Information, Advice and Guidance

For Year 10 Pupils and Parents

Year 10 is a watershed year. It is when in reality, pupils really must start to focus on their future career pathways and aspirations. This booklet is a guide to the resources and events available to pupils to enable them to make informed choices and life changing decisions.

I hope you find it useful.

W Street Acting Headteacher

September 2012

As a Year 10, it is important to start thinking about post 16 choices. We wish to encourage you to use all the resources available so you are equipped to make educated choices to start you on your chosen career pathway.

Over the coming weeks our local sixth forms, colleges and apprenticeship providers will be holding open days where you can learn more about their establishment and what they can offer you. I would encourage you to attend, meet the tutors and ask lots of questions about the courses they offer and the entry requirements. This booklet lists the main providers that past Ribblesdale pupils have attended. Please see further in this booklet for dates and times.

Please use the Careers online resources that we have at school: Kudos and Careerscape. These can be accessed via the school log-in or www.cascaid.co.uk. The Licence code is: openwant16. These resources give a description of hundreds of different careers and the personal qualities and qualifications which are required as well as a quiz which will suggest several jobs to you.

During Year 10 you will have a mock interview. This will take place on Friday 16th November and will give you a taster for your sixth form / college / apprenticeship / job interviews that you will have in Autumn term 2013. You will prepare for this in forthcoming Citizenship lessons and English lessons.

Year 10 pupils will take part in our work experience programme Monday 8th July – Friday 12th July 2013. This will assist in uncovering the skills and qualities you will need in the world of work and help in identifying suitable careers for your future and in some cases careers that you definitely don’t what to do! Further information on work experience will be given in January 2013.

We have a new page on the school website www.ribblesdale.org/category/careers which offers information on apprenticeships, college and sixth form open days and jobs.

We will be holding our annual Careers Convention BRAG on Thursday 11th October 2012 at Mytton Fold Hotel and Golf Complex, Langho the event will run from 4.00pm to 7.30pm. BRAG will be open to Year 10 pupils and the information provided may help pupils to choose which college, training or sixth form they would like to attend when they leave school. There will also be prospectuses available which will list the courses offered and their entry requirements. This event is also open to parents/guardians of our pupils and you are invited to visit the BRAG event.

I encourage you to collect information and ask questions about courses and training. It is never too soon or too late to start thinking about career choice.

Several colleges, sixth forms and training providers will also be in Main Meals at the Year 10 Parents Evening on Thursday 6th December 2012 4.00pm – 6.45pm.

I do hope you take advantage of these resources.

Yours sincerely,

Julia Billington

Julia Billington Information, Advice and Guidance Co-ordinator

T: 01200 422563 extension 232 F: 01200 442506 E: [email protected] W: www.ribblesdale.org A: Queen’s Road, , , BB7 1EJ

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Ribblesdale School BRAG Careers Convention Thursday 11th October 2012 4.00pm-7.30pm Mytton Fold Hotel & Golf Complex, Langho

List of providers confirmed to attend :

Accrington & Rossendale College North Lancs Training Group Blackburn College Preston College College Queen Elizabeth’s Craven College St Christopher’s Sixth Form Clitheroe Royal Grammar School St Mary’s College Myerscough College Training 2000 Nelson & Colne College Westholme School

What are my options at 16?

 AS and A Levels  Apprenticeship  Vocational  Job

A Levels

AS (Advanced Subsidiary) and A (Advanced) level qualifications focus on traditional study skills. They take two years to complete full-time and you can choose from a wide range of academic subjects. AS and A Levels are one of the main routes into . A levels are made up of the AS level and the A2. Each part makes up 50 per cent of the overall A level grade. At the end of the AS year, you have two options – take the AS level as the final qualification or continue to the second year and go for the full A level. Each college and sixth form have differing GCSE requirements for entry – see each prospectus for the specific details. As a general rule most establishments will require at least 5 GCSE’s A-C, however some will request a higher level of attainment.

Apprenticeship This is a work-based learning programme which enables the apprentice to earn a wage, gain on the job experience whilst learning new skills which will lead to nationally recognised qualifications. Apprenticeships have no set duration as the time taken will depend on the ability of the apprentice and the employer’s requirements. The minimum pay is £95 per week however the most recent survey showed that on average an apprentice can earn £170 per week. Most of the apprentice’s time will be in employment as most training takes place on the job. However, off-the-job training can be completed on day release or over a number of days in a block; the amount of time is dependant on the type of Apprenticeship.

Vocational Qualifications

Vocational courses offer students a more practical programme with equipping students with skills that relate directly to job roles or industry. Emphasis is put on coursework rather than examinations. There are different types of vocational qualifications offered by a number of different awarding bodies. Each college and sixth form has their own entry requirements for each course and these will be set out in their prospectus. However, I have put together a general guide for the requirements for each level.

Level Example of qualifications Example of entry requirements Entry Introductory course No formal qualifications. Basic skills course Entry by interview. Level 1 - BTEC Introductory Diploma No formal qualifications. Foundation City & Guilds Entry by interview. NVQ Level 1 Level 2 – BTEC First Diploma GCSE’s grade D-G or above Intermediate NVQ Level 2 GCSE Apprenticeship Level 3 – BTEC National Diploma 4 or 5 GCSE’s at grade C or Advanced BTEC Extended Diploma above NVQ Level 3 A Levels (AS and A2) Advanced Apprenticeship Level 4 Higher National Diploma A Levels Higher National Certificate Level 3 NVQ or Diploma NVQ Level 4 Foundation Degree Professional courses Higher Apprenticeship

Frequently asked questions by school leavers:

Q: Can I apply to more than one college or sixth form? A: Yes – it’s advisable to apply to at least three places, so you have a back plan if you don’t get the grades you need for your first choice

Q: Should I check up on times and dates of open evenings / days before going to any of them? A: Yes – look at the organisation website; dates and times sometimes change.

Q: How do I apply? A: Get application forms from the Library, Mrs Billington, BRAG event or directly with the training provider. Please hand in complete applications to Mrs Billington in Student Services together with a copy of your Personal Statement. You can also apply on-line to many of the providers.

Q: Do I need my Progress File? A: Yes, send a copy of your Personal Statement with your application, it really helps the colleges to learn more about you. Take your Progress File to interview it highlights all your qualities and skills and helps you to sell yourself. You will prepare your Progress File in Citizenship classes in autumn term in Year 11.

Q: Do I have to be a Catholic to go to St. Mary’s College? A: No

Q: When should I apply? A: Autumn term in Year 11– early applicants get the most choice.

Q: Are there any other colleges/ sixth forms? A: Yes, this booklet gives the main ones that our pupils have chosen in the past. The area wide prospectus aims to inform you of every college and every course in Lancashire www.ucasprogess.co.uk . Q: How can I book a Careers interview for unbiased information and guidance? A: See Mrs Billington in Student Services or e-mail [email protected]

College and Sixth Form Open Days 2012/2013

Please check websites or telephone the establishment a few days before the event as times and dates do occasionally change!

Accrington & Rossendale College of Telephone: 01254 354354  Thursday 18th October 2012 4.30pm – 7.30pm  Thursday 31st January 2013 4.30pm – 7.30pm

For further information see www.accross.ac.uk

Accrington Academy Sixth Form Telephone: 01254 304300  Wednesday 10th October 2012 Please check website for times

For further information see www.accrington-academy.org

Blackburn College of Further Education & Sixth Form Telephone: 01254 55144  Sixth Form - Tuesday 2nd October 2012 4.30pm – 7.00pm  Vocational & Apprenticeships -Thursday 4th October 2012 4.30pm – 7.00pm

For further information see www.blackburn.ac.uk

Burnley College of Further Education & Sixth Form Telephone: 01282 711222 A Level, Vocational & Apprenticeship Evenings:-  Monday 1st October 2012 5.30pm – 8.30pm  Wednesday 3rd October 2012 5.30pm – 8.30pm  Thursday 11th October 2012 5.30pm – 8.30pm  Wednesday 17th October 2012 5.30pm – 8.30pm

For further information see www.burnley.ac.uk

Cardinal Newman Sixth Form, Preston Telephone: 01772 460181  Saturday 6th October 2012 10.00am – 2.30pm  Monday 22nd October 2012 5.30pm – 8.30pm  Tuesday 13th November 2012 5.30pm – 8.30pm  Wednesday 6th February 2013 5.30pm – 8.30pm

For further information see www.cardinalnewman.ac.uk

Clitheroe Royal Grammar School Sixth Form Telephone: 01200 423118  Wednesday 24th October 2012 5.30pm – 8.30pm

For further information see www.clitheroeroyalgrammar.lancs.sch.uk

Craven College of Further Education and Sixth Form Telephone: 01756 693859 Progression Information Evenings – Airville Campus, Gargrave Road  Wednesday 26th September 2012 6.30pm – 7.30pm  Thursday 4th October 2012 6.30pm – 7.30pm

Choices Open Mornings Studios, workshops and curriculum areas open across all College Campuses  Saturday 13th October 2012 9.30am – 12.30pm  Saturday 9th March 2013 9.30am – 12.30pm

Advice & Application Evenings – Airville Campus, Gargrave Road  Wednesday 24th October 2012 6.30pm – 7.30pm  Thursday 29th November 2012 6.30pm – 7.30pm  Wednesday 12th December 2012 6.30pm – 7.30pm  Thursday 17th January 2013 6.30pm – 7.30pm  Wednesday 6th February 2013 6.30pm – 7.30pm

For further information see www.craven-college.ac.uk

Ermysted’s Grammar School, Skipton Telephone: 01756 792186 For further information see www.ermysteds.n-yorks.sch.uk

Giggleswick School, Settle Telephone: 01729 893000  Saturday 6th October 2012 from 9.30am Register by e-mail to [email protected]

Nelson & Colne College of Further Education and Sixth Form Telephone: 01282 440209  A Level open evening Thursday 27th September 2012 6.30-8.30pm  A Level, Vocational and Apprenticeship Evening Monday 8th October 2012 6.30-8.30pm  Apprenticeship Monday 15th October 2012 6.30-8.30pm  A Level, Vocational and Apprenticeship Saturday 10th November 2012 11.00am-2.00pm  A Level, Vocational and Apprenticeship Monday 11th March 2013 6.30-8.30pm  Year 9 & 10 Evening Monday 29th April 2013 6.30pm – 8.30pm

For further information see a www.nelson.ac.uk

North Lancs Training Group (Apprenticeship providers) Telephone: 01254 395355  Open day Thursday 24th January 2013 10am – 5pm

Apprenticeships in:- Business Administration Joinery Hospitality & Catering Customer Service Food Manufacturing Furniture & interior occupations General Manufacturing Glass Manufacturing & Construction Information Technology Warehousing & Storage Wood machining

For further information see www.nltg.co.uk

Moorland School, Clitheroe Telephone: 01200 423833  Thursday 4th October 2012 6.00pm – 8.00pm

For further information please see www.moorlandschool.co.uk

Myerscough College of Further Education Telephone: 01995 640611 Advice Mornings:-  Saturday 8th September 2012 9.45am – 12.30pm  Saturday 13th October 2012 9.45am – 12.30pm  Saturday 10th November 2012 9.45am – 12.30pm  Saturday 8th December 2012 9.45am – 12.30pm  Saturday 9th February 2013 9.45am – 12.30pm  Saturday 16th March 2013 9.45am – 12.30pm

For further information see www.myerscough.ac.uk

Preston College of Further Education and Sixth Form Telephone: 01772 225522  Wednesday 26th September 2012 5.00pm – 8.30pm  Wednesday 10th October 2012 5.00pm – 8.30pm  Saturday 10th November 2012 10.00am – 2.00pm  Tuesday 29th January 2013 5.00pm – 8.30pm

For further information see www.preston.ac.uk

Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School Sixth Form, Blackburn Telephone: 01254 686307 Please telephone in advance to reserve a place for this evening  Thursday 27th September 2012 7.00pm – 9.00pm

For further information see www.qegs.blackburn.sch.uk

Settle College Telephone: 01729 822451  Wednesday 14th November 2012 6.30pm – 8.30pm

For further information see www.settlecollege.org.uk

Skipton Girl’s High School Telephone: 01756 707600  Wednesday 21st November 2012 6.30pm – 8.30pm

For further information see www.sghs.org.uk

Stonyhurst College, Hurst Green Telephone: 01254 826345  Thursday 20th September 2012 6.00pm – 9.00pm

For further information see www..ac.uk

St Christopher’s High School Sixth Form, Accrington Telephone: 01254 232992  Wednesday 17th October 2010 7.00pm – 8.30pm

For further information see www.st-christophers.lancsngfl.ac.uk

St Mary’s College, Blackburn Telephone: 01254 580464  Thursday 21st March 2013 5.30pm – 8.30pm

Students may attend any information evening although we advise that they do so with a parent/guardian or responsible adult

For further information see www.stmarysblackburn.ac.uk

St Wilfrid’s Church of England High School Sixth Form, Blackburn Telephone: 01254 604162  Tuesday 9th October 2012 6.00pm – 8.00pm

For further information see www.saintwilfrids.co.uk/sixthform.htm

Training 2000 (Apprenticeship Training Provider) Telephone: 01254 586534 Blackburn Site Telephone: 01282 724200 Nelson Site  Apprenticeship Event Thursday 31st January 2013 Nelson Site  Apprenticeship Event Wednesday 6th February 2013 Blackburn Site  Apprenticeship Event Thursday 7th February 2013 Blackburn Site

For further information see www.training2000.co.uk

Thomas Whitham Sixth Form, Burnley Telephone: 01282 682272  Open Evening Thursday 27th September 2012 6.00pm – 9.00pm  Open Evening Thursday 25th October 2012 6.00pm – 9.00pm

For further information see www.thomaswhithamsixthform.lancs.sch.uk

Westholme Girls School Sixth Form Telephone: 01254 506070  Saturday 6th October 2012 10.00am – 2.00pm  Saturday 26th January 2013 10am – 1.00pm

For further information see www.westholmeschool.com

Useful contacts and websites for further information:-

Julia Billington Information, Advice and Guidance Co-ordinator Ribblesdale School T: 01200 422653 extn 232 E: [email protected]

Area wide prospectus for Lancashire lists every course offered in every college in Lancashire www.ucasprogress.com

www.apprenticeships.org.uk Click on “Apprenticeship Vacancies”

Gap years, training providers, sponsored degrees www.notgoingtouni.co.uk

Websites for jobs for young people www.conexions-direct.com/jobs4u www.cxl-uk.com Click on “I’m a Young Person” Under “Essential Links” click on “Online Vacancies for 16-19 year olds