We are keen to offer tailored support for students who are considering applying for more specialised post-18 pathways.
A range of colleagues work hard to support students who may be considering the following options post-18:
A sample of some of the bespoke support offered to students is shown below; this is not exhaustive and we are happy to offer 1:1 support to any student who requires additional input from the sixth form team or colleagues with specialised knowledge in a particular field.
Any student requiring individual support and guidance is encouraged to speak to any member of the sixth form team for further guidance.
From February of Year 12 through to December of Year 13 a fortnightly support group runs to assist students with their decision to apply and their subsequent Oxbridge application. We cover areas such as the unique nature of the teaching and college system, super-curricular suggestions and admissions tests’ requirements. We also focus on interview techniques and support for writing an outstanding personal statement. During the year we have guest speakers from Oxbridge outreach teams as well as alumni who are current Oxbridge undergraduates. Information is also shared via a Teams page where opportunities and important details are posted on a regular basis.
To support students pursuing an apprenticeship, we provide a range of opportunities to engage with professionals and to participate in workshops ensuring that students are fully aware of how the application process works. We have strong relationships with colleagues from ASK Apprenticeships, Liverpool City Region Careers Hub and many local providers who help to deliver these sessions.
Workshop Topics Include:
Introduction to Apprenticeships
CV and Letter Writing
Assessment Centre Masterclasses
LinkedIn and Networking
Mock Interviews
Representatives from both local and national providers such as Merseyside Police, JCB, Unilever and Scottish Power have visited students to outline their courses and offer further support.
We have a dedicated Microsoft Teams Apprenticeships channel that we encourage students to check regularly for live vacancies. There are also many resources available to support their applications including access to practice video interviews, webinars from companies promoting their apprenticeship opportunities and links to recommended websites.
Students have regular 1:1 meetings with our Careers Manager and, if they choose, they can allocate their Wednesday enrichment time to vacancy research and application preparation.
WGSB Medical Society (MedSoc) has been set up to support students who wish to pursue a career in medicine, veterinary medicine or dentistry. We meet fortnightly to discuss different university courses, help prepare for admission tests and guide students in finding work experience and volunteering placements. Guest speakers are regularly invited to speak to students, including current medical professionals and former students who have gone on to study in these areas. Once applications are in, we help prepare students for their university interviews with discussions on medical ethics and current affairs, building the knowledge expected of them to progress. In the autumn term of each year, we offer a mock MMI experience to help our students prepare for interviews.
For students considering taking a GAP year or pursuing study overseas, information and guidance is offered through a launch assembly and subsequently through a Teams group.
The options available to students in place of the conventional three-year undergraduate degree in the UK include:
Sandwich courses: Many universities offer a three-year degree over four years. This includes a third year either abroad or within a work-based placement in the UK.
Gap Years: Students may take a year out of their studies either before or after entering a degree course. Advice is given on the various opportunities available during gap years.
Studying Abroad: Some pupils choose to spend their entire time at a university abroad, immersing themselves in a whole other culture. Bespoke advice is offered on how to apply for and secure funding for studying outside the UK.
Any Y11 student who is hoping to pursue a career in Engineering is encouraged to apply for an Arkwright Engineering Scholarship. Candidates should be actively considering university study and a future career in Engineering (including computing and software) or a related area of Design (systems design, industrial design, process design, technical product design).
The Scholarships are awarded to hard-working 16-year-old students through a rigorous selection process including an aptitude exam, supporting them through their A levels.
Every Scholarship is sponsored by a commercial company, trade association, university, professional institution, armed service, government organisation, worshipful company, charitable trust or personal donor. This means that support is offered in various different ways, for example, valuable hands-on work experience, support for your curriculum project and a personal mentor who can help you with aspects of your study and career planning.
To find out more about the Arkwright Engineering Scholarship please follow this link: https://www.arkwright.org.uk/
Interested students should email Mrs Wilson (Careers Manager) for further details on how to apply.
By offering such tailored support groups we aim to offer effective advice and guidance for our students as they make important decisions regarding their post-18 options.
