Year 12 students were involved in an extensive programme during Progression Week to put the students in a strong, informed position as regards their progression after they leave Beal High School Sixth Form be that future at university, in an apprenticeship or in full-time employment.
The students visited Queen Mary University London (QMUL), a Russell Group university on either the Tuesday or the Wednesday of Progression Week with one of the sessions at QMUL outlining to students how to best complete personal statements to a high standard (the personal statement format has changed somewhat this year). In addition, students were given advice as to how to conduct research effectively at university and provided with a general tour of QMUL.
On the Tuesday or the Wednesday students were also given the opportunity to search for potential university courses via Unifrog. Students were made aware of the wide range of universities and courses available and were encouraged to see which universities were most likely to be appropriate when students eventually make their final five choices in Year 13. Students also had one-to-one tutorials with staff about their futures and were also given a talk about student finance at university with the long-term benefits (and costs) of attending university considered. The Year 12 students were also introduced to the UCAS website, logging into the site and beginning to input their details ready for their applications to be sent off to UCAS next academic year.
On the Thursday and the Friday, the main focus was that of students making progress with their personal statements. An introductory talk detailing how to produce high-quality personal statements was followed by students being given specialised personal statement advice from subject specialists.
The week also involved specialist advice for the potential Oxbridge and MDV (medicine, dentistry and veterinary) groups supported by the Young Professionals Network which included advice from Oxbridge graduates and undergraduates including amongst them Beal alumni. Positively You also gave support during the week to Year 12 students.
Apprenticeship advice is given to Year 12s on a regular basis during PSHE sessions throughout Year 12 but there was a session provided by Unifrog in the KS4 Hall for those Year 12s potentially interested in following the apprenticeship route after school. The session included advice on the use of the STAR technique during interviews, potential routes to access work experience, and tips to produce high-quality CVs.
A big well done to all the students, whose excellent attitude was commented on by the external speakers and a big thank you as well to the 60 plus staff involved over the course of Progression Week.
‘…the sessions were valuable, and I now have a clearer idea to complete my personal statement. Thank you.’ YK
‘The visit to Queen Mary University was very enjoyable and well-organised. The talks were both interesting and informative, particularly the Q&A session with the student ambassadors, which offered valuable insight into student life. The campus tour was impressive and engaging, and the board game activity stood out as especially creative and unique. The UCAS and Unifrog sessions were helpful…useful to gain a clearer understanding of the UCAS application process. The student finance session was informative…will certainly prove valuable in the future…sessions helped me begin thinking about my personal statement and how to approach it.’ IA
Mr. Matheson
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