understand possible pathways for Post-16 education & training have tools/plans for exploring next steps and even Post-18 develop thinking, which is aspirational and realistic for at least the next 1-2 years The purposes of this evening:

Future jobs 2030? Vertical farming

Future jobs 2030? Body part maker

Future jobs 2030? Insect based food developer

What benefits are there to gaining qualifications? 1980s/1990s Jobs2012 Jobs 10% graduate only26% graduate only 30% need no qualifications23% need no qualifications Average graduate earnings 52% higher than low qualified Average graduate earnings similar to those with A levels 19.3% attend Higher Education About % year olds attend Higher Education About

KEY STAGE FOUR CURRICULUM

Qualifications explained Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Levels 4-8 GCSEs grade D-G GCSEs grade A*-C GCE A levels BTEC/Diploma Intermediate Apprenticeship Advanced Apprenticeship Doctorate Masters degree Honours degree Foundation degree / HND HNC Higher Apprenticeship Pre- apprenticeship / Traineeship

What is the RPA? Education or training until 18 th birthday Full-time education such as School or College Work based learning such as an Apprenticeship or Traineeship Part-time education or training if you are employed, self-employed or volunteering full-time (which is defined as 20 hours or more a week). Employment without training is not an option! However you could leave earlier if you have achieved level 3 qualifications e.g. 2 A-levels or their equivalent.

Why are English & Maths so important? Until 18 th birthday, need to continue studying for English and Maths UNTIL get GCSE/iGCSE grade C or equivalent Functional skills level 2 Grades in English & Maths affect what courses you can do Post-16

Post 16 Options Further Education A Levels Diplomas e.g. BTEC, UAL Training Apprenticeships Traineeships Part time Education or Training if: Employed Self-Employed Volunteering

What are popular A levels? (Also known as GCEs) *Art & Design  Business Studies *Dance *Drama & Theatre Studies *Economics *English Language *English Literature *French *Geography *Government & Politics *German *History  Applied Science  Biology  Chemistry  Geology  Maths  Further Maths  Physics *ICT *Music *Mandarin *PE *Philosophy *Product design: Graphics *Product design: Textiles *Psychology Consider University courses  Where to study  3 & 1  Essay writing subjects  Higher Apprenticeships

What are the entry requirements to do A levels? AS & A2 Levels GCSE grades of at least a B in the subjects being studied, as well as at least a C in English and Maths Main route into university, especially Russell Group (24 top universities)

Entry requirements for courses  Make sure that you are being realistic about entry requirements for courses.  Sometimes these are expressed as points: e.g. An average of 42 points for top 8 qualifications for A level entry to Sweyne Park, 32 points for A level/BTEC combined courses. (A* = 58 points, then each lower grade is 6 points less – 52,46,40(grade C),34…….)  Sometimes expressed as grades, with specific subjects noted.  Be REALISTIC and ASPIRATIONAL

Job sectors

Examples of BTECs/Diplomas & other professional qualifications? (Various levels and sized qualifications) *Animal management *Applied science *Art & design *Beauty Therapy *Bricklaying  Business  Carpentry & joinery  Children’s care learning & development  Engineering  Hairdressing  Health & social care *Horse management *Hospitality *Professional cookery *IT *Media *Music *Music technology *Performing arts *Photography *Public services *Sport & exercise sciences *Vehicle maintenance & repair

a more practical approach level 3 can be a route to university, with A levels or D*/D/M grade combinations Entry requirements depend on level, are specific to course, & where studied Level 1: GCSEs 1-2 at A*-G Level 2: GCSEs 2-4 at A*-D C? Level 3: GCSEs 4-5 at A*-C, normally including English and Maths What are BTECs/Diplomas/Professional qualifications?

BTECs beware the names and sizes Extended diploma/diploma/foundation learning What to look for? e.g. Construction level 3 Extended Diploma or 90 Credit Diploma Construction level 2 Diploma

Foundation Learning – Level 1 Foundation Learning courses are one-year programmes that can help you to progress onto a Level 2 BTEC Diploma or Apprenticeship. It includes a vocational qualification, Functional Skills in English, Maths & ICT, and Personal & Social Development.

Apprenticeships – popular types… Animal care Catering Childcare Construction Engineering Hairdressing Horticulture Mechanics Office work Retail Veterinary nursing

Apprenticeships in outline….. Ready for work Earn & learn (£2.73 per hour minimum) Job training & college placements Functional skills Earliest start date July 1 st 2015 Apprenticeships website

Apprenticeships

What are you going to do next (as a family) about your Post-16 plans? Next steps

Helpful websites Careers information & advice essex.co.uk/ essex.co.uk/ National Careers Service Apprenticeships Complete University Guide UCAS Fast Tomato and Login Unifrog and loginhttps://

Key Points There is a course out there for everyone. Progression onto higher qualifications is possible via any route. C or above in English and Maths is very important – increasing choice and rate of progression. You can all be successful, invest in your futures now, by planning and trying as hard as possible at school.

Finally tips from me….. Get going right now, (do NOT panic) plan the Open Evenings you are going to attend. Discuss with advisors, teachers, parents, family, friends…… Get your questions sorted out before you go to an Open Evening – remember your future relies on you making the right decisions about where to go and what to study. You need to have thought about how likely it is you achieve your first choice and consider back-up plans. Be aspirational and realistic – LOOK INTO THE FUTURE.