This next Headteacher’s blog is written by our Director of Key Stage 4, Mr Highnett.
December is a busy time as ever in schools but even more so for our Y11 students who are beginning to finalise their post-16 plans. The school deadline for applying to courses on Sheffield Progress, the city’s online prospectus and application system for young people to apply to school Sixth Forms, colleges and training providers is Wednesday December 17th, at which time the KS4 team will review applications for students.
What could post 16 look like for our Y11s? There are a variety of pathways students can opt for, from A-levels at a Sixth Form, vocational full-time courses at a further education college, and apprenticeship where you ‘earn while you learn’.
Here are 3 common post 16 pathways:
A-levels and other Level 3 courses at Sixth Form (Y12 and Y13)
If you enjoy studying academic subjects in a classroom setting and do well in exams this may be a good choice. It is a good route to university and some degree courses will only accept A-level qualifications, so if you aspire to go onto Higher Education (e.g. degrees) and know what subject you may like to study please, now is the time to get ahead and begin to look at the UCAS website. When considering A-level and Sixth form, it is also a good idea to choose subjects you will enjoy and do well in as well as consider the combinations of subject you may wish to take.
Most of our Y11s who choose this pathway stay on with us at High Storrs. We are very proud of our offer at High Storrs Sixth Form – students are academically challenged in a nurturing and supportive environment. And they are ably supported by Mrs. Newell, Director of Sixth Form, Heads of Year, Student Support Assistants, form tutors and lots of other staff. We all work closely with parents/carers to support our students.
Classes are taught in smaller groups by specialist teachers, and students typically study 15-20 hours per week during the school day. Within their timetable they have a tutorial lesson and also have between 4 and 9 study periods.
There are entry requirements to get into any Sixth Form and High Storrs is not different. Find out more here: Sixth Form – High Storrs School
Studying at Further Education (FE) Colleges
FE Colleges, such as Sheffield College, offer a huge variety of post-16 study in academic
pathways (e.g. A Levels) and vocational courses (e.g. BTECs). You might prefer a vocational course if you prefer practical learning, and you have in mind a career pathway or practical subject area you really enjoy. For example, BTEC routes at Sheffield College include ‘Construction’, ‘Hair and Beauty’ and ‘Land Based’. There will be classroom-based lessons, but much of the course is practical, for example, taught in the college workshops or salon where you will have hands on specialist tuition by tutors who have worked in the profession. On some courses you will also be expected to do work experience placements.
FE College also offers post 16 courses from Entry level (pre-GCSE) up to Level 3 (the equivalent of 3 a-levels), so if you have grade 3-1 in maths and English or other GCSEs, you can continue to study at the level right for you and build up your qualifications. For example, if you love cooking and do not have the GCSE grades to study Level 3 Food, you could start a Catering and Hospitality course at Entry Level, Level 1 or Level 2 and progress through the levels at a pace that is right for you.
Many students enjoy the change. Staff are called by their first names and although college days may be longer; students may have whole days off in the week. Remember though, just like Sixth Form, registers are taken, and students are expected to attend every lesson and have great behaviour, because college is also focused on enabling success. FE colleges also have tutors and pastoral system in place where named staff will work with students and parents/carers to give great support.
Apprenticeships
This is where you do a full-time job, with pay (at least the National Minimum Wage for apprenticeships) and employee benefits such as paid holidays. The apprenticeship route is often referred to as ‘earn while you learn’. 80% of your time will be in work and you will attend a college, university or a training provider to gain a qualification 20% of the time. You may attend training one day a week, but it can also be completed in your workplace. Remember an apprenticeship is a job and you will be expected to behave as an employee. Timekeeping, reliability and showing responsibility are very important if you choose this route.
You can do an apprenticeship straight from Y11 at Intermediate (entry = no set requirements) or Advanced level (entry = 4 GCSEs grade 9-4), and you can progress post 18 to Higher (Entry= A-levels/Level 3 qualification) to degree level. Apprenticeships really can be a great way to start a career.
Apprenticeships are jobs and are advertised on the government, college and company websites so search for ‘NHS apprenticeships’ or ‘gov apprenticeships’ etc. It’s important to know that like a job, you need to apply for an apprenticeship and go through a recruitment process; simply by registering interest at a college you are not guaranteed a job.
Please do look at Parent Zone – Amazing Apprenticeships Parent – Amazing Apprenticeships for more information. And also Parents Advice for Career Conversations – Talking Futures
As ever, please don’t hesitate to get in touch if we can provide any further support around post-16 plans and beyond! careersadmin@highstorrs-mlt.co.uk