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 dispatch 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.
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.
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.
There is a dedicated Careers Coordinator who is based in the Careers Library on the Sixth 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:-
All Sixth Formers have an individual careers interview in years 12 and 13. Parents are informed of the results and are encouraged to comment.
All students in year 12 take the Centigrade questionnaire to assist in their higher education decision making. During year 12 students are encouraged to thoroughly research University options through independent means and the Careers Coordinator. The Careers Coordinator will offer specific advice and guidance for each student. A Higher Education Evening is arranged each year followed by a visit to a Higher Education Fair at Reading University.
Individual guidance and advice is also offered regarding UCAS applications by the Head of 6th Form, 6th Form Tutors, subject Tutors and the Careers Coordinator.
For those students not going to University, careers advice and guidance is available to investigate options and choices.
The Sixthform are encouraged to attend the programme of careers talks. During 2009 sixthformers attended the Channel 4 Inspiration Week and industry days that assisted in CV writing and interview techniques.
