Dear Students & Parents,

Well done to our students for another term of very hard work. The Christmas break marks the end of the longest stretch in the year and many of you should be proud of the huge parts of courses that you have completed so far.

The break is also a chance to reflect on longer term goals. More specifically, students should be thinking about what they can do to give themselves the best possible chance of securing a place at their desired destination, be it University, College, Apprenticeship or Employment.

Below is a fairly lengthy list of opportunities that students should be making the most of. If nothing else it highlights the huge range of opportunities available, although this is just a fraction and with a little bit of research you can find the right kind of thing for you. Just let us know if you need some help, which is most often provided by our careers advisor, Theresa Ward ( wardt@wallingfordschool.com)

The best students from elsewhere in the country are using these types of opportunies to give them a step up - please don't be left behind!

THE 12 OPPORTUNITIES (OF CHRISTMAS)

1. MOOCS
2. Oxford Brookes Taster Day
3. Apprenticeships websites
4. Work Experience
5. Volunteering work
6. The National School Photography Awards 2016
7. Royal Veterinary College Summer Schools
8. British Sign Language enrichment course
9. Reading University Scholars Programme
10. 'Investment 2020' Insight into Investment Management
11. Science Oxford World of Work Programme
12. BBC Work Experience

1. MOOCs

Massive Online Open Courses are free and cover a huge range of subjects. They are looked upon very favourably by Higher Education providers and employers. Completing a course demonstrates a student's proactive approach to learning and indepdendent skills. They are easy to set up and can be completed in your own time online. Many of our 2015 leavers and current Year 13 students have completed a MOOC already, often through www.FutureLearn.com

2. Oxford Brookes Taster Day

We are taking the whole of Year 12 to Oxford Brookes for a taster day on Thursday 14th January. It includes a range of academic subjects and information about the application process / life at University. We realise that some students do not intend on going on to University, but it is vital that they have the opportunity to see what it is like before making a firm decision. You can see more details at:brookes.ac.uk/experiencebrookes/

3. Apprenticeship Websites

http://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/

http://www.oxfordshireapprenticeships.co.uk/

Or, make an appointment with Mrs Ward ( wardt@wallingfordschool.com)

4. Work Experience

A reminder that all 6th Form students should take part in some work experience at some point during the two year period. I am very happy to grant permission for students to miss school if necessary, but it is preferable to arrange an experience during one of the school holidays. Work experience is especially important for students following a predominantly vocational pathway (BTEC courses), since it will be 'highly desirable' for most job or apprenticeship positions. Please let me know if you are struggling to secure a placement, so that we can help.

5. Volunteering Positions

This is another way of demonstrating the skills, attributes and personality that Universities, employers and apprenticeship coordinators are looking for. We have plenty of opportunities in school as well as lots of links to local community organisations such as primary schools and residential homes. Again, please see me if you are struggling to find a suitable placement.

6. The National School Photography Awards 2016

The National School Photography Awards 2016, is open to all students and schools throughout the UK, it's completely free to enter, and this year’s competition is split in to the following levels and categories:

Primary – Your School Values 
Secondary – Aspirations 
Post 16 – Self Portrait

Judging will commence when entries close on 31^st March 2016. We have an impressive judging panel, including professional photographers from Jessops Europe, The Times Education Supplement and The Guardian newspaper who will announce the winners in May 2016.The competition is in partnership with Jessops & Manfrotto so we have some fantastic prizes on offer, including professional and digital cameras, accessories, work experience with professional photographers, photography days for your school and display boards of the winning images. All info is available online athttp://www.fsedesign.co.uk/nspa/ and you can like/follow the NSPA Facebook &Twitter pages for regular updates!

7. Royal Veterinary College Summer Schools

Y11-12 students: Find out what studying Veterinary Medicine is like, with our Pre-Vet Summer School.

Highlights include:

• Earn one week of veterinary experience in the RVC's globally recognised animal hospitals and research facilities.
• Get a taste of student life at the RVC, meeting student ambassadors and academic tutors.
• Explore London, one of the world's most exciting cities, as well as the beautiful English countryside.

Apply Today: http://www.rvc.ac.uk/study/international-students/pre-vet-summer-school-booking-form

8. British Sign Language enrichment course

Our programme involves an introduction to Sign language and awareness of deaf culture. It also include communication needs as well as learning basic signing which will enable students to communicate with deaf people.

9. Reading University Scholars Programme

Students enhance their subject knowledge and gain more information and advice about university applications and student life. Subjects include:

Art & Design, Biology, Chemistry, English Literature, Languages, Mathematics

Email: c.s.challis@reading.ac.uk

10. 'Investment 2020' Insight into Investment Management

Investment 2020 is running a careers event, which is free of charge, for sixth form students and teachers in the Henley and Windsor areas to support them in understanding progression options in the investment management industry.

University of Southampton's widening participation programme for Year 12 students

We have designed the Access to Southampton scheme to provide additional admissions consideration and support to eligible students. Benefits for successful students include:* Attendance at a residential summer school, where students will participate in subject specific and University preparation* Insight into studying at a Russell Group University, through completion of an academic assignment* Potential eligibility for an alternative admissions offer* Mentoring support from a current University of Southampton student* £1000 bursary in the first year of study.

11. Science Oxford 'World of Work' Programme

12. BBC Work Experience

http://www.bbc.co.uk/careers/work-experience 

 

I wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a healthy 2016.

Kind regards,

Mr N Lamb