Whitley Academy Y11 Newsletter 5th June

Dear Y11,

I hope you and your family are well.

Now is a really good time to check your options for September. Below I will talk about what to look for when choosing a path for yourself. Ask parents/carers to help you with applications, making sure you always put the right information!

If you’re happy with the choices you’ve made and have received a confirmed conditional place then why not contact the college/sixth form and ask for some transition work that will help you get a better idea of what you’ll be doing in September. This is a really good way of spending your time during school closures.

If you need help with your applications please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Mr Bagnall (Y11 Progress Manager) [email protected]

What to look for when searching for college courses/apprenticeships:

Ask yourself these questions when looking for courses!

Do I like the look of it?

Does the course look like something I’m interested in? Am I genuinely interested in pursuing a career around this subject or trade?

This part is so important – if you don’t enjoy what you do you are far less likely to carry on doing it!

Can I actually do it?

Do I meet the requirements to attend this course? Will I get the grades needed?

Be honest with yourself here – there is no point in applying for something that is totally unreachable. That being said, if you think you are just below the grades needed then it’s worth applying for anyway.

Does it offer progression?

Is there a clear career path after I finish this course?

Applying for a 1-year course that doesn’t offer you anything afterwards isn’t the best idea. Have a look for those courses that advertise employment transition and work experience.

Can I get there?

Is it close enough to where you live? Do you need to get public transport?

How to find courses:

For City College and Henley College head to: https://www.coventrycollege.ac.uk/courses/?wpv_post_search&wpv-course-mode%5B%5D=further- education&wpv_view_count=423

- Make sure you check which College it is you’re looking at! - Ensure you are searching for school leavers courses.

If you have applied for any of these courses recently, then you will have missed your interview or open day due to COVID-19. Both colleges have given us the following information:

“There is lots of information on the college website which is updated regularly.

But as a general rule, all students that have applied for a course have been given a conditional offer of a place on their course, they should have received emails to this (please get your students to check their Spam boxes).

Enrolment will take place late August, that may be in the form of normal enrolment where students come into college or by remote enrolment. The college is working on both options at the moment but it is all dependant on the coronavirus situation and Government advice nearer the time.”

If you have any questions, both colleges have a website chat line which is available from 10am weekdays. Alternatively, email [email protected].

WCG (Royal College, Moreton Morrell) are holding Virtual Open Days!

This is a huge opportunity to check out the colleges and ask questions about the courses that are available to you. To see the courses that are available go to: https://wcg.ac.uk/page/4/subjects-and-careers You will need to make sure you are looking at School Leavers courses (ages 16 – 18). Remember to check which college is offering the course as there are a number of campuses in WCG. Virtual Open Days are happening on these dates: Our Colleges (Royal Leamington Spa, Rugby, Moreton Morrell and Trident) - Thursday 18 June | 5pm - 7pm

It is not too late to apply!