Year 11 Post 16 afternoon and evening

These events, which take place on Wednesday 10th October from 2:10pm to 3:10pm, are designed to inform students and parents about post 16 routes, and to provide both students and parents with an opportunity to talk to representatives of different 6th form institutions and other post 16 providers. There will also be information about Apprenticeships, and staff will be on hand to field any questions.

The year 11 students will have a short presentation in the hall at 2:10pm then attend two presentations from their chosen Post 16 providers to give them a flavour of what is on offer.

Then, starting at 6 o’clock, there will be a short presentation in the Main Hall for parents and students.  After the presentation, they are welcome to visit the ‘stalls’ of those main post 16 providers they are interested in to further explore choices available.

PSHE lessons
The focus in PSHE lessons from September until Christmas revolves around preparing Personal Statements for their applications, completing applications, exploring pathways choices available at Post 16, using on line resources to access information, exploring types of careers and investigating qualities needed to be successful in them.

Open Evenings
Post 16 institutions all hold open evenings for prospective students. These evenings represent an important opportunity to find out information about the different courses offered, and to get a flavour of what life at them might be like. Attendance at the relevant events is key to students making informed decisions about where to go and what to study post 16.

College Open Days and Evenings offer you the chance to visit the centres you are thinking of attending. Once there, you can talk to staff and students about available courses, and ask questions about 6th form life. Don’t miss this opportunity as it can really help you to make a good decision.  There will be plenty of people around to talk to you; they will be ready to answer your questions, and to help you with any problems you might have.

Before you go, ask yourself:

  • What are my strengths and weaknesses?
  • What are my skills and interests?
  • What subjects do I currently enjoy, and which are my best?
  • Do I want to do A levels, or another suitable qualification?
  • Which centres can I get to? How would I get there?
  • What career am I interested in doing, and what qualifications would help me to do it?
  • Which centres offer the courses and subject combinations I am interested in?
  • What influence are friends and others having?
  • Have I considered all options including Employment and Training and an Apprenticeship?
  • Have I read the college prospectuses, or gone on their websites?
  • Have I got older friends or relatives who can tell me about the different centres and different courses?

When you visit a centre:

  • Try to talk to students who are already on the courses
  • Check out where a course might take you in terms of work/training or higher education
  • Check out what you need to be accepted onto a particular course – what are the entry requirements?
  • Check out suitable alternatives to your main choice – remember, always have a plan B.
  • Check out costs such as equipment, clothing, field trips, and books.
  • Check out the ‘feel of the place’.  Would you fit in and be happy?  What does it offer in addition to the course?
  • Check out opportunities to extend yourself with extra-curricular activities
  • Check out transport arrangements.

 

When are the Open Evenings?

There is a wealth of helpful information online: 

All the sixth form centres have websites, which can be accessed via a search engine.

Other websites offering useful general careers advice include:

 

Below are examples of the sort of questions that students should be considering when using these resources:

  1. What is a modern apprenticeship?
  2. Is help with transport available to travel to a sixth form centre?
  3. What qualifications are needed?
  4. What grades are needed to start an A level course?