Your Child's 5 Year Plan

Presentation / group work Academic performance English proficiency Test scores Attitude to study Interest / passions Independence Perseverance This is what admissions officers say they are looking for in applicants - in order of importance top to bottom Presentation / group work

Independent research projects A collection of experiences / achievements / skills / competencies that will prove fitness for college study: Academic work Competitions Service Work experience Independent research projects Creative achievements - music / art / drama / dance Sporting achievements “Sustained and meaningful” The Locker

Step 1 - Years 6-8 For parents: Encourage reading - make recommendations / read together / discuss - model this! Encourage new interests, or taking an interest and exploring it further Encourage participation - not just boosters! Encourage focus on effort/skills, not just grades Be an active part of this process and encourage long term thinking For students: Read read read: novels / articles / news / non-fiction Explore interests: TED / Khan Academy / YouTube / the internet! Do lots of extra-curricular activities - try out lots of things Work hard at school Talk to your teachers about your subjects and how to improve

Step 2 - Year 9 Meet with teachers individually to discuss IGCSE level options and know what subjects will be best for you Choose extra-curricular activities carefully: MUN / newspaper / charity activities / eco club / world scholar’s cup Consider taking on some leadership positions in school - school council / running a club? Start to keep a log of achievements / clubs / trips / service Be part of this process - attend PTCs and meetings Help plan extra curricular activities - ask what they hope to get out of them / encourage “sustained and meaningful” engagement Encourage and support when things are difficult - don’t give up! Talk about these and encourage reflection rather than listing

Step 3 - Year 10 Be open minded and allow exploration / encourage passions / talk through ideas Get family and friends to help start conversations - don't filter, let them talk "face to face" Make sure that you go through any results and projects with your child and help them reflect on areas for improvement Ask your child about their specific targets and encourage them to think SMART! Have open dialogues about how to help - be realistic... Start to think seriously about future careers - do some surveys / start a career notebook / look at Road Trip Nation Talk to professionals about their work / how they got there Work harder than ever in academics! Do some independent projects Make thoughtful and balanced choices about extra-curricular activities Exercise self control - bedtimes / gaming

Step 4 - Year 11 Meet with teachers individually to discuss A level options and know what are compulsory or "facilitating" subjects Start to imagine yourself at university - try and visit some, or look at online college tours if not Make sure IGCSEs go as well as possible - especially focus on core subjects (Maths / Science / English) Focus on “sustained and meaningful” extra-curricular activity, don't overload Take PSAT if possible - SAT may be part of the application process Be part of this process and understand your child's choices Talk about future plans and start to think about paying for college! Don't be afraid to ask about progress and know your child’s deadlines e.g. coursework Encourage your child to prioritise activities Know what testing is appropriate for your child

Step 5 - Year 12 Start to long list colleges noting key details such as cost and admissions requirements. Go to all events / talks / fairs regardless of destination Plan standardised testing IELTS / SAT etc.(especially if leaning towards USA / Singapore) Consider taking a MOOC (online course) or Summer School Really focus on academics Make sure all extra-curricular activities have a clear purpose and get stuck in Do some challenging / meaningful for work experience / service Have a clear budget and share this with your child. Make an appointment with the Head of Sixth Form to discuss options. Encourage slow and steady preparation rather than tutoring / cramming Discuss costs / travel / time implications and factor activities into your family calendar Don't fall into the trap of "tutoring" Help with scheduling / balance / priorities and encouragement Do you have contacts / ideas?

Year 13?

Show me the Money! (What does university cost?) Next week - UTalk #5 Show me the Money! (What does university cost?)