Gosforth Academy Sixth Form

Purpose of this Evening Options Available to Y13 Students. The UCAS System. GA Support for Students. Key Dates. Parental Support for Students. Various Guest Speakers.

Options Available for Y13 Students: University in the UK and abroad. Degree Apprenticeship. College/Foundation Degree/Technical and Vocational Learning. Gap Year/Volunteering. Apprenticeship. Employment with Training. Employment.

University Benefits: Improved qualifications in a competitive labour market. Employment prospects and earnings. Personal development. New experience – friends/independence/ confidence/responsibility. Broadens interests/skills/knowledge/awareness. Live away from home. It can be great fun.

University – Why it may not be suitable: Cost and significant debt – more on this later. Prevents immediate entry to paid employment. Separation from close friends/Family. Some students need a temporary/permanent break from studying Grades for a target degree/university may be unlikely. No job/salary guarantees.

UCAS - Making the Application: Apply is the UCAS online application system. Every applicant has six sections to complete: Personal details Student finance (UK/EU) Choices Education Employment Personal statement. Once a student submits their application, the reference is added and it is sent to UCAS who passes it on to the university.

UCAS – Personal Statement: Personal statements are vital, students should include: academic achievements, past and present interests (passion) in the chosen subject area – work experience knowledge of the subject and enthusiasm to go beyond the syllabus what they enjoy about studying details of their independent study skills extra-curricular. The questions universities and colleges will ask: have they chosen the right subject for the right reasons? do they have a range of interests and skills? does the personal statement confirm their interest in the subject? have they studied independently? are they motivated and committed? Personal statements should stand out – tutors receive 200 per week!

Support for Students at GA – before the application: Guest speakers. Group tutorials offering advice and a chance to complete sections of the application. One-to-one support and advice. Support for Oxbridge/Medicine/Vet and other specialist applications. Higher Education Convention. Progression Week and Open Days. Study periods where necessary.

Support for Students at GA – during the application: UCAS Checking: Tutors assist students with completion of UCAS applications and write reference. Learning Manager checks UCAS application. Director of Sixth Form checks application. Application sent to UCAS. Students are sent offers or invited to interview.

Support for Students at GA – Deadlines: 14th January 2019 – UCAS Deadline (Most Courses/ Applications). Internal Deadlines set by the Sixth Form team to stagger the UCAS Process: Early Entry Friday 21st September. Wave 1 Friday 28th September. Wave 2 Friday 12th October Wave 3 Friday 26th October Wave 4 Friday 16th November Wave 5 Friday 30th November

Offers and UCAS Points: A Level Grade: BTEC Grade: UCAS Points: A* Distinction* 56 A Distinction 48 B 40 C Merit 32 D 24 E Pass 16

Grades or Points Offers – Based on Predicted Grades & Application: Universities make places available by Grades Offers (e.g. ABB) or Points Offers (e.g. 128 points). Predicted Grades are part of OUR Reference. These are optimistic but realistic. Students should not pressurise teachers to change these grades. Students should consider courses at these grades, courses below and courses above.

Research to Complete: Websites – UCAS, individual Universities. University Prospectus. University Open days. Student shadowing Opportunities. Work Experience required for some degrees. Progression Manager – Mr Stephenson Tutor or Learning Managers. Parents. Higher Education Conferences.

Application factors to consider: Every institution will apply criteria for entry. Entry requirements will depend on the demand for the course, and may change from year to year. Courses with the same title are not necessarily the same. Course subject options, flexibility and combinations may differ. Applications can be made for different types of courses (but care needs to be taken). Assessment can be by exams, dissertations, practical work experience, projects etc. Finance – course fees, travel, living costs.

How can Parents support the process? Sign up to the monthly UCAS Parents Newsletter. Read the 2018 UCAS Parent Guide – copies available today. Visit: www.ucas.com/parents Offer to attend open days with them, you may have a different perspective. Financial assistance – with railway tickets. Try to remain impartial. Don’t book holidays at key times.

https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate/applying-university/ucas-undergraduate-advice-parents-and-guardians

Gosforth Academy Sixth Form