2. Y11 Raising Aspirations Evening Aims to help you understand:- 1. The need for a planned approach to your son/daughter’s post Earls career. 2. Key attributes for a successful GCSE student 3. How to pick the right type of qualifications. 4. Different routes into employment. 5. The role of progress files, personal statements, and references in raising student profile. 6. The role of our two “Raising Aspirations” days.

3. Choosing the right type of qualification A levels BTEC An academic qualification with exams in year 1 and 2. AS Levels (Year 1) - Take one year. - Can study 4-5 subjects. A Level (Year 2) - Take one year. - Can study 3-4 subjects. - Can sometimes take BTECs alongside. Entry around 5 GCSEs at grade B or above and depends on the college/sixth form. Are vocational and work- related qualifications. Combine mix of academic and vocational methods of learning – course work and exams Suitable for students who have already decided about areas of work they wish to enter. Entry depends on BTEC level studied and college/sixth form.

4. What are Apprenticeships? Trained and assessed in the work place (1 – 4 years) 4 days per week in work, 1 day at college Level 2, level 3 & level 4 courses available Trainees earn a minimum of £3.30 per hour (from 1 st Oct 2015) Practical work based learning and portfolio based assessment Earn money while you learn Gain valuable work experience Opportunity of full time employment on completion www.apprenticeships.gov.uk

5. Routes to employment and successful careers Earls to College to University to Employment Earls to College to Employment

6. Choosing the “right” College Earls Collegiate

7. Route 1 – GCSE College Employment Course/subjects for your chosen career. Right type of qualification for career / individual Education providers. Multiple applications & varied options. Prospectuses, Open days/evenings. Entry requirements. School reference and application form – sealed, stamped, addressed.

8. Why choose The Earls Collegiate? Choice of A level, BTEC and Apprenticeships. Collegiate Facilities. Ongoing support from staff at The Earls. Enrichment Programme - Opportunities available to enhance your CV. Remain involved with life at The Earls. Collegiate images/phot os here. Earls Collegiate

9. Route 2 – GCSE College Uni Employment Course /subjects for your chosen career. GCSE results do matter when applying to University. Research, Research, Research! www.ucas.com or http://university.which.co.uk Enhance your CV and personal statement. Undertake work experience, voluntary work, enrichment opportunities.

10. Help them choose the right A- levels or BTECS! University of Birmingham – Biological Sciences

11. Help them choose the right A- levels or BTECS! University of Birmingham – Biological Sciences

12. GCSE Grades do matter! University of Birmingham – Physiotherapy

13. Help them choose the right A- levels or BTECS! Some universities will work in UCAS points! E.g. Drama at Newman: 280 UCAS points.

15. Raising Our Students’ Profile www.myprogressfile.com Username: earlhigh Password: earl0310

16. Y10 “Raising Aspirations“ days – 8 th July & 9 th July WORKSHOPS Two taster sessions held at Halesowen College. There was a wide range of courses to choose - from English and Maths to Forensic Science and Hair and Beauty. APPLICATIONS An introduction on what a successful college application should consist of. Advice, examples and tips were given to students. INTERVIEW Students were given a session on interview techniques. They then planned and prepared for a 10 minute mock interview which took place during the afternoon. Information booklets were also completed for help and guidance for future interviews.

17. Before you leave tonight... Do speak to our staff about any queries that have been raised tonight. Do encourage your son/daughter to approach any of our speakers tonight or their form tutors with their queries. Do take home the information booklet. Do complete our “Feedback board” on your way out. We want your thoughts on “What Went Well” and “Even Better If”. There is also space to ask questions and details for us to contact you on.