their own learning. Don’ttake our wordfor it, come and see us for yourself!

For moreinformation, contact us for an application pack or visit the admissions page on www.walsallacademy.com or scan the QR code on your mobile device.

BOAStage &ScreenProduction

UNIQUE ACADEMYSPECIALISINGINFILM, TV,ONLINEAND THEATREPRODUCTIONISON AMISSION TO DEVELOPTHE NEXT GENERATION OF BACKSTAGETALENT

Do you want to work in the creative industries but don’tknow whereto start?

BOA Stage and Screen Production Academy is avocational facility which provides outstanding opportunities for students.

In the centreofBirmingham, the 16 to 19 academy provides exceptional free vocational BTECs, which are equivalent to three A-levels. Last year, students received a100%pass rate, with 81% achieving triple Distinction* in their chosen pathway

Students have access to high-quality teaching in state-of-the-art facilities. They undertake multiple work placements, giving them hands-on experience in realworld settings. This supports them in their journey into work, apprenticeships, or higher education.

The industry-led academy has strong links to leading key employers,

including the BBC, Create Central, the BFI, Birmingham Royal Ballet, Threewise Entertainment, the Royal Shakespeare Company,the REP Theatre, and many more.

Thereare huge opportunities for the next generation of crew,technicians, set and costume designers, camera operators, lighting designers, make-up artists, writers, directors, sound engineers,

INTERESTED IN ACAREER IN THE CREATIVE INDUSTRIES?

video editors, stage managers, journalists, presenters, and content creators, etc…

Michael Painter,Principal of BOAStage and Screen Production Academy,said: “Thereare excellent career opportunities in the Stage and Screen Production sectors for young people with creative and/or technical inclinations, who areinterested in working back-stage, and off-camera. We areonamission to trainuptalented youngsters and connect them with the employers who need them.”

BOA looks for potential and the right attitude above qualifications and experience. That means thereare no minimum GCSE grade requirements as all offers aremade following practical aptitude workshops.

Applications for BOA Stage and Screen arenow open, and can be made via www.trainbackstage.co.uk

TRAINBACKSTAGE AT BOASTAGEAND SCREEN

Aspire Sixth

SIXTHFORMPROMISESEXCEPTIONAL TEACHING,ASUPPORTIVECOMMUNITY AND FANTASTICFACILITIESTHATWILLHELPSTUDENTSTOREACH THEIRFULLPOTENTIAL

Discover the Exceptional at Aspire Sixth Form!

Welcome to AspireSixth, the premier destination for ambitious students in Cheslyn Hay,Great Wyrley and the surrounding area.

Our sixth form provides an outstanding learning environment whereacademic achievement and social development go hand in hand.

At AspireSixth, we take pride in our exceptional teaching and supportive community.Our fantastic facilities are complemented by dedicated teachers who arecommittedtohelping you reach your full potential.

Join us and experience our intensive induction program, designed to focus on academic success, personal growth and an array of extracurricular activities.

Our students go on to pursue diverse university degree courses, ranging from medicine and law to sciences and performing arts. We also provide

support for those seeking employment or apprenticeships. But life at Aspire Sixth is about morethan academics. Our enrichment programs, including sports leadership, mentoring, TEFL courses and the Extended Project Qualification, help you develop into awell-rounded, confident individual.

Explorethe amazing opportunities awaiting you at AspireSixth! Visit our website for moreinformation: www aspiresixthform.org.uk

Why Aspire Sixth Form?

We provide asupportive and challenging environment in which students are able to flourish. We are athriving, friendly and supportive community.

First class facilities, backed up by excellent teachers and subject specialists who are totally committed to ensuring that they get the best from their students.

We offer an extensive enrichment programme offering peer mentoring programme, teaching assistant, work experience, TEFL, Sports Leaders, Extended project qualification and awide variety of competitive and noncompetitive sport.

LichfieldCathedral School

Lichfield Cathedral School’s Sixth Form is avibrant, intellectually stimulating and friendly place wherestudents areencouraged to pursue their goals and aspirations with determination.

Awide range of A-levels and BTEC subjects can be studied, including Music Tech, Applied Law,Criminology,Drama & Theatreand Fine Art, along with the Extended Project Qualification, appreciated by universities and employers alike. Tuition groups are small, ensuring that everyone is involved in discussion and debate, which is excellent preparation for higher education.

Sixth Form life is exhilarating, yet the pressures of examinations, university applications and the school’shigh standards can be considerable.

The excellent pastoral team includes

the Form Tutors,the Assistant Head, Pastoral Assistant, Academic Mentors, Chaplaincy team and the School Nurse. They areall on hand to provide acaring framework of support and guidance which focuses on the individual needs of each student.

“Wehave adedicated Careers and HE team that works hardto ensurethat each student finds the right path for them, whether this is university,anapprenticeship or employment,” said Felicity Goodlet, Head of Sixth Form.

Super-curricular activities are increasingly essential to university and job applications, but more importantly they add great joy and satisfaction to the lives of students.

The Cathedral School Sixth Form offers awealth of opportunities to enable students to have original experiences, discover new passions, serve the local community and develop effective leadership and team-working skills.

To find out moreand book onto ataster day,contact the Admissions Team on 01543 306168 or admissions@ lichfieldcathedralschool.com

ShirelandCollegiateAcademyTrust

ASHIRELANDEDUCATION:DELIVERINGEXCELLENCEATSIXTH FORM

Shireland CBSO Academy

Experience atransformative education wherecreativity meets excellence in an unmatched fusion of music, academia, and world-class standards.

As the first state school in Britain partnered with aprofessionalorchestra, Shireland CBSO Academy offers aone-ofa-kind learning experience. Collaborating with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, our Sixth Form offers a fantastic range of A-level and vocational courses, tailored to students’ needs and ambitions.

With high expectations, exciting enrichment opportunities, expert teaching and strong pastoral support, our Sixth Form offers an unrivalled experience for students.

Our state-of-the-art facilities enhance students’ academic, musical and personal growth. These include purpose-built performance spaces, recording studios and sport, art and drama facilities.

Empowered to navigate societal challenges, students acquireessential skills ensuring afulfilling future beyond formal education.

Amy Danks, Head of Sixth Form, said: “We’reproud to serve Sandwell and the wider West Midlands with an exciting post-16 provision. We prioritise students’ education, fostering an environment wherethey can excel and explore opportunities confidently.Students will access remarkable opportunities, creating unforgettable moments lasting alifetime.”

n To apply for September 2024, visit shirelandcbso.org.uk

Shireland Biomedical UTC

Step into asixth form wherediscovery meets excellence, preparing students for asuccessful futureinanever-evolving career landscape.

Located in West Bromwich, Shireland Biomedical UTC stands as the UK’s first University Technical College (UTC) specialising in Health Sciences. Our Sixth Form offers arange of vocational and A-level courses, uniquely blending academic excellence with practical experience.

Our nurturing environment, expert teaching, and partnerships with leading employers and institutions like Birmingham City University,ensure studentsare wellprepared for their futureendeavours, be it adegree, apprenticeship or employment. Students engage in employer projects, work experience and receive extensive careers guidance. Our unique facilities, including mock hospital wardand immersive learning space, bring learning to life, immersing students in real-world scenarios that enhance their experience.

Head of Sixth Form, Kayleigh Steed, said: “Our philosophy is to provide a traditional sixth form experience that develops our students into well-rounded, independent learners with the cutting-

edge knowledge and skills they need for a happy,successful future.”

n To apply for September 2024, visit sbmutc.org.uk

Shireland Collegiate Academy

Apioneering sixth form shaping the futurethrough innovation and delivering aworld-class, inclusive education for all students.

Nestled in the heart of Smethwick, Shireland Collegiate Academy embodies educational excellence and innovation, boasting arichhistory of nurturing, challenging and supporting its students.

Through our dynamic curriculum and supportive environment, students are empowered to pursue their aspirations and explorethe world’sopportunities with confidence.

Our commitment to academic excellence extends beyond the classroom. Through our pioneering Futures programme, students engage with influential speakers and explore diverse career pathways. Our personal development and life skills programme equips students with the essential skills for life after sixth form.

Head of Sixth Form, Ben Brogan, said: “At Shireland Sixth Form, we don’twait for the future, we createit. We believe thereis brillianceinevery student and it’sour job to inspireand support each one of them to discover and unleash their true potential.

“Our mission is to offer the best provision in the area, and we areproud to be the preferred choice for our community.”

n To apply for September 2024, visit collegiateacademy.co.uk

JOIN OUR SIXTH FORMS

WestBromwich.

Freemusictuitionand gradingforall sixthformstudents.

Applynowshirelandcbso.org.uk

Applynowsbmutc.org.uk

WestBromwich.

Alevelandvocational qualificationsspecialising inhealthsciences.

Smethwick

Offeringawiderangeof bothALevelandBTEC qualifications.

Applynowcollegiateacademy.co.uk

PhoenixCollegiateSixth Form

SIXTHFORMOFFERS HIGH QUALITYEDUCATION WITH AWIDECHOICEOFCOURSES TO GUARANTEEYOU THEOPPORTUNITYTOMOVEINTOWORKORHIGHEREDUCATION

Do you want to choose the Sixth Form with arguably the best progress measures in Sandwell? Then choose Phoenix!

If you arehardworking, ambitious and determined to achieve your best, then our Sixth Form is for you. The range of courses we offer is already one of the most comprehensive in the Black Country and we constantly review the offer,toenhance it further

Why Phoenix?

n Choice –Wehave one of the widest ranges of Level 3courses in the area.

n Teaching –Wehave an incredible team of specialised staff.

n Support –Weprovide extremely high levels of student support as required.

n Achievement –Our results are without doubt amongst the highest in

Sandwell. Which means that if you value high quality education which will guarantee you the opportunity to move into work or higher education, then Phoenix is the choice you need to make.

Life in the Sixth Form is very different from anything you will have experienced to date. By choosing to study herethose very important and essential relationships

between you, other students and your teachers will quickly be established.

So too will be the support networks that will provide you with afirm foundation upon which to build; we have arange of partnerships with universities and mentoring providers to assist you in developing these networks.

Studying at sixth form is hard work! But you have our guarantee that we will be with you every step of the way,toensure thatyou are successful.

Sixth Form students have their own specialist facilities and areeligible to apply for avery generous bursary which helps to meet the costs of Post-16 study

If you have any doubts about choosing Phoenix Sixth Form, why don’tyou come and chat to us either individually or with friends?

Dudley Sixth

Dudley Sixth students celebrated their A-level resultslast year with an amazing 100% pass rate in 24 subjects, so if you’rethinking that A-levels are your next move, why study anywhere else?!

Your options with A-levels arehuge at Dudley Sixth with over 30 subjects to choose from, including: Accounting, Biology,Business, Chemistry,Classical Civilisation, Computer Science, Criminology (Applied), Design and Technology: Product Design, Economics, English Language, English Language and Literature, English Literature, Environmental Science, Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), Film Studies, Fine Art, French, Geography,Geology,German, Graphic Communication, History,ICT (BTEC), Law,Mathematics, Media Studies, Philosophy,Photography,Physics, Politics, Psychology,Religious Studies, Sociology, Sport and Physical Education, Statistics and Textile Design.

Damil Imran achieved an AinPhysics and Computer Science and an A* in Advanced mathematics and went the University of Birmingham to study for a degree in Computer Science, with the ambition of pursuing acareer in the Tech industry

Damil said: “I was supported by tutors throughout my studies, and Iwas impressed by the maths department who helped me all the way to achieving my A*.”

To help you thrive in your studies, we have created an environment that is happy, warm and supportive. We know there’sa lot to think about when starting sixth form:

new courses, timetables and classmates areall on the horizon.

We will celebrate your successes and encourage you to be the best you can possibly be. When you choose Dudley Sixth, you’reherebecause you want to be, not because you have to be.

Evie Jaques scooped two As and a BinBiology,Environmental Science and Chemistry and went to the University of Birmingham to study Chemistry

Evie said: “I’m grateful to my tutors for all of their encouragement and to my classmates for the fun we had whilst studying. Ihad lots of one-to-one time with my tutors which Ireally found valuable.”

Former student Kamil Gustaite said: “I’m super delighted to have done so well. I’m the first person in my family to go to university,soit’sabig day for me.”

If you’reunsureabout what to do next, which subjects to choose or even if A-levels arethe right option for you, our dedicated careers team is heretohelp youplanyour futureand theroute to help you achieve your dreams.

You’ll be taught by professional, experienced tutors in amodernlearning environment equipped with the latest technologies to support your learning.

To find out more, come along to one of our open events or check out all the courses online at dudleysixth.co.uk

Over 30 ALevels to choose from…

•Accounting

•Biology

•Business

•Chemistry

•Classical Civilisation

•Computer Science

•Criminology (Applied)

•Design and Technology: Product Design

•Economics

•English Language

•English Language andLiterature

•English Literature

Did you know?

•Environmental Science

•Extended Project

�uali�cation (EP�)

•Film Studies

•FineArt

•French

•Geography

•Geology

•German

•Graphic Communication

•History

•ICT (BTEC)

•Law

Lemons contain more sugar than strawberries

Provoking Thought

To find outmore, visit oneofour open events.

dudleysixth.co.uk

•Mathematics

•Media Studies

•Philosophy

•Photography

•Physics

•Politics

•Psychology

•Religious Studies

•Sociology

•Sport and Physical Education

•Statistics

•TextileDesign

HalesowenCollege

ACOLLEGE WITH AN EXCELLENT REPUTATIONFOR ITSRANGE OF COURSES, OUTSTANDING RESULTS, QUALITYTEACHING, FANTASTICFACILITIES ANDHIGHLEVELSOF SUPPORT

Taking GCSE examinations along with the thought of leaving school and deciding what to do for the rest of your life can be quite an overwhelming experience.

Halesowen College understands this and is heretohelp make those important decisions easier and the move from school, to college and then onto university or employment as smooth as possible.

Halesowen College offers lots of opportunities for school leavers and has an excellent reputation for its range of courses, outstanding results, fantastic campuses, college facilities and excellent student support.

Range of Courses

Thereare adiverse range of full-time courses for school leavers to choose from, with over 40 A-level subjects, a range of new TLevels which include over 315 hours of valuable work experience and over 75 different vocational courses.

For those wanting to earnwhilst they learn, thereare also avariety of

apprenticeships on offer with adedicated Apprenticeship Team ready to match you to the right job.

Fantastic Facilities

Students enjoy studying in fantastic facilities on modernand friendly campuses. The impressive Student Hub provides afabulous one-stop shop for all student services enquiries and includes an extremely well-equipped Library and Learning Resource Centreand gold

standardCareers Service. Learners also enjoy access to the onsite Coffee Lounge, Bistro, Elliott’sfood outlet and afully equipped fitness centre.

The college has ahighly successful fully funded transport service that is available across the region, making student travel safe and secureand ensuring that Halesowen is also one of the most easily accessible colleges in the region. Thereiseven free Wi-Fi!

Outstanding Support

Supporting students both personally and academically is taken very seriously by all college staffand this is recognised by students, who appreciate the outstanding levels of wellbeing and academic support they receive alongside excellent teaching.

Thereare also arange of social events, societies and after college clubs for learners to get involved in, as well as trips, guest speakers and work experience opportunities.

Find out moreand apply today at www.halesowen.ac.uk

Startyour next chapter with us.

City of WolverhamptonCollege

EXCITING TIMESAHEAD AS NEWTRAININGFACILITIESSET TO OPEN

Continuing to study after GCSEs doesn’tmean having to stop on at school.

City of Wolverhampton College offers arange of industry-recognised qualifications —aswell as A-levels, new TLevel courses, and apprenticeships to enable you to earnwhile youlearn— to give you the skills and knowledge you need for asuccessful futurecareer in your chosen sector

What’smore, with amajor campus transformation project underway,you’ll be learning and gaining hands-on practical experience in some of the most moderntraining facilities in the region.

n Extended Construction Centre –now open! –The recently extended Construction Centreonthe Wellington Road campus is the ideal place to lay the foundations for your futurecareer with dedicated workshops and classrooms for brickwork, carpentry and joinery,electrical

installation, painting and decorating, plastering and plumbing.

Visit www.wolvcoll.ac.uk/constructionfacilities

n Advanced Technology and Automotive Centre–opening

September 2024! –The new purposebuilt centreonthe Wellington Road campus has been designed for automotive and engineering studies and will be equipped with industry-standard equipment, meaning you’ll get hands-on

experience of using the same kit as you will when working in your chosen field.

Visit www.wolvcoll.ac.uk/atac n City Learning Quarter campus –opening in the 2025/26 academic year! –The new threestorey city centrecampus will provide first-class training facilities for over 2000 students and apprentices studying ALevels, business, catering and hospitality,childcareand early years, computing and IT,creative and digital media, hair and beauty,health and social care, science, and travel and tourism.

Visit www.wolvcoll.ac.uk/clq

n Find out more... For more information on all courses offered by the college, or to book aplace at an open event whereyou can find out about college life and talk to tutors about the best qualification for your futurecareer, visit www.wolvcoll.ac.uk or call 01902 836000.

StaffordCollege

£22.5MILLION STOKE-ON-TRENT ANDSTAFFORDSHIREINSTITUTEOF TECHNOLOGY SET TO OPEN IN 2025

Opening in 2025, the Stoke-onTrent and StaffordshireInstituteof Technology (SoTSIoT) will provide employer-focused higher level courses to equip learners with the skills needed to quickly move into exciting jobs in modernmethods of construction, advanced engineering, high value manufacturing, digital and health/life sciences.

The Institute is backed by key employer partners Dell, Hitachi Energy, MOOG, Siemens and St. Modwen

Logistics who areinvolved in the design and delivery of training, helping to shape the curriculum to suit their needs, ensuring they have access to alocal technically skilled recruitment pool.

Institutes of Technology differ from existing post-16 providers, like colleges and universities, by bringing together businesses with agroup of education providers in acollaborative partnership to support the technical skills needs of the area they serve.

Students learninstate-of-the-art

facilities and industry-standardequipment toembrace new technologies and methods of teaching, increasing the sector’scapacity to deliver flexible and affordable level 4and 5qualifications to people of all ages and backgrounds, to equip them for rewarding and valuable technical roles.

n To find out morevisit the website at www.nscg.ac.uk/about-us/institute-oftechnology or e-mail info@sotsiot.ac.uk

Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG) is leading on a£22.5M Stokeon-Trent and Staffordshire Institute of Technology (SoTSIoT) in partnership with Keele University and aconsortium of key employers.

The SoTSIoTwill offer qualifications and apprenticeships rangingfromLevel 3uptoLevel 7MSC and MEng in areasincluding:

High Value Manufacturing

Modern Methods of Construction

Advanced Engineering

Creative

Digital

Health &Life Sciences

Technology

Opening 2025.

BMet

WITH AN OFSTED RATING OF GOOD –BMETISTHE PERFECTCHOICEFOR THOSE16TO18 YEAR OLDS CONSIDERING WHAT’S NEXT…

BMet supports its learners to give them the confidence and skills they need to excel in the next areas of their academic journey,aswellas their futurejob roles.

BMet’sSutton Coldfield College is home to its A-level Centre, where school leavers can enrol on exciting subjects to get them ready for their chosen pathway at university.

Rated Good by Ofsted, courses available to learners include A-level sociology,law,anthropology, psychology,business, biology, chemistry and physics.

The vocational specialisms offered at Sutton Coldfield College include: Business, Creative Art, Digital Media, E-sports, Finance, Healthcare, Lifesciences, Performing Arts, Public Services, Sport, STEM subjects and Travel and Tourism.

Thecollege also runs avariety of Sports Academies which areoffered to

all BMet students –regardless of which college they study at.

BMet has its own Professional Services Academy –aninitiative to help students pursuing acareer in the business, law,finance or property sectors. Based at the college’sMatthew Boulton site in Birmingham city centre, students can receive expert support in their chosen field of study with workshops and lectures

from industry professionals, as well as diverse work experience opportunities.

At our impressive eight-storey Matthew Boulton College, students can choose to study courses in Creative &Digital, Dentistry,Health and Social Care, Early Years and Science.

While James Watt College specialises in Construction and Engineering, Media and Games, Health and Social Careand EarlyYears. BMet also offers TLevels in Construction, Digital, Health CareinAdult Nursing and aTeaching Assistant pathway. The college also has astrong apprenticeship programme with links with international employers.

Pat Carvalho, Principal and CEO of BMet College, says: “From courses for school leavers to adult learners, apprenticeships, A-levels, and agreat range of degree options, we’ve got something to give everyone’scareer prospects aboost.”

UNLEASHYOURPOTENTIAL APPLYNOW STARTSEPTEMBER!

SCLEmployability &Skills

AN ALTERNATIVEPATHWAY FORYOUNG ADULTS NOTWISHING OR READYTOPROGRESS POST YEAR 11/12INTOCOLLEGEOREMPLOYMENTORAPPRENTICESHIP

SCL Employability &Skills offers an alternative routeway for16-18 year olds who aren’tquite ready toprogressintocollege or the professional world.

We provide asafe space with smaller classrooms for our learners, many of whom have barriers to learning and have found it challenging in previous educational settings they have attended, very often feeling like they have failed due to low grades and negative experiences.

We also have 121 mentoring to support personal growth and our ID Passport which has afullyear’s curriculum focusedonpersonal and social activities for our learners.

At SCL we can really get to know our learners and their learning styles and barriers and adapt our delivery to suit individuals, we recognise many of our learners need morethan just academic support to be able to achieve their full

potential. We invest in onsite mentors and learning support coaches who areable to engage and support our learners to manage external challenges allowing them to thrive and develop.

We offeraflexible approach to curriculum working in collaboration with key external stakeholders, with the ability to react to the need for change to meet local demand quickly and efficiently which puts us astep above the rest.

Our curriculum places as much emphasis on social mobility and progression as education, and unlike many educational establishments our vision is to offer world class education delivering through the seven key principles of sport that leads to sustainable progression.

Learners will develop the behaviours, attitudes and values, inspired by sport, which are transferrable into the professional world, supporting them to receive the best possible opportunities for their future.

With 95% of our learners stating they feel safe and comfortable and 65% progressing into employment last year after completing their course, we are confident in our flexible approach and our custom-made localised offers.

We have over 20 years of experience and have nurtured, educated and developed over 20,000 learners.

West Midlands Trains

STUDENTS SAVE UP TO 50%ONTERM-TIME TRAINTRAVEL

Areyou looking to save BIG on your train travel to/from school, college, or university?

Find out moreabout the Student Season TicketbyWest Midlands Railway. Travelling outside of the West Midlands? Student Season Tickets arealsoavailable for London NorthwesternRailway routes.

Here’safew reasons to get one for the next term:

Exclusive Savings:Enjoy up to 50% offstandardadult season ticket prices if you’re16orover, and agenerous 25% discount if you’re15orunder.It’sour way of ensuring that education doesn’tbreak the bank!

Flexible Travel Options: With the Student Season Ticket, you have the freedom of unlimited travel between two chosen stations during term time. This includes evenings, weekends, and even school holidays. Say goodbye to the hassle of purchasing tickets every day –simply hop on board.

No Chance of Penalty Fares: Don’t

risk the chance of forgetting to purchase aticket during amorning rush. With the Student Season Ticket, that’sathing of the past. Travel with peace of mind, knowing you’recovered for all your journeys to (and from) school, college, or uni.

Join thousands of students already enjoying the benefits of affordable travel –grab your ticket and treat yourself with the money you save! Visitwmr.uk/students to find out moreand to apply for your Student Season Ticket.

The Important Stuff:

n Student Season tickets must be accompanied by aphotocardand avalid student ID whilst travelling.

n If you don’talready have a photocard, you can request one as part of the order process –you’ll need to upload apassport-style photograph. Please allow three to five days for postage.

n Lost season tickets can be replaced.

TelfordCollege

EXCITING TIME TO JOIN COLLEGE AS BRANDNEW MATHS&DIGITAL HUB–DELIVERINGA WIDE RANGEOFTECHNOLOGY-FOCUSEDTRAININGPROGRAMMES– SETTOOPEN

TelfordCollege has unveiled an exciting curriculum for its new maths and digital skills hub opening in the town’sStation Quarterin September 2024

Awide range of technologyfocused training programmes will be delivered at the new hub, with afocus on innovation and providing skills for some of the region’sfastest growing and best-paid business sectors.

They include digital skills pathways from entry to university level, apprenticeships focusing on hardware, software, and multi-channel marketing, and digital T-Levels in support services, business services, and production, design and development.

The college sees this as aunique and ambitious alliance between industry and education, which will raise everyone’s aspirations.

It makes the college even more accessible to people across the borough,

and builds on collaborative work with local employers to develop the sort of skilled workforce they require.

Therewillbea20-strong Telford College team based at the Station Quarter hub.

Teresa Hughes, director of business,

digital and professional studies, said: “The curriculum is targeted towards equipping people for careers in sectors such as cybersecurity,AIand robotics, virtual and augmented reality,cloud computing, wireless technologies, 5G innovation, and much more.

“Maths and digital qualifications are avital pathway to higher quality and better paid career opportunities for the people of Telford.”

The curriculum will include achoice of three Digital Skills programmes delivering the skills required to become aprogrammer or mobile application developer,plusHNC and HND programmes, T-Levels, and IT apprenticeships.

Anew six-week ‘Step Into IT’ programme, co-designed with Capgemini, will also be offered to people looking to take their first steps into atechnology career,and includes aweek of work placement.

TelfordCollege will have abase at The Quad in Station Quarter from September 2024

WHICHUNIVERSITYIS THERIGHT FITFOR YOU?

WE’RE not going to lie, choosing a university isn’teasy.

But all the time and effort you invest in finding the right place and course for you will be well worth it in the end.

When starting to look at the different options, it’sbetter to consider the course you want to study first beforelooking at whereit’soffered.

Thereisone thing that you should try to remember when choosing asubject –it should be something you enjoy and that you would be happy to study in-depth for the next few years.

Consider the subjects you enjoy the most at school and then research similar courses that you can study at university

If you really don’thave aclue, then start by discounting the subjects you have absolutely no interest in to narrow down the search field.

Youalso need to think about whether you want acourse offering aclear career path or does your interest lie in one of the moretraditional academic subjects? It may be that you have adream job in mind, making your choice obvious. For example,

if you want to be avet, then aveterinary medicine/science degree course is amust.

Be awarethat the same title of course will not be taught in the same way or cover the same material at every university offering it. Make sureyou pay attention to the detail because even the way in which courses areassessed can differ

Another consideration, if you go for a morevocational course, is whether it is approved by aprofessional body,because this can give you ahead start when you apply for ajob in your chosen industry

The next step is to think about the

location –there aremorethan 395 providers of undergraduate courses in the UK. Take time to consider carefully whether you want to move away from home or study nearby.

Do you want auniversity in the middle of acity or town or asingle-site campus?

Look at the facilities provided by the university and what will be on the doorstep for leisureand nightlifeactivities.

Once you have narrowed your options down, then attend an open day as this is one of the best ways to find out if it’sthe rightfitfor you.

Aglossy prospectus can sometimes be deceiving, showing only the best bits, and when you get thereyou could find the reality is rather different.

But remember that it’snot theend of the world if, after all your careful research, you end up beginning your studies and realising you’ve made amistake. Universities have guidance staffonhand to help first-year students who discover their course wasn’twhatthey were expecting and therewillstill be plenty of options available to you.

HOWTOAPPLYFOR YOUR PLACEATUNIVERSITY

APPLYING to university can seem confusing, daunting and even overwhelming. But it doesn’tneed to be. Youmay be worried about how to get started but the process has been designed to make it as easy as possible for you.

All applications to universities in the UK aremade through UCAS, the Universities and Colleges Admission Service. Although it might seem confusing at first, the system has been designed to be straightforwardand ensureyou can keep track of your application, choices and offers.

How to begin

Register in the UCAS Hub and complete the registration questions –confirming the year you want to start your studies and that you’reinterested in ‘Undergraduate’ level of study

You’ll then be taken to your UCAS Hub dashboard, whereyou’ll see atile called ‘Your application’. Simply click ‘Start’ to begin your application.

When completing your application –make sureyou enter your first name and middle name(s) exactly as they’re stated on official documents, such as your passport, birth certificate, or driving licence. If you only have one name, enter it in both the first name and last name fields on the application.

Next, you will be able to choose your courses –you select up to five but they won’tbeabletosee whereelse you’ve applied and there’snopreference order.For medicine, dentistry,veterinary medicine, or veterinary science, you can only apply to amaximum of four courses in any one of these subjects. Youcan

only apply to one course at either the universities of Oxfordorthe University of Cambridge.

The next step is entering all your qualifications, whether you have the result or arestill awaiting them. Youthenneed to add in details of any paid jobs and include company names, addresses, job descriptions, and start and finish dates. Next, you will have to write apersonal statement –this is your chance to show universities or colleges why you want to study the course and why you would make agreat student.

Make suretocheck your application carefully beforemarking it as complete.

Get areference –thisisawritten recommendation normally from ateacher, advisor or professional who knows you academically.

THEIMPORTANT DATES YOUNEED TO CONSIDER

n May14, 2024: Undergraduate applications open for2025entry.You canregisterand startyourapplication in your UCAS Hub.

n September 3, 2024: Completed undergraduateapplicationscan be submittedtoUCAS. Youwillneed a reference before youcan send your application.

n January31, 2025: Deadlinefor the majority of undergraduatecourses

After you’ve sent your application to UCAS –itwillbeprocessed and you will be sent awelcome email containing your Personal ID, which will enable you to track its progress.

Key terms

Extra is afreeservice and allows students to apply to one course at atime. To be eligible, you need to have had no offers. If you’ve had no offers or your exams don’tgotoplan, there’salways Clearing. It’show universities and colleges fill any places they still have. Youwillneed to contact the course providers directly if you see acoursethat interests you.

Youcan also use Clearing if you’ve done better than expected in your A-levels and wish to apply for anew course/ university.

n October 15,2024: Deadline for applications to Oxford,Cambridge, andmost medicine, dentistry, and veterinary medicine/science courses.

n February 26:Extra (see main feature forinformation)begins.

n June 30:Applicationsreceived after this date areenteredintoClearing.

n July 4: Last date to applyinExtra.

n July 5: Clearing opens.

n August 14 (TBC):A-level resultsday. AllClearingvacancies aredisplayed in thesearchtoolvia theUCASwebsite andAdjustment opensfor registration.

n October 20:Lastdatetoadd Clearing choicesand foruniversities/colleges to make decisions.

TOPTIPSTOMAKE YOUR STUDENT BUDGETSTRETCH

Learning howtomanageyour moneyhas always been part of theuniversityexperience. To help studentsmaketheir loan stretchabit further, West Midlands Trains (WMT) –operator of West Midlands Railwayand London Northwestern Railway–has shared five money-saving hacks.

n Be thrifty with your food shopping–Agreat thingtotry is a weekly meal planner.Byplanning your mealsinadvance,you’llonly buy thefoodyou need so you’ll save moneyand reducewaste.If youcookinbig batches, youcan popinthe freezerinindividual portions,soyou’llalwayshave mealsthatare readytogo.

n Sign up forvouchersand discounts –Whether it’s acheeky takeaway or anew outfitfor your endofyearparty,chances are there’s adiscountcodethatyou couldtakeadvantage of.There areanumber of student loyalty cardsand apps to choose from, like StudentBeans,TOTUM (previouslyNUS), andUnidays. Many places will also accept your official university or collegeIDas astudent discounttoo,sobesure to checkin-storeoronlinebefore youbuy.

n Useanautomaticsavings app –Automaticsavings apps can be acleverway to squirrelaway some extra cash,without youeven noticing.

n Save on your energybills –Smallthings like turningoff the lights when aroomisn’t in use, avoidingoverfillingthe kettle, andnot leavingyourphone chargingovernight,willall make adifference to your energy bills over time

n Getcheaper train travel–Ifyou catchthe train to uni, make sure youcheck outWMT’s student season tickets, whichgives you 50%off theusual adultseason ticket price.

FINANCINGYOUR DEGREESTUDIES

ONE of the biggest worries for students heading offtouniversity is money.You need to finance your education and also ensureyou have enough money to live on.

Currently,universities in England, Wales, Scotland and NorthernIreland can charge up to £9,250 ayear for tuition to a student living in England.

This comes after anew awards scheme was launched by the Government to monitor and assess the quality of teaching in England’suniversities. They have to meet certain criteria to receive aTeaching Excellence Framework (TEF) awardand those that do areable to increase their fees in line with inflation.

Tuition fee loans areavailable as well as maintenance loans to help with living costs. Tuitionfee loans arepaid directly to the university.Interest is charged on the loan from the day you take it out.

Maintenance loans can be applied for at the same time, lending you money at the start of each term and arere-paid in the same way as tuition fee loans. How much you receive depends on your household income and other factors such as whereyou study,how long for and whereyou aregoing to be living

When you arestudying, the interest on your loan is the UK Retail Price Index (RPI) plus three per cent. After you graduate, the rate depends on how much you earn. Youwillnot have to start paying your loans back until you areearning above acertain

threshold. The Student Loans Company uses your National Insurance number to keep track of your income. They will instruct HM Revenue &Customs (HMRC) to notify your employer when you start working, and payments will be deducted from your taxable earnings. If your income falls below the starting threshold within a certain month, therewon’t be arepayment deduction made for that month. Once the loan is paid offinfull, HMRC notifiesyour employer and the repayments stop.

The quickest and easiest way to apply is online at www.gov.uk/studentfinance. It’simportant to apply as soon as possible so your funding is in place for starting your course.

Additional financial support is available for students on alow income, students with children or dependent adults, disabled students, medical, social work and teacher training students and students studying abroad.

As soon as you have an offer for a place through UCAS, you can talk to the banks about opening an account. The advantage of this is that student bank accounts normally have an interest-free overdraft facility which is useful if you accidentally overspend. This will usually be activated once your first instalment of loan goes in. Make suretotake one or two forms of photo ID such as apassport or driver’slicence along to the bank along with proof of address, such as abank statement, and your UCAS offer letter

Birmingham Newman University

AUNIVERSITYTHATDELIVERS AN EXCELLENTSTUDENT EXPERIENCE WITH AFOCUS ON STUDY ANDEXCELLENT SUPPORTSERVICES

University is an exciting and enriching experience, whereyou study asubject that you’repassionate about, develop skills for life and meet like-minded people who will become life-long friends.

With so much choice, it can be challenging deciding which university and course is right for you. Youmight want to consider whether you would prefer to stay local or move away from home, and whether you would prefer living within aself-contained campus university or a sprawling city-centreone.

Birmingham Newman University is a single campus university,conveniently located on the outskirts of Birmingham with excellent transport links across the Black Country,West Midlands and beyond.

Our campus is ideal if you’relooking for afocus on study and excellent support services.

Many of our students live at home and commute to the campus, allowing them to maintain friendships and routines, often juggling caring responsibilities or work and still benefitting from university life. They get an immediate sense of belonging by learning new skills with new friends.

We arecommittedtodelivering an excellent student experience and in the National Student Survey (NSS) 2023, we werefirst in the UK for student satisfaction*

We welcome students from all backgrounds and areproud of our status according to The TimesGoodUniversity Guidefor being 1st for Social Inclusion ** as well as being in the top 10 for Social Mobility (HEPI) in 2022.

Alongside our renowned Teacher

Training degrees, we offer an exciting range of degrees that include Accounting and Finance, Business, Computing, Counselling, Criminology,Drama, Early Childhood Studies, Education and SEND, English, Health Care, History,Law, Policing, Psychology,Sport, Theology, Workingwith Children, Young People and Families, and Youthand Community Work.Inaddition to this, the School of Nursing and Allied Health offer courses in Adult Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, Occupational Therapy,Paramedic Science and Physiotherapy

The new facilities, with investment of over £3m, simulate the experience of working in abusy healthcareenvironment.

Our open days arethe best way to find out about the courses that we offer,as well as having achance to speak to some of our students and lecturers. Come and see for yourself how easy it is to fit into the Newman community.Book your place for the next open day www.newman.ac.uk/ opendays.

To find out moreabout our courses or to request aprospectus, visit our website www.newman.ac.uk

*Measured by overall% positivity of full-time first-degree students in the National Student Survey 2023

** Social inclusion index 2nd in England and Wales. 1st in England in The Times Good University Guide 2024

TRYAND MAKE THEMOSTOF FRESHERS’WEEK

Freshers’Weektakes placeatthe beginningofthe academic year, before teaching officially starts It is aweekfull of events and activities designed to help new studentsmakefriends.It’salso agreat wayto find outabout differentsocietiesand sportsclubs that youcan getinvolvedin. Here areUCAS’ tips formakingthe most of freshersweek:

n Findyourtribe:There will be so much happeningduringfreshers’ week.There arecooleventsonall thetime, nights out, freshers’fairs andmore. Most of all, it’s achance to meet people, getinvolvedand find your crowd, whetherthat’sa specificsportsteam, society, or your flatmates, to name afew.

n Take time for yourself:With everythingbeing new(new people, newroom, newfreedom!), freshers’weekcan be abit overwhelming. So,makesureyou take some time outfor yourself Whetheryou go fora walk, pinup some pictures in your newroom, or head into thecityortown, you canchill by yourself fora whileif youneed

nTalktoyourstudent reps: Feelingworried about something? Strugglingto find acertain building? Most unis have abunch of student volunteers to help youif you’re not sure about anything. No question is toobig or toosmall

n Look afteryourself: Firstly,make sure youeat anddrink enough to get youthroughthe week.Get some cupboard essentials in,like pastaand instantnoodlesthat arequick to cook.Ifnothingelse, there will be loadsoffree pizza at your freshers’fairtokeepyou topped up.Freshers’ week is loads of funbut goingtosomanyevents is tiring –makesureyou’rewell rested andgetting enoughsleep.

n Trynew things:You’llget sent acalendarofevents, or find one when youget to halls, andit’sa greatopportunity to trynew things.

SETTLING IN AT UNIVERSITY

IT’S only natural to be worried about making new friends when you start university.

Moving away from home and from the pals you’ve probably known for probably most of your life can be daunting, but the most important thing to remember is that everyone is in the same boat, and that means everyone is looking for anew friendship group.

If you areinuniversityaccommodation, leave your door open while moving in. This will make it easier for people to approach you and will also mean you can see when everybody else arrives and be able to introduce yourself.

These arethe fellow students you will see every day,and while it’s not guaranteed they will automatically become firm friends, being friendly and approachable will make abig difference.

Making everyone in your flat acuppa or having some biscuits or chocolates to offer around can be agreat way to break the ice. Whatever you do don’tjust sit in your room by yourself, make sureyou aregiving yourself plenty of opportunities to make friends by attending activities around the campus.

Whether it’sthe kitchen or lounge, spend time in the communal roomsin your accommodation. Having acommunal

meal is agreat way to get everyone out of their bedrooms and having fun together

Therewillbeplenty of chances to meet other people through any clubs or societies you join. Joining clubs and societies at the start of university means you will have lots of chances to meet other like-minded people.

When you go to your first lecturemake suretosay hello and introduce yourself to the people sat around you.

Come up with some general questions to get people talking, such as what course areyou doing or wheredoyou come from? It may be difficult to take the plunge and start aconversation, but the person next to you will no doubt be feeling just as nervous. Rather than sitting in silence, be brave and be the one to make the first move. If it doesn’tworkout, then sit somewheredifferent next time and try again.

But don’tbetoo hardonyourselfif you haven’tmet your next best friend by the end of the first week, thereisnoset rule that says you have to make friends straight away

While alot of people say that university friends arefriends for life, this doesn’t mean they all met them during those first days. Give yourself time and friendships will slowly and naturally form.

BRUSHUPONCOOKING SKILLS AHEADOFMOVE

MOVING away from home for the first time means having to fend for yourself at meal times.

Therewill be no one to cook your dinner for you and you may not always have the sparecashfor takeaways and restaurant meals.

So it’sworth spending some time to learnhow to cook for yourself, especially if you don’twant to rely on beans on toast or packet noodles every night.

Whether it’sapasta dish or toad in the hole, it’sworth getting the hang of afew basic meals. This will no doubt prove more cost-effective and healthier for you in the long-term.

Cooking can also be agoodway to spend time with your flatmates and you could even start arota so you sharemeals together to bring the cost down.

Beforeyou head offtouniversity,ask your parents or grandparents to teach you some basic skills from how to boil an egg and cook rice to how make an omelette and aone-pot stew or chilli. If you’renot surewhattocookthen pick up acookery book at the library –thereare many aimed at students –orsearch for recipe ideas

for free online. Hereare some tips from the National Union of Students (NUS) for eating well on abudget:

n Shop at local markets, particularly towards the end of the day when you can buy cheap fresh fruit and vegetables

n Avoid jars of processed sauces –they’rehigh in salt and expensive. Instead, make your own pasta sauces using tomatoes, onions, and afew herbs –you can buy dried herbs or grow them yourself on awindowsill.

n Make alarge pan of chilli or curry

and freeze portions of leftovers for days when you haven’tgot time to cook from scratch. Use plastic takeaway boxes as storage, after giving them athorough wash first of course.

n Take advantage of buy one, get one free offers at the supermarket, especially for staples like pasta and rice –though remember your storage space may be limited.

n Club together with your housemates to buy items of kitchen equipment. For example, you don’tall need your own tin openers, cheese graters and sandwich toasters.

n If you’resharing akitchen,don’t spend too much on fancy crockery or glasses. Accidents happen, and your food will taste just as good on acheap plate anyway

n Alot of food gets wasted through poor planning, so check sell-by dates and don’tbuy morethan you can use when it comes to foods with alimited shelf life.

n If you’reavegetarian, make sure that you get enough protein in your diet. Beans, lentils and other pulses arecheap and healthy alternatives to meat products.

KEEPINGYOURSELFAND YOUR BELONGINGS SAFE

YOU’RE away from home for the first time with the freedom to do whatever you want, whenever you want.

But it also means that now you alone areresponsible for your own safety and welfare. It’salso on you to ensurethat all of your belongings aresecureand not at any risk.

Thereissomuch going on at university and it can be easy to forget about staying safe –especially during those first hectic weeks whereyou’refocused on settling into anew chapter of your life.

But simple precautions don’tcost much time or money and can help prevent your new-found freedom from being ruined.

n Firstly,whenever you leave your room, even if it’sjust for afew minutes, always lock your room door.You don’t want your belongings tempting an opportunist thief and it’sbetter to be safe than sorry so insurance is agood investment. Youcan make one payment a year to ensureeverything in your room is covered.

n When out and about, keep valuables, such as phones, purses and wallets, in an inside coat or bag pocket wherethey can be secured.

n Take advantage of on-campus lockers when using leisureand sports facilities

n Be careful at cash machines, check for signs of interference beforeusing it and never accept astranger’shelp.

n If youever feel threatened while out and about set offapersonal alarm. Then scream and shout beforegetting away as quickly as possible. Once you’reinasafe place, call the police immediately

n When out jogging, try to go in pairs and in the daylight hours. It’sadvisable to pick aroute that is familiar to you, and stick to main roadswith well-lit pavements.

n On anight out, keep an eye on how much you aredrinking. The moreyou drink, the less awareyou aregoing to be about what’sgoing on around you. It will also become harder to react properly to situations that become risky or dangerous.

Eating beforeyou go out and drinking plenty of water will also help you not to get too drunk. Thereisabsolutely no need

to feel embarrassed about ordering asoft drink or water when you’reinapub. Keep your wits about you and don’tfall victim to peer pressure.

Make suretowatch your drink at all times, never leave it unattended when you go to the toilet or to dance.

If you suspect you’ve had your drink spiked tell abouncer or the bar staffso you can get help.

n Always plan how you’regoing to get to and from the bar or club. Do not get in the first cab you see –use the taxi services that arerecommended to you by the university or Students’ Union because you know they will be licensed and safe. When the taxi arrives, check it is the one you called. Many universities will offer free shuttle buses back from popular venues after hours.

n Don’tlet anyone walk home by themselves if you can help it, always stick together –the saying ‘there’ssafety in numbers’ isn’ta myth.

Going out in agroup reduces the risk of any personal attack.

If an incident does happen, report it to the police straight away and also let your university security team and welfare officers know as they aretheretohelp.

n Above everything, trust your instincts because they will usually be accurate. If something doesn’tfeel right, then walk away

JuniperTraining

Areyou aschool leaver unsureof your next steps? Look no further than Juniper Training, offering tailored programmes to support your journey into the working world.

Our pre-apprenticeship programmes, designed for individuals aged 16-18 (up to 25 with an EHCP), provide adynamic learning environment. Here, you’ll acquire essential skills, industry knowledge, and practical experience, giving you a competitive edge in today’sjob market.

With training centres conveniently located across Aldridge, Brierley Hill, Chesterfield, Derby,Leicester,Telford, Walsall, and Wolverhampton, accessibility is never an issue.

Our pre-apprenticeships offer the chance to revisit coresubjects such as Maths and English if needed, while exploring various vocational pathways like Customer Service, Childcare, Roofing, and more. Additionally,weprovide comprehensive workskills training to enhance your employability

Already equipped with skills and ready to dive into an apprenticeship? Juniper Training opens doors to aworld of career opportunities and professional growth. Whether you’reinterested in Recruitment, Business Admin, Retail, Customer Service, Warehousing, Roofing, Manufacturing, Early Years, Teaching, or Education, we have apprenticeships tailored for you.

Don’tlet uncertainty hold you back. Take the first step towards arewarding career today

Contact our dedicated team at enquiries@junipertraining.co.uk or visit our website junipertraining.co.uk to explore how Juniper Training can support your futuresuccess.

Your futurestartshere.

EARN ANDLEARN ON THE JOBASANAPPRENTICE

AN apprenticeship offers hands-on practical training in ajob of your choice while you earnasalary.

You’retreated just like all the other employees, with acontract of employment and holiday leave.

If you’re16orover,you can become an apprentice as long as you spend at least 50 per cent of your working hours in England for the duration of the apprenticeship and you arenot in full-time education. Your apprenticeship can take between one and six years to complete, depending on which apprenticeship you choose, what level it’sat, and your previous experience.

From engineering to nursing and from law to design –thousands of apprenticeships areavailable every year in avast range of industries and careers. Apprenticeships areoften apopular option for people who don’twant to have the worry of student debt hanging over them in the future–and want to get ahead start on their futurecareer

Advanced apprenticeships are equivalent to two A-level passes. To be accepted you should have five GCSEs

or more. Higher apprenticeships range between Level 4, which is the equivalent of one year of higher education study, to Level 6, which is the equivalent of a Bachelor’sdegree. They cover around 75 industries and morethan 100 different job roles, ranging from legal services to banking and engineering. Higher and degree apprentices typically split their time between college or university and the workplace.

An apprenticeship can lead to a

long-term job after the initial contract is completed. Youcan also pick up life-long skills that will be useful and adaptable to any industry.The whole time you will be making agood name for yourself and building professional contacts.

As with other apprenticeships, students areemployed throughout and the cost of the fees areshared between the Government and the employer.Many employers choose to pay substantially morethan the apprenticeship minimum wage for those under 19.

As well as having many benefits for apprentices, the scheme is also popular with employers. Many see it as an investment because they can guide and train their recruits to have the specific skills required forthe industry and ensurethey arereliable members of the workforce.

Employers want an apprentice who is polite, punctual and reliable.They also want aquick learner who can follow instructions and advice and someone who can think on their feet to fix any problems that crop up. Firms will be looking for a team player who will fit into the existing workforce well.

Their apprentice will need to have good people skills, especially if the role involves dealing with customers or the public.

School and college leavers areable to exploreapprenticeship opportunities alongside undergraduate courses via the UCAS website so they can decide between their options in the same place. Prospective students will then be able to apply for apprenticeships through UCAS, and employers will be able to manage applications for their apprenticeship vacancies through the service, from autumn 2024.

Under the plans, the Education Secretary hopes to develop a“one-stop shop” whereyoung people can compare arange of occupations, training and education opportunities available to them.

The Government will collaborate with UCAS to sharevacancy information collated through its Find an Apprenticeship Service to ensureasmany apprenticeship vacancies areadvertised through the UCAS hub as possible.

Although many employers look for similar traits in an apprentice, it’simportant

to research the company and gain abetter understanding of what they arelooking for because each employer can differ

During the application process, applicants areoften asked to demonstrate how they use essential skills. Hobbies and extracurricular activities areagreat way to showcase these skills and experiences.

It’sagood idea to apply for afew apprenticeships at atime. This increases your chances and means you’renot waitingfor aresponse from one employer

It’snormaltofeel nervous when you’re applying for an apprenticeship or waiting to hear back from an employer

Trytofind outthe closing date of the application as this may give you aclue about when you’ll hear back.

It usually takes afew applications to find the right apprenticeship –soif youdon’thear back or get an interview, don’ttake it personally –it’snormaland happens to everyone.

n For moreinformation visit apprenticeships.gov.uk and follow Apprenticeships Twitter and Apprenticeships LinkedIn for updates.

WHAT ARETHE BENEFITSOFAN APPRENTICESHIP?

n Earn whileyou learnand get paid acompetitive salary

n Your training is free

n Youcan choose from hundreds of different apprentice jobs in thousandsoforganisations.

n Gethigh-quality trainingpaid forbyyouremployer andthe Government

n It’s agreat waytoget back into theworkplace afteracareerbreak, or to re-train in anew area.

n Youcan boost your future earnings potential.

n It enablesyou to develop the skills youneed forarange of exciting jobsorcareers, no matter your ageorbackground.

How much can you earn?

n Your salary will dependupon theindustry, location andtypeof apprenticeship youchoose

n Apprenticesagedunder 19 or aged 19 or over andinthe firstyear of theirapprenticeship areentitled to theapprenticehourlyrate, which from April2024was £6.40

n If you’re 19 or over andhave completedthe firstyearofyour apprenticeship,you’reentitled to theNationalMinimumWage, which, from April2024, is £8.60 for 18-20-year-olds, £11.44 forthose aged 21 andover.

n This is theminimum youwill earn,but many employerspay alot moreand offertheir apprenticesa competitivesalary.

What will my apprenticeship cost me?

n When youbecome an apprentice,you’llneed to coverthe cost of your day-to-day expenses, such as lunchand travel

n If you’re acareleaveraged16to 24,you’llreceivea£1,000 bursary paymenttosupportyou in the first year of your apprenticeship.

POCKET YOUR POTENTIAL WITH AN APPRENTICESHIP

IF you know what job you want, want to experience amixtureofstudent life and work life, want to get the right qualifications, start earning money and kick-start your career,an apprenticeship could be right up your street.

Apprenticeships aregreat if you want to jump straight into the world of work, earna wage and pick up technical and practical skills whilst you study for a nationally-recognised qualification.

Youwill usually be at work for four days aweek, and at college one day aweek to complete the necessary theory and skills development for your qualification, although some apprenticeship providers may block release you to college.

Youwill be supported by an apprenticeship assessor from college, who will keep in touch with you regularly and visit you in the workplace to make sure you have all the guidance and support you need.

Niamh chose to do aCommis Chef apprenticeship as she thought going into the industry would give her the most hands-on experience, going into college one day and working on the other four days, giving her the opportunity to learn both in the kitchen at college and in work.

An illness at ayoung age made Niamh rework her whole diet to exclude salt, so it was through finding new recipes and cooking methods that really sparked her love for cooking.

She started working in alocal restaurant as akitchen porter and worked her way up to becoming part of their chef team. This is when she realised that she wanted to turnher passion and her experience into acareer and enrolled for an apprenticeship with NSCG Stafford College and Aston Marina in Stone.

Speaking about her apprenticeship Niamh said: “I absolutely loved the apprenticeship. It gave me the opportunity to work on all the different sections within the kitchen –I’ve worked on everything from meat and sauces to pastry and desserts and it gave me the opportunity to come up with my own dishes and menus.

“My assessor has been with me for every step of the way.Wehad reviews every eight weeks whereshe’d come

into work and we’d talk to the Head Chef about everything I’ve done so far,what Ican improve on and what I’m doing at college. She was ahuge support.”

Niamh’semployer encouraged her to further her knowledge, and as she was eager to experience the fine dining sector, Niamh sought out avoluntary placement at Upstairs, in Lichfield, the first Michelin star restaurant in Staffordshire.

Niamh was given the amazing opportunity to shadow the owner and Head Chef TomShepherd, the BBC’s Great British Menu winner in 2023. When she finished her apprenticeship, she was headhunted by Tomand is now part

of the chef team at the award-winning restaurant.

When asked what advice she would give to anyone considering an apprenticeship, Niamh said: “I’d say absolutely do it! If you’reconsidering an apprenticeship, it’sprobably the best way to get into your chosen industry as you’ve got ahands-on experience.”

NSCG StaffordCollege is an Ofsted Outstanding provider,working with around 800 employers across the area to deliver adiverse range of apprenticeships covering 24 different sectors.

Aspokesman said: “As the West Midlands’ only ‘Expert Apprenticeship Provider’ and and one of the top performing further education colleges in England for apprenticeships with an overall achievement rate for apprenticeships during the last academic year of 68% against anational average of 54.3%, no other college locally is better equipped to help you reach your apprenticeship goals.”

n Find out morebyvisiting www.nscg. ac.uk/life-at-nscg/the-apprenticeship-hub

TheDudleyGroup NHS Foundation Trust

DO YOUWANTTOJOINA TALENTED WORKFORCEWHO DELIVERTHE BEST POSSIBLE PATIENT CARE?DISCOVERINCREDIBLECAREERS ANDSKILLSFOR LIFE AT THEDUDLEYGROUP

Based in the heart of the Black Country, The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust serves apopulation of around 450,000 people from three hospital sites, as well as multiple community hubs.

Our patients and staffare at the centreofall we do; providing aworld class service that aligns with our vision of ‘excellent health care, improved health for all’.

We areseeking to recruit staffwho shareour vision and values of making the Dudley Group an incredible workplace, and thereare over 350different NHS careers for you to discover!

Covering clinical and non-clinical roles, Dudley can offer careers in settings such as acute medicine, community nursing, theatres, outpatient services, corporate functions, clinical support and much more.

Key benefits such as increased flexibility,trainingand progression opportunities, focus on staffwellbeing and the motivational teamworking ethos arecorefocuses; whereweworkwith youtodevelop your career and fulfil your potential.

Our apprenticeship programmes also

Discovera career at The DudleyGroup

play agreat part in developing our current workforce and our workforce of the future. We recognise the value apprentices can bring in gaining agreater wealth of diversity and talent, enabling us to develop and grow our own teams with the values and skills needed.

We also work with the ICAN project, acollaborative approach to preemployment, connecting Dudley Council, our Trust andlocalcolleges together,with the aim of widening participation and support into employment in the Dudley community

Furthermore, we also support students completing their Tlevels with placements in avariety of healthcaresettings.

Please use the QR code below to discover careers at the Dudley Group or you can visit www.dgft.nhs.uk for more details on recruitment.

NacroEducation

‘BEWHO YOUWANTTOBE’

Achieve your ambitions with a vocational course

Vocational courses aredifferent to traditional academic routes. Courses aredesigned with practical application, meaning you will actively apply the theory you’retaught, preparing you with the transferable skills and knowledge you need to enter the workforce.

As specialists in vocational training, our courses aredesigned with our Get Set! framework, taking an individualist approach and including GCSE maths and English, enrichment and employability training as part of your course.

At NacroEducation, we want you to be who you want to be.

Whether it’sachieving aqualification to advance onto further levels of study, or developing these skills to start your career,wewill support you to identify your individual learning goals and get you on the path to success.

Working with local industry,weensure our students have the opportunity to take part in valuable work experience with national and local businesses alike, giving you acompetitive edge in the job market.

What makes NacroEducation different?

Our Get Set! courses combine vocational learning with essential English and mathematics qualifications, enriching experiences, and workplace encounters to equip you for career success. Crafted alongside industry,taught by experts.

Our teachers help each student

achieve exactly what they want from their course in asafe, friendly environment for all students.

This is helped by having smaller class sizes, skilled and experienced tutors, a series of practical workshops, and oneto-one support available at astudent’s request.

We also offer students the opportunity to expand their skills in preparation for further or higher levels of study through enrichment activities as part of our

courses. For those wanting ahead start in their career,our Work Ready course puts essential work experience at the heart of programme delivery,enablingyou to build your professional portfolio and showcase the employability skills employers are actively seeking.

What if Ineed to retake my maths and English GCSE?

As fundamental qualifications in any career,our Get Set! courses aredelivered with maths and English, taught at every level, from Functional Skills Entry Level 1 all the way up to and including GCSE.

No student learns in the same way,and hereatNacroEducation this is recognised and catered for by our qualified maths and English teachers. All our students areinsmall classes, and because of this they receive the support they need.

At NacroEducation we want to help you inspire, be courageous, compassionate, reliable, and become the person you want to be in our centres.

We areEngland’slargest independent training provider of education and skills to 16-18-year-olds and arerated Good by Ofsted with a90% pass rate across our courses.

Youcan findmoreinformation by visiting nacro.org.uk/education, find your nearest centreand apply today

LEAVING SCHOOL THIS YEAR? WHATNEXT?

Choose acareer-focused full-time course:

• Accounting

• Administration

• Animal Science

• Art&Design

• Automotive

• Business &Enterprise

• Care &Early Years

• Construction &Building Technologies

• Electrical Installation

• Engineering

• Games Development

• Hair &Beauty

• Information Technology

• Law

• Media

• Music

• Performing Arts &Production Arts

• Public Services

• Science(Applied

• Special Educational Needs &Disabilities (SEND)

• Sport

• Travel&Tourism

• TLevels

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