POST 18
Preparing for Post-18
Progression to university is the goal of most of our students.
T
owards the middle of Year 12 the Futures course is focussed on university choices and the UCAS system as there are strict application deadlines; students who do not intend to apply for university use the process to research career or Gap Year options and can put together a curriculum vitae.
UCAS Applications
The first half-term of Year 13 is when UCAS applications are written and sent. The deadline is 5th December, but early applications are advisable. Certain courses have an earlier deadline of the 5th October. All students use an electronic application system which makes the whole process paperless and quick. Mr Boughton is available to provide guidance and support to students in the application process.
Information about grants, loans and fees is available to parents and students - an information evening takes place in September.
For further information, please visit the VLE.
***Please note that Mr Boughton hosts a weekly UCAS drop-in clinic for students every Wednesday after school in the Sixth Form meeting room (opposite the Y13 study). Please do come along for any questions you may have or assistance you might require***
Alumni Support
We are very happy to help Balcarras Sixth Form alumni with their UCAS applications. Students should use Mr Leathebarrow's email address as their referee contact on their application: dl@balcarras.gloucs.sch.uk. Students should then contact the Sixth Form offices to update the team on the courses they are applying for, and an update on any work experience or travel experiences relevant to the course (especially if there is a change of direction) and then we can update the student's reference accordingly and submit it to UCAS.
Balcarras Boost Programme
The Balcarras Boost Programme is run by Mr Niblett and aims for Balcarras students to:
- Self-identify as high achievers
- Have the confidence to express academic interest in public
- Have a plan to achieve significantly above average
- Feel accountable with their peer group in putting their plan into action
- Apply to top universities with a high success rate
If you have a dream to attend one of the best universities in Britain or the world, then please consider joining Boost next year. Please contact Mr Niblett or speak to a member of the Sixth Form team if you are interested in joining.
Careers
***Mrs Lewis runs a weekly drop-in clinic in the Sixth Form meeting room for any students that require career support, including apprenticeship opportunities. Students are welcome to drop in any time on a Thursday or contact Mrs Lewis in advance. ***
Students are supported by the careers department as well as the Sixth Form team throughout the Sixth Form on post-18 opportunities.
We have comprehensive resources in both the sixth form private study areas and on the VLE to help students research their options after sixth form.
Career Visits:
Our Y12 Health and Social students recently attended the University of Gloucestershire's Explorative Health and Social Care Taster Day. The students had an insight into how children’s welfare and best interests are considered within care proceedings through a simulated children and families court case and then had a hands-on look and experience of operating department practitioners.
