1. Post-school destinations University, College, Modern Apprenticeships, and Employment

2. UCAS Universities’ and Colleges’ Admissions Service Established central role in UK admissions providing a wide-ranging, impartial service to schools, applicants and HEIs Does not include most colleges in Scotland Also now deals with applications to the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and other conservatoires www.ucas.com

3. UCAS All students apply online Support is given in school to register and complete application Miss Siddall, Mrs Moran, and Mr Harrison help with personal statements These staff put together a school reference based on staff comments Miss Siddall “sends” application, until this point the application can be sent back to the student and changed. Students can access in school/at home/any internet access Students pay a fee online - £24 (£12 for only 1 course)

4. A good personal statement The best personal statements are unique but not wacky, allowing personality and enthusiasm to come through. What do you want to do and more importantly why? What are you long-term ambitions? Commitment to the subject, your involvement in relevant activities outside the classroom. Widening Access programmes and Open Days Employment is particularly valuable evidence – independence, commitment, maturity, life experience. Reflective – what have you learned / gained from various activities and experiences?

5. The bottom line Start early Be honest Give evidence (e.g. “sitting 5 Highers in S5 while working part-time as a swimming teacher means I have developed excellent time management skills. Explain your transferable skills. Get someone else to proof read it (teachers will do this)

6. IHS timeline for UCAS applications September 2014 – Register on UCAS, complete details, explore website for options and information, begin early drafts of personal statement, 1-to-1 support sessions. October 2014- Confirm course choices, first draft of statement submitted. Closing date for small number of courses / institutions. Start of November 2014 – Second draft of personal statement submitted. Miss Siddall, Mr Harrison, and other staff begin writing references. Mid-December 2014 – Final draft of personal statement and reference completed. 15 th January 2015 – Deadline for applications to UCAS, though early applications can be beneficial. Responses from institutions can be received anytime after this.

7. What evidence do admissions tutors use? Academic and vocational attainment Predicted grades Personal statement Reference Participation in widening access activities such as Focus West & Top-Up Interview Piece of written work Admissions test

8. College Research, particularly college websites Could be a back-up plan or an alternative route into university. Some universities allow you to enter Year 3 of a degree from an HND course. Apply online, not done through school but students are encouraged to ask for support. Shorter personal statement but still very important. Often an interview required Need to apply to each separately, deadlines differ for each college, courses usually open Mid-January. Courses can close when full, need to apply as soon as possible.

9. Funding SAAS – Students Awards Agency for Scotland Tuition fees, student loans, and bursarys for those eligible Students apply online Applications can be made from April 2105 for courses starting next year. Can apply before a college or university place is confirmed Courses eligible for funding – HNCs, HNDs, degrees, nursing and midwifery diplomas and degrees, and PDGEs Students will receive more support on this during tutor in April 2017. www.saas.gov.uk

10. Modern Apprenticeships Work placement plus qualification (usually delivered at college) Apply to place of work or college Advice available directly from employers, colleges, and Elaine Morrison (Skills Development Scotland) Vacancies advertised locally through school, Elaine Morrison, Ileach, and word-of-mouth. If you are interested in an MA, consider approaching an employer directly. They may not have been planning to take on an apprentice but may consider you.

11. Employment CV, application forms, letters – base this on the profile you produce during S6 Interview techniques Career planning / management skills can be developed through appointments with Elaine Morrison (Skills Development Scotland) Start looking early – after Easter can be too late. A part-time job can often lead into a full-time opportunity.

12. Links www.ucas.com www.saas.gov.uk www.focuspoint.org.uk www.focuswest.org.uk http://www.myworldofwork.co.uk/ http://www.scotlandinter.net/colleges.html