Chailey School. Applying to college

Transcription

1 Chailey School Applying to college

2 Open Evenings Sussex Downs College, Lewes - 9 th & 10 th October City College 13 th October & 17 th November Central Sussex, Haywards Heath 3 rd & 4 th November Varndean 11 th & 12 th November. Varndean International Baccalaureate 22nd October BHASVIC 18th & 19th November St Paul s 19th November There are other open events, please see college websites for details

3 Applications to Colleges You will begin completing one application in Tutor Time on the computer. Your tutor will also have paper forms. There are more paper copies available in the Library Reference forms for tutors to complete are in Library too You can download forms from college websites Applications are online Paper applications to Mrs Holden/Mrs Peck (please keep a copy of your application for your records) All applications must be submitted before the deadline date You can apply for more than one college

4 References Form Tutors can complete references or you can use another teacher Sussex Downs and Central Sussex require them before interview Some Colleges require references after the interview. For example, colleges in Brighton and Plumpton College Paper application forms and references to Mrs Holden/Mrs Peck before their deadline date! Please ensure you keep a photocopy of your paper applications

5 When you have applied online.. You need to tell Mrs Holden/Mrs Peck where you have applied to You must tell Mrs Holden/Mrs Peck at break or lunch, do not come of out lessons to see them Form Tutors will be collecting this information in form time too

6 Deadline dates for College Applications Sussex Downs 2 nd November. BHASVIC, Varndean, City College & Central Sussex 30 th November Plumpton and Northbrook have no deadline but as soon as possible is recommended Once again, ensure applications are submitted by these deadlines If applying to a Brighton college by paper, there is a generic application form and you indicate which college you wish to attend Remember, references are always required - sometimes with the application and sometimes after interview

7 Types of courses A levels a choice of 3 subjects mainly assessed by examination AS levels have been mainly replaced by college exams BTEC Level 3 are the academic equivalent of A levels but are more coursework based. They will have some exams and they are more work oriented. BTEC can be the equivalent of 1, 2 or 3 A levels and a BTEC of a good grade can be used to get into university You can mix some BTEC and A level courses

8 Types of courses Vocational qualifications directly aimed at getting you into work trades, catering etc International Baccalaureate for students working consistently above grade B in their subjects. This is an academic qualification at A level standard where a range of subjects are taught. There is more information on college websites and in prospectuses.

9 What if I want to do an apprenticeship? An apprenticeship is where you do paid work and learn on the job. There has to be an academic component, this is usually a college course where you go one day per week. Apprenticeship applications have no deadline. Recruiting for apprenticeships happens year round but there is an increase in Spring time. You will need to find the job component of the apprenticeship yourself. You should then contact the college for the college component giving details of the employer. We always advise that you apply for a college course in addition to an apprenticeship. Look at See Mrs Holden if you are interested.

10 What level of course do I apply for? 5 A* - C including English and Maths = Level 3 Courses ( A levels/btec Level 3) Less than 5 A* - C Level 2 Many practical courses start at Level 2 for the academic component however, you will be learning work-based skills that will equip you for a specific job.

11 What if I don t get my English or Maths? Don t panic! Colleges have a duty to make sure that you have as good a qualification as you can in English and Maths. They will help you retake. But - there will not be as much support as you get in school and the qualification will not necessarily be a GCSE, the College will decide. It is best to get it out of the way now so you will not need to think about it in the future.

12 Interviews All colleges interview their prospective students, usually after Christmas. Attend these interviews in school uniform. If doing a performing arts course then expect to audition as well have an interview. Interviews will be a 1:1 situation and will be in a hall with many other students/tutors, a bit like a parents evening. They will expect to know why you want to study the subjects you have chosen at their college. Make sure you take along anything the college ask for, e.g predicted grades. Personal statements, work experience references and portfolios for arts courses are useful. Tell the attendance officer when your interview is or you will be marked as an unauthorised absence.

13 Need Help? Come and see Mrs Holden in her office at break, lunch or afternoon registration. If you need more help you can have a careers interview with either Mrs Holden or the independent Careers Adviser, Valeria Coots. Information will be on the school website for parents to access.