“The future depends on what you do today.” Mahatma Gandhi

1. “The future depends on what you do today.” Mahatma Gandhi

2. Welcome to Aim Higher Days.What does the future mean to you? Today and tomorrow: • Make plans for your future. • Complete a first draft of your personal statement

3. Aim Higher Days 2012 • Are your chance to begin to research, plan and apply for realistic progression routes at the end of Year 13

4. Welcome to Aim Higher Days Aims of the two days: • To make realistic choices for September 2013. • To complete a personal statement on Google Docs • To register for and complete the information section of a UCAS application

5. 1st September 2013 Where will you be?

6. How do I progress at the end of Year 13? • Personal statement • Quality statement • Highlight your passion your drive indicating your direction • Tutor statement / reference from your tutor • What will it say about you? • Predicted grades • The outcome of your hard work over the last two years

7. How are predicted grades worked out? • Mock exam grades • Modular exam grades • Attendance / Punctuality • Ability to meet deadlines Predicted grades help universities and employers decide whether to make an offer.

8. The importance of accurate predicted grades • Teachers use their professional judgement, gained over many years. • Progression from AS to A2 is another large step in knowledge. Grades are more likely be sustained or perhaps drop as opposed to jump up • Retakes make an impact • Over predicting could leave you with nothing in August 2013 • The creditability of the schools as an exam centre could get called into question

9. Apply – Read it / Use it • Your personal copy • Use it today • Keep it safe • Use it throughout Year 13 and beyond.

10. Apprenticeships • Many different routes. • Application dates vary • www.fhscareers.weebly.com You will study for a recognised qualification at college whilst developing skills with an employer. At the end of apprenticeship you may be offered a permanent job .

11. Work Based Training • Many different routes. • Application dates vary • www.fhscareers.weebly.com Many organisations recruit school leavers onto training programmes that develop your talents and prepare you for promotion within the company. Some of these training programmes lead to nationally recognised qualifications.

12. : a brief guide. • Register today. £23 for 5 choices. • October and November 2012: Applications submitted. • October 2012 – March 2013: Offers • March 2013: UCAS Extra opens • August 2013: Adjustment and Clearing opens.

13. How to choose a university Russell Group Universities: traditional and long established e.g. Nottingham and Bristol The country’s top 20 universities recognised with the highest rated research facilities. These universities mostly offer academic courses, with very few vocational / applied courses. Most courses will require at least AAB and may have more specific requirements including GCSE subjects and grades. http://www.russellgroup.ac.uk/

14. How to choose a university Plate Glass Universitiescreated mainly in the 1960s, e.g. Loughborough and Bath These universities offer a large selection of academic courses as well as vocational / applied courses. Offers are likely to be lower than Russell Group universities, but competition for places has seen an increase in the grades required.

15. How to choose a university New Universities created mainly in the 1990’s e.g. Nottingham Trent and University of West of England These universities have a large number vocational / applied courses with less emphasis on academic courses. Grade offers are likely to be lower, but competition for places has increased grades required. Some universities are very good for certain courses: for example Bournemouth University has a very well renowned media department with excellent facilities. This is reflected in their offers.

16. Jim ColleySixth Form Solutions Ltd.