1. Can you guess to whom these personal statements belong? I tell the truth at all times, even when artists may not appreciate it. I am successful within the music industry and have been for several years. I have now put my music expertise to practice within a TV show and am a quarter of a judging panel.

2. I have been part of a successful girl band who has done duets with Busta Rhymes and Will-I-Am. I am now a solo singer who has had several successful singles. Last year I appeared on a popular TV program and I have a boyfriend that likes to drive fast. Can you guess to whom these personal statements belong?

3. Objective By the end of the lesson all pupils will: Understand what a personal statement is. Will create a personal statement.

4. A personal statement is the first bit of information someone will see about you – make it a good impression! You may or may not be asked to interview for your post-16 choice. Nevertheless, you personal statement needs to be impressive. You must plan your statement before writing it. To help you – go through all of the following criteria and add anything you can…

5. Specific aspects of the course that interest you Examples of related work you have completed Practical work you have enjoyed Work experience Books/articles/news you have read related to the course Personal experiences which have led you to your choice Where you hope this will take you in your future Volunteering work Helping at school events/ open days D of E/ after- school clubs – what have you gained? Your interests and skills/ free time/ languages spoken Volunteering work Helping at school events/ open days h Musical instruments/ sports Awards/ prizes

6. 1. Do we want this student on this course? 2. Do we want this student at this school/college? Consider who is reading your statement. They will be asking themselves the following questions… 1.Is the student suited to the course that they are applying for? 2.Does the student have the necessary qualifications and qualities for the course? 3.Is the student conscientious, hardworking and unlikely to drop out? 4.Will the student do their best and cope with the demands of the course? 5.Can the student work under pressure? 6.Will the student be able to adjust to their new environment at sixth form? 7.What are their communication skills like? 8.Are they dedicated to this course and have they researched it well? 9.Do they have a genuine interest in the subject and a desire to learn more about it? Admissions leader

7. Create your own… 1. List what you want to study and why — remember to link in your skills, interests, hobbies and relevant work experience. 2. List your current skills and interests. Think of examples you could use to illustrate these. For example, I play football and this has helped me develop my teamwork skills because to score goals, we have to work effectively as a team. 3. Write down why the subject area you want to study interests you — link in any relevant work experience. 4. Think of what you could put to show you understand what is required of you to study your chosen subject — to answer this, you will need to have done some research into your chosen courses. 5. List the reasons why you want to go to college. 6. List your personal qualities and attributes — these are different to skills. For example, honest, hardworking and so on.

8. Put yourself in the role of an employer… Swap statements with the person sitting next to you… Read through the statements that you have received. What are your first impressions? Would you employ this person? Give reasons for your answers.