Careers Education, Information, Advice and

Guidance (CEIAG)

Year 11

2018

Dear Y11, As I am sure you are already aware, this final year at Bowland will simply fly by. With this in mind it is vitally important for you to be thinking about where you would like to go after Bowland. This little booklet is packed with information to help you, including dates of open evenings and events at local FE providers. You are encouraged to use all the resources available to you so that you are equipped to make well informed choices. If you are unsure of what you want to do next or need help with your application form, CV or personal statement please come and see me. You can also use the National Careers Service website for information and advice https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/

Please make sure you have your Record Of Achievement folder up to date. The file should include a copy of your personal statement, CV, certificates, photographs, details of work experience and voluntary work, references and other achievements included in it. The files have been purchased by our PTFA Committee, please look after them and take them with you to every interview. We will be holding our annual Careers Convention “BRAG” on Monday 8th October at The Grand, Clitheroe from 4pm – 6pm. BRAG will be open to Year 11 pupils and parents and the information provided will help you to choose which college, training organisation or sixth form you would like to attend when they leave school. A number of workshops designed to help you with cv writing and applications will be held on Friday lunchtimes in the library and don’t forget I am on hand to help you during break and lunchtimes. In addition local colleges, sixth forms and training providers will visit school Friday during Y11 assembly. This will help you to gain a little more information about each place and ask the School Liaison Officer questions about specific courses. Finally, please feel free use the information in the careers end of the library and check the careers notice board regularly. The new board will be located outside the library. If you need any further help, do not hesitate to contact me. Kind Regards

Mrs Burns Mrs Burns Careers & Vocational Co-ordinator Tel: 01200 449869 E: eburns@bowlandhigh.lancs.sch.uk

Top Tips

Discuss career opportunities open to you with family, friends and teachers.

Apply for college/sixth form as soon as you can, but certainly before December, and/or apprenticeships in January. Please check deadline dates, CRGS require applications to be submitted before January.

Drop in to the Careers Office (in the Library) at break or lunchtimes to see Mrs Burns. Advice interviews can be booked via form tutors or by seeing or emailing Mrs Burns direct.

Keep up-to-date with our FB page https://www.facebook.com/bowlandhighcareers/

Keep looking at our twitter page Bowland CEIAG @bowland careers

You should have your Record of Achievement (ROA). Please ensure that this folder is full of all your information, including your school reports, certificates, CV, personal statement, work experience information, mock interview feedback sheets and any additional information you feel will enhance your application. You can develop this by discussing your achievements in and out of school with your parents/carers, friends and teachers.

The government careers website has lots of careers information/ advice, and is strongly recommended. Make yourself a life-long account there, whatever your age! https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/Pages/Home.aspx

In the autumn term all of the local colleges and sixth forms will be holding open days-see this booklet for dates/times. It is a good idea to check these on the organisation websites, just in case there are last minute changes in dates/times.

Attend the BRAG event at The Grand, Clitheroe on Monday 8th October 2018. This event is open to YOU and your parents/carers.

What are my main options at 16?

AS and A Levels

Apprenticeship/traineeships

Vocational Courses including the Forces A Levels AS (Advanced Subsidiary) and A (Advanced) level qualifications focus on traditional study skills. They take two years to complete full-time and you can choose 4 from a wide range of academic subjects. A Levels are one of the main routes into higher education. Each college and sixth form has different GCSE requirements for entry – see each prospectus for the specific details. As a general rule most establishments will require at least 5 GCSE’s grades 7-4, probably 6’s or above, but most will request at least grade 6 for subjects you want to study.

Message from Emma Parker A level student @ Clitheroe Royal Grammar School I left Bowland with 10 GCSE examinations; 3 grade 9’s, 5 grade 8’s and 2 grade 6’s. I decided to study A levels at Clitheroe Royal Grammar School. I took Psychology, Sociology and English language and dropped business studies after AS! A levels are two tricky years but with the chance to choose subjects that you are interested in and passionate about, it makes the whole process a lot more enjoyable and suited to the person you are. Both my AS and A2 years were a huge hurdle for me to jump over but with the ability to manage and balance you're own studies due to the increased independent learning it will enable you to thrive at your own pace and achieve to the best of your abilities. Don't ever be afraid to ask for help or support where it is required because even though A levels are a challenge, there is always help on hand and no one will ever ask more of you than your best. A levels aren't for everyone but once you get stuck in, stay organised and most of all be happy then you can't go far wrong. Emma

Vocational Qualifications Vocational courses are designed to help you learn in a practical way about a specific job area. They can help you get the skills you need to start a job, progress in a career or go on to higher levels of education. Vocational qualifications include: Vocational subjects that are related to a broad employment area such as business,

engineering, IT, health and social care Practical Vocational Courses (often now called technical or professional programmes)

that lead to specific jobs such as hairdressing, plumbing, or engineering. Apprenticeships where a student is based with an employer where you will be

trained for a job role and get paid as you learn Vocational qualification levels can be compared to other qualifications: Entry Level qualifications build confidence and help people prepare for learning and work. Level 2 qualifications are the equivalent of grades 9 to 4 at GCSE. Level 3 qualifications are equivalent to A levels. Level 4 and 5 are equivalent to a Foundation Degree Level 6 equivalent to an honours degree. The main difference being the emphasis is put on coursework rather than examinations. Each college and sixth form has its own entry requirements for each course and these will be set out in the prospectus. However, here is a general guide for the requirements for each level. New Vocational Qualifications Vocational qualifications have been changing with the recent introduction of... Technical Level Qualifications The Technical Baccalaureate Applied General Qualifications

Technical Level Qualifications Some existing Level 3 (advanced), vocational (work-related) qualifications are now known as Technical Level Qualifications and they prepare you for a specific technical occupation job). These qualifications have been recognised by employers as good preparation for specific job roles. There are Tech Levels in; Agriculture, horticulture and animal care, Arts, media and publishing, business, administration and law, child development and well-being, construction, planning and the built environment, engineering and manufacturing technologies, health, public service and care, Information and communication technology, leisure, travel and tourism, retail and commercial enterprise.

. Applied General Qualifications Recently some existing Level 3 (advanced) vocational qualifications (like BTECs) have been renamed Applied General Qualifications. These qualifications are for students wishing to undertake broad study of a specific vocational area - for example engineering, business or IT. Some Higher Education Institutions (Universities) recognise these qualifications as fulfilling entry requirements to a range of HE courses, either in their own right or alongside other Level 3 qualifications. Some employers and professional or trade bodies have also pledged support for Applied General qualifications. #Extract taken from http://www.careerpilot.org.uk/info/vocational-qualifications/what-are-vocational-qualificatio/#link5

Message from Annabelle Robinson L3 Extended Diploma in Business Studies @ Nelson and Colne College I left Bowland with 9 GCSE examinations, 2 grade 8’s, 3 grade 6’s and 4 grade 4’s and decided to do a L3 vocational course in Business Studies at Nelson and Colne College. During the course I studied a variety of business related subjects, including accountancy, HR, and law. The course timetable meant I wasn’t in college every day and so I was able to volunteer to do a work placement for one day per week. I chose to work at Coniston Hotel where I gained valuable experience in a real work setting. I have recently completed my course gaining Triple Distinction *, (D*, D*, D*) in Extended Diploma in Business Studies, (equivalent to 3 x A* at A level). In addition I was awarded “Star pupil” out of the whole of the Business Studies faculty.

I have received a number of job offers since leaving college and have decided to accept the role of Business Apprentice at Calico in Burnley, I have a guaranteed job at the end of the first year and the opportunity to continue my studies. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Nelson and Colne College and would definitely recommend the course and the college to anyone leaving school next year. Annabelle

Apprenticeships/Traineeships

If you want to become an apprentice you will need to show that you have the ability and commitment to complete the programme. The entry requirements for Intermediate and Advanced Apprenticeships vary depending on the training provider and employer. Typically, for an Intermediate Apprenticeship you will need a number of GCSEs grades 8 to 4 with English and Maths being two of those subjects. For an Advanced Apprenticeship you will need at least 5 GCSEs with grades 8 to 4 with English and Maths being two of those subjects and some employers will prefer you to also have some Level 3 qualifications e.g. A Levels, BTEC. An apprenticeship is a work-based learning programme when you earn a wage, and gain on-the-job experience whilst learning new skills which lead to nationally recognised qualifications. Apprenticeships have no set length as the time taken depends on the ability of the apprentice and the employer’s requirements. The current minimum wage rate for an apprentice is £3.70 per hour. This rate applies to apprentices under 19 and those aged 19 or over who are in their first year. You must be paid at least the minimum wage rate for your age if you're an apprentice aged 19 or over and have completed your first year. https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide/pay-and-conditions

Traineeships can help you get onto an apprenticeship if you need to improved your skills and qualifications. Most of the apprentice’s time will be in employment as most training takes place on the job. However, off-the-job training can be completed on day release or over a number of days in a block; the amount of time depends on the type of apprenticeship. Apprenticeships are intermediate, advanced or higher levels. The new Higher Apprenticeships can offer a route into university qualifications from the Advanced apprenticeships. http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/ is a very useful site for vacancies and information. Message from Tom Connell Electrical & Electronic Reliability Engineer @ Hanson Cement, Clitheroe

Upon leaving Bowland I had achieved 11 GCSE's, 5 grade 9’s and 6 grade 8’s. I left school and wanted a new challenge that would provide me with new skills and the experience to get a good job. I was successful in getting an apprenticeship at Hanson Cement in Clitheroe, this involved one year off the job training and three years on site training. I have never once looked back on this decision- how can you beat earning a wage at the same time as getting high level qualifications! I have now worked for the company for five years, I am fully qualified and the company paid for me to do my HND qualification in electrical and electronic engineering. Earlier this year I was given a new position within the company as the electrical reliability engineer and I am now looking into the plants reliability and improving the equipment we currently have on site, as well as looking into new exciting projects.

FAQs Q: How do I apply? A: Use the application form either in the prospectus or online. Q: Can I apply to more than one college or sixth form? A: Yes – it’s advisable to apply to 3 or more places with different entry requirements, so you have a back-up plan if you don’t get the grades you need for your first choice Q: Should I check up on times and dates of open evenings / days before going to any of them? A: Yes – look at the organisation website; dates and times sometimes change. Q: Where can I find the application forms? A: Most are available online or in the prospectus, or see Mrs Burns Q: Do I need my Record of Achievement File? A: Yes, take it with you to every interview. Q: Do I have to be a Catholic to go to St. Mary’s College? A: No Q: When should I apply for college/sixth form? A: October/November onwards- early applicants get the most choice. It is probably best to wait until after the BRAG event before applying. Q When should I apply for an apprenticeship? A Immediately after the Christmas break in year 11. Although large organisation like BAE have their own deadlines, best to check their websites.

Y11 Assembly Dates

During the first term we have invited a number of local colleges/sixth form representatives and training organisations to attend Y11 assembly on Fridays to tell you a little more about their establishment. Assemblies will be held in the Dining Hall, please go straight to assembly on the bell and be seated for 8.55am (alphabetically in forms please) as all assemblies must be completed ready for P1. Friday 14th September -Mock Interviews Thursday 20th September- Craven College Thursday 27th September- Blackburn College Thursday 4th October -Clitheroe Royal Grammar School Thursday 11th October - St Mary’s College Thursday 18th October Nelson and Colne College Friday 26th October No assembly – half term Thursday 1st November - Thomas Whittam Sixth Form Thursday 8th November - St Christopher’s Sixth Form Thursday 15th November- Stonyhurst College Thursday 22nd November QEGS Sixth Form Friday 30th November National citizen Scheme (NCS) Thursday 6thh December Myerscough College Friday 14th December

Workshops/Drop in’s at Lunchtime

In addition to the assemblies, representatives from all colleges will be dropping into school on Friday lunchtimes to over support with your applications and advice on a range of subjects. Please watch out for notification of these events over the next few weeks.

REMINDER BRAG Event

Monday 8thth October 2018 4pm – 6pm

The Grand, Clitheroe Our annual BRAG event will be held on Monday 8th October 2018 at the Grand, Clitheroe. We have invited all the local colleges/sixth forms/training providers to attend. This is an invaluable event, giving you an opportunity to ask any questions regarding potential applications.

College, Training Provider and Sixth Form Open Days 2018/2019

Do check websites or telephone the establishment a few days before the event as times and dates do occasionally change! Accrington & Rossendale College of Further Education Telephone: 01254 354052 e mail :schoolsliaison@across.ac.uk

Tuesday 25th September 2018, 6.00pm – 8.00pm

Monday 15th October 2018, 6.00pm – 8.00pm

Wednesday 14th November 2018 6.00pm – 8.00pm

Apprenticeship Info Evenings- 16th January 2018 and 9th May 2018- 4pm –7pm

Students can apply on-line through the website or by using the application form in the prospectus www.accross.ac.uk Accrington Academy Sixth Form Telephone: 01254 304300 www.accrington-academy.org:

Tuesday 9th October 2018 - 6th Form Open Evening 6pm – 8pm

Apply online through website or using the link https://accrington-academy.org/sixth-form/apply-now/ Accrington Stanley FC No open evenings as such - interested students are invited in in for a chat with their parents. More info about the course can be found here: www.stanleytrust.co.uk/futsal-education-scholarships/

Alder Grange Sixth Form

Thursday 17th November 2018 – Sixth Form Open Evening -6.30pm

Friday 17th November 2017 – Sixth Form Taster Day

Saturday 28th April 2018 – Sixth Form Drop-in Session Please ring 01706 223171 or visit webpage for more details www.aldergrange.com Askham Bryan Askham Fields Lane York North Yorkshire YO23 3FR 01904 772277 www.askham-bryan.ac.uk Open Evenings Tues 9th October 2018, Tues 15th January2019, Tues 5th March 2019 ,Tues 14 May 2019 .Open Evenings run from 5.30pm -6.30pm Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School

Check BRGS website for open events Application forms will be available online at www.brgs.org.uk

Bishop Burton College York Road, Bishop Burton, Beverley. HU17 8QG Tel: 01964 553000 www.bishopburton.ac.uk Open Evening Wednesday 12th September 2018 - 5pm – 8pm (book a place on their website) Blackburn College of Further Education & Sixth Form

Thursday 4th October 2018 – 4.30 – 7.30pm

Tuesday 16 th October 2018 – 4.30-7.30pm

Saturday 10th November 2018 – 10.00am – 1.00pm

Wednesday 13th February 2019 – 4.30 – 7.30pm

Website - http://www.blackburn.ac.uk/

British Aerospace Systems

The Academy for Skills & Knowledge, Samlesbury. Events also advertised via face book and twitter Engineering Taster week in Warton Applications for the 2019 taster weeks will open EARLY 2019

Apprentice Applications on line from 1st November 2018 Look on BAE Systems website under apprenticeships for further information BT apprenticeships: www.bt.com/apprentices Burnley College of Further Education & Sixth Form

Wed 30th September 2018 full college open event including Themis (apprenticeships) 5.30-8.30pm

Telephone: 01282 733372 E: s.services@burnley.ac.uk

Apply on-line via www.burnley.ac.uk for courses and apprenticeships

Cardinal Newman College

College open event to be confirmed. Check the website www.cardinalnewman.ac.uk/about-us/college-open-events/

College website: www.cardinalnewman.ac.uk Online application to Cardinal Newman College from the first week in October http://www.cardinalnewman.ac.uk/apply/ Lark Hill, Preston, PR1 4HD . Tel: (0)1772 460 181. Clitheroe Royal Grammar School Sixth Form

Open Evening Wednesday 7th November 2018 from 5.30 – 8.00 p.m. Students are welcome to come themselves or with their parents/carers.

Online application form will open in late October 2018 for pupils wishing to apply for September2019 Contact 01200 423118 or sixthformadmissions@crgs.org.uk for more information. Individual visits to the Sixth Form can be arranged for students and parents/carers.

Craven College and The Aviation Academy at LBIA Planned Open Events for 17/18: www.craven-college.ac.uk/events. Open Evenings all campuses:

Mon 15th October 2018, 5:30pm-7:30pm, all campuses

Tues 27th November 2018, 5:30pm-7:30pm, all campuses

Mon 28th January 2019, 5:30pm-7:30pm, all campuses

Tues 19th March 2019, 5:30pm-7:30pm, all campuses

Mon 24th June 2019, 5.30pm -7.30pm all campuses Contact number: 01756 791 411 Website: www.craven-college.ac.uk

Official website: www.craven-college.ac.uk Aviation Academy website: www.theaviationacademy.co.uk Open event to be confirmed . Check the website Apply on-line via www.craven-college.ac.uk or by application form: the earlier the better.

Ermysted's Grammar School

Gargrave Road

Skipton

N. Yorkshire

BD23 1PL

T:01756 792186

Open Evening information not available at time of printing, please check website www.ermysteds.co.uk

Fleetwood Nautical College via http://www.blackpool.ac.uk/nautical

Check site for open events

Haslingden High School h ttp://haslingdensixth.com/ T : 01706 215726 Check website: dates not available Just Childcare

If students wish to be added to a mailing list for vacancy alerts they can direct message on Facebook leaving their email address using the following link: https://www.facebook.com/JustChildcare

Apprenticeships vacancies will be posted on the careers page on website http://www.justchildcare.co.uk/careers/#apprenticeships

Lancaster Royal Grammar

Lancaster Royal Grammar School Sixth Form Apply online at www.lrgs.org.uk T :01524 580529

Open Evening Wednesday 18th October 2018 Visit our website for details and to view our prospectus.

Moorland School

Ribblesdale Ave, Clitheroe BB7 2JA

01200 423833

Open Evening information not available at time of printing, please check website moorlandschool.co.uk

Myerscough College

Advice Mornings/Open Events: 10.00am – 12.30pm

Saturday 8th September 2018 Open Event

Saturday 6th October 2018 Open Event

Saturday 10th November 2018 Open Event

Saturday 8th December 2018 Open Event

Myerscough Country Fair Open Day Sunday 9th June 2019 Other advice mornings will be planned after the December date. Website: www.myerscough.ac.uk Contact details: enquiries@myerscough.ac.uk or 01995 642222

National Apprenticeship Site http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/

National Apprenticeship Week is usually around the beginning of March. Nelson & Colne College of Further Education and Sixth Form Telephone: 01282 440272 www.nelson.ac.uk E: admissions@nelson.ac.uk

Check websites- dates not available Newton Rigg College Penrith Cumbria CA11 OAH Tel:01768 893400 www.newtonrigg.ac.uk Saturday Open Events 10.30am- 1.30pm 9th October 2018 15th January 2019 5th March 2019 14th May 2019 Information Evenings on Tuesdays 5.00pm – 6.30pm 9th October 2018 15th January 2019 5th March 2019 14th May 2019 Places need to be booked on line on the website. North Lancs Training Group (Apprenticeship Providers) Visit the website or ring them up- they will show you round at any time. www.nltg.co.uk Please contact Ali Shah for a one-to -one interview and IAG on apprenticeships on 01254 395355. E : info@nltg.co.uk Preston College of Further Education and Sixth Form Telephone: 01772 225522 Apply on-line via www.preston.ac.uk or by application form Check website for open events Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School Sixth Form Academy Telephone: 01254 686307

Sixth Form Open Evening September 2018 . Check website

Applications http://qegsblackburn.com/admissions/how-to-apply/sixth-form-application from 5th September 2017. Apply online on school website :-www.qegsblackburn.com

Reaseheath College Nantwich Cheshire

CW5 6DF Tel: 01270 613424 www.reaseheath.ac.uk Open Evening information not available at time of printing, please check website Remit www.remit.co.uk Motor Industry Training and Apprenticeships and other areas Royal Army Apply early in Year 11 as soon as you are 16: http://www.army.mod.uk/ Royal Navy Apply as soon as you are 16:

http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/ all recruiting information can be found here. RN Office Manager, AFCO Preston, 52 – 54 Fishergate, Preston, PR1 8BH. Tel: 01772 555675 Mob: 07900 706039

RWP

Business Administration, Teaching Assistant, Childcare, Health & Social Care. Open evenings and taster sessions will be advertised on Facebook page and website. Apply via website using an online application form www.rwp.co.uk. T: 01228 593446

Settle College Settle North Yorkshire BD24 OAU Tel: 01729 822451 Email: admin@settlecollege.n-yorks.sch.uk www.settlecollege.org.uk/contact-us/ Open Evening information not available at time of printing, please check website Skipton Girls High School Gargrave Road, Skipton

North Yorkshire, BD23 1QL

Tel: 01756 707600 www.sghs.org.uk Thursday 3rd November 2018 -6pm – 8.30pm St Christopher’s High School Sixth Form

Sixth Form Open Evening – check webite

Sixth Form Student Led Open Evening – TBC Website - http://www.st-christophers.org/Sixth-Form Mary’s College, Blackburn Telephone: 01254 580464 It is expected that a parent/carer goes with you for this visit. Apply on-line via www.stmarysblackburn.ac.uk or via application form

Information and Admissons Evening- Check website St Wilfrid’s Church of England High School Sixth Form Telephone: 01254 604162 Open dates to be confirmed www.saintwilfrids.co.uk/sixthform.htm Stanley Trust: www.stanleytrust.co.uk/futsal-education-scholarships/ Ring to arrange a visit with parent/carer Stonyhurst College General Enquiries 01254 826345 www.stonyhurst.ac.uk Open Evening : Thursday 20th September 2018- 5.45pm – 8.30pm Thomas Whitham Sixth Form Burnley Campus Barden Lane BB10 1JD Telephone: 01282 682272 www.burnleycampus.uk/thomas-whitham-sixth-form Check website for open evenings Training 2000 (Apprenticeship Training Provider) Telephone: 01254 54659 E: info@t2000.co.uk Telephone: 01282 724200 Nelson Site Apply for apprenticeships online and then interview with Training 2000 www.training2000.co.uk Westholme School Sixth Form Telephone: 01254 506070 www.westholmeschool.com

Sixth Form Open Evening – September (date and time TBC but will appear on website nearer the time)

Website: www.westholmeschool.com. 01254 506070 Apply by completing the ‘Register your Interest’ form on the website

Useful contacts and websites for further information: Parents, family, and friends

In school: Subject Leader Form Teacher Mrs Burns eburns@bowlandhigh.lancs.sch.uk Tel: 01200 449869 Facebook Twitter for Bowland careers Out of school Talkzone – Advice and support to young people Text: 07786 51 11 11 Online: www.lancashire.gov.uk/youthzone Call: 0800 51 11 11 Facebook.com/LancashireYPS twitter.com/LancashireYPS Free to contact 365 days per year from 2pm – 10pm Jobzone Leaving school and look for a job or apprenticeship? Get a Jobzone account from YPS. Jobzone sweeps the internet for you and lets you search for all available online vacancies on one site. You can search by job type, or by area, saving you time and effort and leaving you free to spend more time applying for jobs, rather than looking for them…. Tel: 0800 51 11 11 or Text: 07786 51 11 11 2pm – 10pm. https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/ https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice https://www.theguardian.com/careers/career-advice http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/- apprenticeships all over the country, even including some in Accrington! www.barclayslifeskills.com www.notgoingtouni.co.uk Gap years, training providers, sponsored degrees http://ucas.com/ University site

Application forms It is good practice for you to photocopy your application form and write out a rough copy first. Make sure you read the instructions carefully. If you are asked to use a black pen make sure you use a black pen! A scruffy application form with errors and crossings out does not give a good impression. Double check all the details on the form are correct, and check your spelling and grammar before you copy them out in clear handwriting on the original application form. If applying online, collect everything you need together before starting to input your information, double check your entries before submitting your application. It is recommended that personal statements are sent with application forms. A personal statement will strengthen your application and highlight your achievements. Use ONE side of A4 paper, 3-5 paragraphs, a simple font size 12 Please see below an outline of a personal statement which you may use for guidance.

Personal Statement for (your full name)

1. Your achievements in school

Which subjects you are taking, positions held in school (Prefect), school teams,

school events, trips, helping out at school events, etc.

2. Your achievements out of school

Which clubs do you belong to, your hobbies, helping out at home, part-time jobs,

work experience, community work, DofE, special achievements etc.?

3. Your special skills IT skills – Word, Excel, Power point, good listener, good

communicator, leadership qualities, motivator, helpful, etc.

College interview hints and tips

First Impressions last-greet your interviewer with a smile, firm handshake and eye contact.

Be smart It is sometimes easier to attend your interview in your school uniform. If you feel this is not appropriate then please ensure you are smart and well presented.

Be prepared Take your ROA file with you to your interview. Extra information such as an art and design portfolio if relevant will also help your application process. Find out information from their website beforehand.

Be confident Listen carefully to the questions and answer properly. Don’t waffle – take your time to gather your thoughts. It’s better to say you need a minute to think about your answer rather than speak instantly and regret it afterwards. Why should you be on the course? All interviewers look for the right person for the course. Be ready to talk about your knowledge, experience, abilities and skills in this subject area.

Be positive Your interviewer will be thinking about what it would be like to have you on their course, so won’t want to hear negative comments/ lack of enthusiasm. Interviewers like to see someone who enjoys a challenge and is enthusiastic.

Body Language It’s not what you say but how you say it. During the interview don’t slouch, lean back, fold your arms or look down. Sit upright, make eye contact, use your hands and lean forward when making a point. Develop rapport Show energy, a sense of humour and smile. Clarify anything you are unsure If you are not certain what is meant by a particular question, say so

Remember your manners-be polite at the interview: this will be noted and remembered. “Please” and “Thank you!”

Questions Take a list of prepared questions with you.

ROA – Remember your Record of Achievement folder.

Questions you may be asked at interview:

What are your predicted grades? Take your predicted grades, last school report, and mock exam results or already achieved grades to your interview. The interviewer will wish to see if you meet the entry requirements for the course you are applying for. Courses are offered to you, subject to gaining the required entry requirements, predicted grades are used as a guide. Why do you want to do this course? Interviewers use this question to see if you have done your homework and thought about your future. Do you really want to do this course? What are your strengths? This is your chance to say what makes you stand out from the next person. What work experience have you done? You may have a part-time job. You may discuss areas of this experience that you enjoyed and how much you learned. This will demonstrate to the interviewer that you have a good work ethic. You may also talk about your work experience placement. Describe a problem you have faced and how you solved it. This is a tough question that is common in interviews. Interviewers are looking for your critical thinking skills and to see if you can find solutions. Tell me about yourself The interviewer is trying to figure you out professionally. Pick a couple of points about yourself, in relation to what you want to do in the future. The interviewer will not wish to know which games console you use and that you hang around with your mates! Which enhancement courses are available?” (E.g. volunteering projects, first aid, Duke of Edinburgh) This tells the interviewer that you are interested in extra courses within the college/sixth form and want to have the opportunity to explore different activities. “What is the dress code?” Different colleges and training providers will have different views on appropriate dress wear. Different courses may require overalls or uniforms: for example motor vehicle engineering, hair dressing, catering.

“Is there a full induction onto the course and the college?” Inductions onto courses are always important, making sure health and safety issues are covered to ensure that your time spent at college is safe and enjoyable. “What can this course lead to?” It is important to know what options are available to you after the course so you may know your progression route to reach your career goals. “How am I assessed?” Will there be exams? When are the exams? Is the course work assessed during the year or assessed at the end? “May I contact you if I have further questions?” It’s always good to end an interview with this question. It keeps the door open for future communication.

Money Matters

There have been many recent changes in funding for people studying. The latest links we have are below: keep an eye on the national press for updates. http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/14To19/MoneyToLearn/ExtraHelp http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/students/student-loans-tuition-fees-changes http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/UniversityAndHigherEducation/StudentFinance/index.htm

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