Options After Year 11 Tuesday 7 th October 2014 Helen Hobson Personal Adviser

1. Options AfterYear 11Tuesday 7th October 2014Helen HobsonPersonal Adviser

2. What is Adviza (Connexions)? • Service for young people – giving independent advice & guidance on: education, jobs & careers, and other issues • Adviza was (Connexions) Advisers visit School • Bracknell Connexions Centre – 3a Charles Square, Tel 0845 408 5008

3. Raising the Participation Age (RPA) Vast majority of 16 & 17 year olds already continue in education or training Government has introduced RPA Students in Year 11 will now continue in education or training until the end of the school year in which they turn 18 What does this mean?

4. Your Options After Year 11 • Continue in full time education • Work based Learning (Apprenticeship) • Full time work or volunteering with a part time training course (accredited)

5. How To Choose? Things you need to think about – • Your Interests • What you’re good at – skills and strengths • GCSE grades

6. Education – Where to Study? • Edgbarrow Sixth Form • Further Education College → Bracknell & Wokingham, Reading College, BCA, Newbury College, Farnborough College of Technology, Farnborough 6th Form

7. Education – What to Study? Different levels of courses after GCSEs • Level 3 Courses Examples – A levels; BTEC National Usually need minimum 4 A* - C grades at GCSE • Level 2 Courses Examples – BTEC First; NVQ Level 2 Usually need mix of GCSEs D –E • Level 1 Courses GCSEs grades E- F

8. Geography Government and Politics History Mathematics Mathematics with Mechanics Statistics Further Mathematics Media Studies Photography Physical Education Physics Psychology Religion, Philosophy & Ethics Sociology Art Biology Business Studies Chemistry Computing Product Design Graphic Products Resistant Materials Drama and Theatre Studies Economics English – Creative Writing English Language English Literature Languages French German Spanish Edgbarrow Sixth Form Over 25 subjects to choose from:

9. Edgbarrow Sixth Form • BTECs – Level 3 Diploma (equivalent to 2 A-Levels) • Business • Health and Social Care • Information Technology • Performing Arts • Sports Science • Great Results • 26% A*-A at A Level in 2014 • 61% A*-B at A Level in 2014 • 84% Distinction* - Distinction at L3 BTEC in 2014

10. Courses at College – Level 3 • A-Levels & GCSE Resits • Level 3 courses such as National Certificates and National Diplomas in: • Construction, Electrics & Plumbing • Engineering & Motor Vehicle • Childcare • Hairdressing & Beauty • Sport • Travel & Tourism • IT • Catering & Hospitality • Horticulture & Animal Care • Art & Design • Media & Photography • Public Services

11. Courses at College – Levels 1 and 2 • Level 2 courses: e.g. First Diplomas in variety of subjects: • Health & Social Care, Art & Design, Vehicle Fitting and Construction etc • Foundation Learning • Improve literacy and numeracy • Build confidence & self esteem • Work Experience

12. Year 11 - Important points to remember….Only about 8 months to go before your examinations! • Work hard towards GCSEs/BTECs and make sure your coursework is up to date • Any problems with subjects then speak to your teachers now, because achieving 5 or more A* - C grades in your GCSEs (or equivalent) gives you more options after Year 11 • DO YOUR BEST! • Your options after Year 11 include: • Sixth Form – You can study AS Levels, A Levels or BTECs in a range of subjects at most Sixth Forms. To find out more about Edgbarrow Sixth Form you should attend the Sixth Form open evening this term and talk to your teachers. Edgbarrow Sixth Form currently offers the opportunity to study AS and A Level, BTECsand a number of Level 2 vocational qualifications. Further details can be obtained from the 2014/15 prospectus which will be available from main reception after half term.You are able to move to other School Forms if you wish. • College– You can also study AS Levels, A Levels or Diplomas or you could choose practical vocational courses in subjects such as: Sport, Childcare or Business to mention a few. If you achieve 5 x A* – Cs in your GCSEs and wish to study this type of course, you can apply for a National Diploma. These are 2 year courses with 18 units and equal to 3 x A levels. Colleges also have a range of First Diplomas and other one year courses available to those who achieve less than 5 x C grades at GCSE. N.B always check degree courses and university entry requirements on websites to ensure that vocational qualifications are accepted – see useful websites below for further information. • Apprenticeships – The ‘earn-while-you-learn’ route. This iswhere you work and study at the same time. You may perhaps split your week between college and a workplace. Apprenticeships are available in a range of industries i.e. Construction, Childcare, Business, and Hairdressing and they take about 18 months. However, be aware, presently there are limited apprenticeships available. A-C grades at GCSE, especially in English and Maths may be required. Look on the National Apprenticeship Service website.

13. Employment – You can look for a full time job, however it must involve part-time training leading to an accredited qualification. • More information on this option is available via the following link: http://www.education.gov.uk/16to19/participation/rpa/a00201391/useful-information-what-does-raising-the-participation-age-mean-for-me • Actions to take now • Start researching your ideas after Year 11 NOW! • Attend Sixth Form and College open days to get a better idea (see next page). • Apply for Sixth Form / College by Jan/Feb 2015 at the latest (check on websites re dates) • You can make more than one application and decide which offer you wish to accept after you receive your results. • Financial support is available via the 16-19 Bursary Fund, further details can be obtained via the following link: http://www.education.gov.uk/search/results?q=16-19+bursaryand from the individual educational establishments. • Useful Websites- • Adviza– www.adviza.org.uk • Careers ideas – https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/Pages/Home.aspx • University Information - www.ucas.co.uk

15. Sixth Form & College Application Process • Order prospectuses • Attend open evenings • Apply early – end of Jan at the latest • Receive letter about an interview • Attend interview – & possible assessment Offer or Not??

16. Apprenticeships • Employment with training, working towards NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) • Offered in various occupations e.g Construction, Hairdressing, Childcare, Motor Vehicle, ICT, Catering & more • To apply, speak with an Adviza, PA or check out www.apprenticeships.org.uk • Adviza has a vacancy service for school leavers

17. Post 16 Bursary • There is a bursary with limited funds and students are assessed individually based on family income.

18. Finding Work • Internet – online recruitment sites - • www.fish4jobs.co.uk or www.totaljobs.com • Local Papers - Bracknell news, Crowthorne Times • National Papers (& their websites) – Guardian, Telegraph • Employment Agencies • Manpower, Reed, Hays, Adecco • Adviza vacancy service for school leavers • Contact employers directly (spec letters)

19. Talk, Research, Action! • Adviza, Personal Advisers • Karen Robinson – Careers & Work Related Learning @ Edgbarrow • Teachers • Parents, Friends & Family • Attend sixth form and college open events • Edgbarrow Sixth Form Information Evening – Thursday 20th November 2014 • Edgbarrow Careers Evening – an opportunity to meet and ask questions to representatives from companies etc – Thursday 5th March 2015

20. Things to Think About - • Keep Your Options Open • Investigate All Ideas • Do You Need a Back-Up Plan ? • Don’t know What You Want to Do? - DON’T PANIC !

21. Your Future!!! Thanks for listening