The Flagpole

This term Lower Sixth students will start to find out about the options available to them after the Sixth Form. We will be holding sessions in Life Skills and CoRE, as well as visiting the UCAS Conference at the University of Worcester and inviting parents to an information evening. 

The full programme of events is as follows:

Life Skills/CORE:

• Thursday 1 March 2018 - Visiting Speaker: Fred Binley, Southampton University - Why go to university?
• Thursday 8 March 2018 - Jacqui Quinney - How to apply for university and apprenticeships
• Thursday 15 March 2018 - Visiting Speaker: Aston University - Degree Apprenticeships: what are they and how to get one

Parents' Workshop Evening - Thursday 1 March 2018, 18.00-21.00

Not to be missed, this evening of workshops will provide you with all the information and knowledge you need to support your son or daughter through the decision-making and application process. Please note this is for parents only as students will be receiving the information in their own sessions during the school day. The provisional programme for the evening includes:

• Fred Binley, Southampton University - Why go to university
• Aston University - Degree apprenticeships
• Warwick University - Student finance and funding
• Unifrog and UCAS - A parents' guide
• Loughborough University - A parents' guide to personal statements

There will be a break during the evening when a buffet and refreshments will be served, this will also provide parents with an opportunity to talk to our visiting speakers.

Please confirm your attendance by clicking here.

UCAS Conference Thursday 22 March 2018

We aim to take all Lower Sixth students to this conference where they will have the opportunity to meet representatives from hundreds of universities. More details and an Evolve consent form will follow shortly.

Jacqui Quinney
Head of Careers and UCAS Co-ordinator

Work Experience Placements at Princethorpe College, as part of our Careers programme, take place at the end of Year 11.  We believe that all pupils can gain immeasurable benefits from their placements; not only can a good placement teach a pupil a lot about an area of work that he or she may be interested in, but it can also develop communication skills, self-confidence, initiative and teamwork.

Work Experience takes place after the GCSE examinations, generally starting from the last week of June, at any time that is convenient during the holidays, for a minimum of one week. It is perfectly feasible for pupils to undertake more than one placement if desired. It is usual for pupils to find a placement through family/friends contacts at this stage.

So that I can complete the necessary paperwork, possible references and so on, I'd be grateful if you could you let me know the company name and contact details, for the placement(s) you have arranged either by return of the slip attached to the letter sent to you in June, or by email to me miketaylor@princethorpe.co.uk. 

If you need a hard copy of the original letter, please could you ask your son or daughter to ask me for one at school.

Mike Taylor
Work Experience Co-ordinator

The careers team are keen to involve parents as much as possible in assisting with the decisions your children will be making when choosing a career and their next step. As such, I will be passing on information that might be useful to you.

Please see the articles below for information regarding the following:

• British Red Cross International Youth Volunteering Programme - fully funded Belgium placement opportunity, 19 September 2018 – 18 September 2019
• Futurewise Career Insight Events 2018

Jacqui Quinney
Head of Careers and UCAS Co-ordinator

Calling all French or German speaking Upper Sixth Form students (or indeed others with an interest in working with the charity sector).

The British Red Cross is looking for a volunteer aged 18-30 years for a twelve month placement in Eupen, Belgium at an Asylum Reception Centre run by the Belgian Red Cross. Some basic knowledge of French or German, and prior relevant experience or education relevant to the role would be useful. The role is fully funded.  If shortlisted, your application will be passed on to the Belgian Red Cross in Eupen to consider who will contact applicants directly for interview. Placement dates are 19 September 2018 – 18 September 2019. 

If interested, please apply with CV and covering letter directly to The British Red Cross - Steve Parry by Monday 12 February 2018. More placement details are available here.

Inspiring Futures has been running Futurewise career insight events for 15 to 18 year olds for the past twenty-five years. These events are hosted by top employers and institutions during the school holidays and give students an insight into careers that are related to a particular subject or career area.

Reasons for students to attend include:

• They will meet with industry professionals and learn what it is like to work in their field.
• They will gain a real insight into the industry and experience new environments.
• They will take part in stimulating activities that will further their university application and understanding of the subject.
• They will discover a range of post-18 options in a specific career area.
• These events help them to stand out from the crowd on their personal statement and CV.

This year they are running events in Psychology, Engineering, Physics, Law, Finance, Veterinary Science, Media and Business to name just a few.

To book please visit the Futurewise website here, where you can follow the application form to confirm your place.  A flyer with further details is attached here.