Our Year 12 Partnership Evening was well attended as parents came into school to learn about our school offer and the journey ahead of their children as Sixth Form and beyond stretches off into the horizon.
The evening included an address by the Headteacher and then four sessions which parents could drop into any two. These optional sessions included:
* Work Experience & Internships
* Applying to University
* How To Stand Out On Applications
* Vocational Subjects
One of the key aspects which was covered was the funding of university as fees and loans change once more. It was very much emphasised that university comes at a steep cost, but it can still be very worthwhile. This is more likely to be the case as best possible grades enable access to the best possible university and if families get ahead of the game and plan a financial route as far as they can through the university years.
One of the best sources of advice is Martin Lewis – a good example of his support is here: Martin Lewis – 5 Need to Knows on Student Finance.
Elsewhere, the benefit of a Higher Level Apprenticeships which bring a salary and a funded degree was pushed. A key aspect of this is to research options on focus companies to spot when cyclical opportunities come up well in advance – with recent success stories in our school including Airbus and JLR – and to build the CV and research up so applications go well. This is best supported when school and home work together in the pursuit of the role.
Matt Allman, Headteacher, said: “A university degree is likely the second most expensive purchase – outside of a home – that an individual may make in their lifetime so it needs maximum research and huge effort to secure the best option. When the approach is taken the value increases and as a school we are there each step of the way to support our students and their families.”
