UCAS and Careers
The UCAS Process is one of the most important aspects of the Sixth Form experience. This can vary significantly from Sixth Form to Sixth Form. The Marist has a record beyond compare in preparing students for their UCAS Application and mentoring them through the application process itself.
Early despatch of UCAS Applications gives students a competitive edge, so to say, improving their chances of offers from their chosen universities. Each year the Marist applications are mostly sent by Autumn half – term, much earlier than most institutions.
Girls receive university offers very quickly as a consequence. Moreover, the girls experience the unanticipated pleasure of knowing that they are in a significantly better position than their friends in other Sixth Forms. The early applications mean that the girls place the stress of the UCAS process quickly behind them, so they may concentrate upon their A – level studies. Moreover, once they have conditional offers with grades they can use these as a motivating target.
The UCAS Process
When students return after their AS examinations there is an H.E. Training Day, in which the UCAS Application process is explained. Art and Drama students are also catered for, as are those considering studying abroad, in e.g. the USA.
The Personal Statement is central to the application and students are fully mentored, being helped to produce very polished Statements. The Tutor Reference supplements the Statement, and this is composed by the Tutor based upon subject teachers’ references.
Throughout the whole process the Careers Coordinator will be on hand for advice. She also delivers a full programme of training throughout the Sixth Form. (See download)
If Mock Interviews are required then these are arranged when necessary.
An innovation in 2009 will be the opportunity to follow Open University courses between the end of AS examinations and the beginning of Year 13. Fewer than 1% of schools give this opportunity and the modules enhance significantly the UCAS Application as it is proof of following undergraduate study before even having finished school.
Careers
There is a dedicated Careers Coordinator who is based in the Careers Library on the 6th Form floor. The careers library operates an open door policy form Monday to Thursday. All students have access to a well stocked and frequently updated careers library. There are multiple copies of current prospectuses for all British Universities, guides for making University choices, curriculum vitae writing, gap year opportunities as well as information on career choices and job descriptions.
There is internet access to research websites such as:-
www.UCAS.com
www.connexions-direct.com
www.hero.ac.uk
www.ukcoursefinder.com
www.eclips-online.co.uk
www.apprenticeships.gov.uk - Apprentice information on over 180 different skills across 80 industries
www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk - National vacancy and benefit information
Years 9 and 10
All year 9 students will take part in our “Take your Daughters to Work” day.Each student will complete an interactive careers guidance and education programme which will be discussed with the Careers Coordinator.
Year 11
Each student will undergo a Careers Guidance Programme that will help them select suitable sixth form subjects and a greater awareness of career opportunities.All year 11 students have a week of work experience in June.
Year 12
Students will complete a Higher Education questionnaire that will match their interest and abilities to a Higher Education course. During year 12 students will be encouraged to thoroughly research University options through independent means and the Careers Coordinator. A Higher Education Evening is arranged each year followed by a Higher Education Conference in Reading. Individual guidance and advice is offered regarding UCAS applications by the Head of 6th Form, 6th Form Tutors, subject Tutors and the Careers Coordinator. Students are advised to submit early applications to UCAS.
For those students not going to University, careers advice and guidance is available. All students are encouraged to visit the Careers Coordinator as often as necessary.
