Ms Drapela (Careers and Sixth Form Administrator)
On Wednesday 6th July, Year 12 Students participated in the UCAS Day. This was an organised event intended for students to prepare for their journey into Higher Education. The morning began with an important introduction to the UCAS application process presented by both our Director of Sixth Form, Mrs Woolley and Head of Careers, Mrs Whitlock. During the introduction students were also given valuable information regarding key dates and internal timelines.
Students were then led to varying rooms to begin a self-guided session registering with UCAS and working on the mechanics of their application. With the help of a detailed Bridge Booklet, sent in advance, students were able to spend some time getting to know the UCAS site and process, in addition to making great progress on their applications.
The second half of the morning included several workshops on personal statements, MedSoc students being led in discussion with Miss Dawson, and Oxbridge students led by our Oxbridge Coordinator, Mrs Pearl and finally a session presented by our guest speaker Jonathan Hunter, University of Birmingham. We thank Jonathan for an outstanding presentation, engaging with our lower sixth students, and preparing them with the need to know and how to for personal statements. We also thank Ms Dawson and Mrs Pearl for getting involved with specialised breakout workshops.
Afternoon came and lower sixth students came back to the assembly hall to take in important information about Course choices, extra activities and resources to make use of in support of their UCAS application. This was a valuable time for students to reflect on their wider education portfolio and how to make the best decisions for them as they go forward. This presentation was then followed by a self-guided session for students to work on course research, CV writing, and personal statements.
The day ended with an Advice Video made by our current sixth form that included personal reflections, tips and tricks, and friendly advice in preparation for the next school year. It was a thoughtful video for year 12 students to hear from their peers. It was a great day for lower sixth students to build a foundation, explore resources and tools, and begin to prepare for their journey into higher education. We hope our students made the most of the day and feel confident going forward as they work on their applications and personal statements over the summer and into the autumn term.
