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

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

UCAS All students apply online Support is given in school to register and complete application Miss Siddall, Mrs Moran, Miss Priestly, Miss McGregor, 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 (£13 for only 1 course)

A good personal statement The best personal statements are unique but not wacky, allowing personality and enthusiasm to come through. What do they want to do and more importantly why? What are their long-term ambitions? Commitment to the subject, their 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 they learned / gained from various activities and experiences?

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 their transferable skills. Get someone else to proof read it (teachers will do this)

IHS timeline for UCAS applications August 2017– Register on UCAS, complete details, explore website for options and information, begin early drafts of personal statement, 1-to-1 support sessions with school staff. Min. rough notes or first draft by 23rd August 2017. September 2017- Confirm course choices, first full draft of statement submitted. Closing date for small number of courses / institutions will be 15th October 2017. Start of November 2016 – Detailed draft of personal statement submitted. Staff begin writing references. Early to mid-December 2017 – Final draft of personal statement and reference completed. 15th January 2018 – Deadline for applications to UCAS, though early applications can be beneficial. Responses from institutions can be received anytime.

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

College Research, particularly college websites Could be a back-up plan or an alternative route into university. Some universities allow entry to 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 but through different for SRUC. Courses can close when full, need to apply as soon as possible.

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 2108 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 2018. www.saas.gov.uk

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.

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.

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