Year 12 Post-GCSE Options Pupil Presentation Tuesday 28th January 2020 Agenda • Personal Career Planning • Career Trends • Choosing subjects & Careers • Further Education Options • Subject Choices Forms • What Next? • Question Time Career Planning Help Sheet – Year 12

Step 1 & 2: KNOW & EXPLORE Thinking about your abilities & Interests Useful Links

YouTube: www.youtube.com

Startprofile: www.startprofile.com

Which University: www.university.which.co.uk NI Direct: www.nidirect.gov.uk/Careers UCAS: www.ucas.com

Icould: www.icould.com/buzz/ Success at School: https://successatschool.org/ • www.ucas.com - enables you to research higher education courses.

• If they have a career area in mind they should be able to describe the entry requirements (including relevant subjects), skills required. University / college websites can help.

• Contact someone already working in the sector.

Careers & Examples of Requirements:

• Most Engineering Courses require Maths and Physics at A Level. Some accept Technology instead of Physics.

• Many Architecture Courses prefer/require Art at GCSE and Physics or Double Award to GCSE. Maths, Physics and Art to A Level can be preferences. Some accept Technology at A Level. A portfolio of work will be required.

• Food Science Courses require Double Award at GCSE and prefer Chemistry and Biology at A Level. Careers & Examples of Requirements:

■ Modern Language Courses Some require two languages at GCSE.

■ Many Law Courses require a very good GCSE profile but most do not ask for specific subjects at A Level.

■ Optometry- Double Award or 3 Sciences at GCSE. 2/3 of Chemistry, Biology, Maths, Physics at A Level (see individual courses). Physics not always asked for but very important.

■ Computer Programming: A-level to include Mathematics & Software Systems Development. GCSE Mathematics grade C. Teaching

• Some Primary Teaching courses require A or B in GCSE English and Maths. • Some Scottish Universities seem to prefer students offering Maths and English beyond GCSE. • Teaching Experience/Observation is essential – structured within the classroom setting. • Interview Preparation is vital. Medicine, Veterinary & Dentistry

• Best Advice – 3 Sciences/Double Award at GCSE. Very high grades! • Study 4 AS subjects and 3 or 4 required at A Level. Top grades! • Dentistry requires evidence of manual dexterity 2/3 of Sciences and Maths at A Level is a preference/requirement for many courses, aptitude tests required for most. • Work Experience, voluntary work and thorough interview preparation essential. • Aptitude Test - UCAT. (www.ucat.ac.uk) An informed decision may involve discussions with.… • Teachers? • Careers officer/staff? • Parents? • Friends?

But the student should take ownership of the decision. Step 3: PLAN

• Acquire skills and develop those that you already have: perhaps through clubs outside school or voluntary organisations. (Eg: Red cross, St John’s Ambulance, GB/BB, Scouts/Guides, sports teams). • Develop vital transferable skills: like teamwork, ICT skills, communication, leadership skills, presentation skills etc. Look at the school website for more ideas of Extra-curricular areas to get involved in. www.limavadygrammar.org.uk • Volunteer: in a chosen career sector during a school holiday or at the weekend. Agenda • Personal Career Planning • Career Trends • Choosing subjects & Careers • Further Education Options • Subject Choices Forms • What Next? • Question Time What’s Trending! Future Job Opportunities in NI & Globally

There are Job opportunities across all occupational areas in Northern Ireland BUT there is higher demand in occupations relating to Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM).

As the world becomes increasingly technology dependent it is anticipated that STEM areas will grow significantly. This will require people to get a good education in STEM subjects. The following areas are extremely important to the Northern Ireland economy: • ICT: Software development, database development, systems architecture and internet specialist skills, mobile communication, computer games, touch screen technology, satellite navigation devices .

• Creative and digital media Cloud computing, mobile technologies, computer games and digital entertainment, cyber-security products and services.

• Agri-food sector Laboratory technicians, food scientists, bio- technology, machine operatives, butcher, supply chain manager. The following areas are extremely important to the Northern Ireland economy: • Business and financial services Accountants, bank officials, underwriters, insurance and investment brokers, actuaries and pensions advisers. • Advanced manufacturing and engineering This includes careers requiring CAD skills, civil, mechanical and electrical engineering skills including at technician level. • Renewable energies and recycling Mechanical engineers, research and development managers, physical scientists, design and development engineers, biological scientists and biochemists. • Health and life sciences Ambulance paramedics, Physiotherapists, Dentists, Veterinary Nursing, Pharmacists, Nurses, Doctors, Dental hygienists, occupational therapists etc. Agenda • Personal Career Planning • Career Trends • Choosing subjects & Careers • Further Education Options • Subject Choices Forms • What Next? • Question Time Which subjects should they choose?

1. Think about their career goals – if they have one.

1. What subjects are needed for that career?

1. What do they enjoy/ good at?

1. Help them weigh up their options.

1. Make the decision

1. Check/Reflect: Has he/she made a good choice?

6. What would this subject combination rule out in terms of careers? Agenda • Personal Career Planning • Career Trends • Choosing subjects & Careers • Further Education Options • Subject Choices Forms • What Next? • Question Time Where to next?.

• Sixth Form in LGS • Sixth Form in another school • Further Education • Training or Apprenticeships • Employment Sixth Form Study in LGS Before applying to stay at LGS to study A levels ask these questions: • Are you good at studying? • Do you enjoy studying? • Have your results been good enough for further study? • Do you need to study further for the type of job you want to do? • Do you understand the volume or difficulty of work expected at A level? Link or Leave?

• This morning you will receive a presentation on the link course options available through NWRC and Limavady High School.

• Engineering • Health & Social Care • Construction • Applied Health Sciences • Moving Image Arts (LHS) • Performing Arts (LHS)

However for some students it may make sense to consider NWRC as an option for all their course requirements. NWRC Open Days • Application forms for NWRC should be submitted as soon as possible.

• Check their website for additional course information.

• Please Note: Many apprenticeship courses at the North West Regional College must have “C” grades in English and Mathematics. Apprenticeships • Practical way to learn (suits some) • Cuts out fees and may even pay

❑University Ulster Apprenticeship Showcase Event on 6th Feb in Jordanstown (find out about new and existing opportunities)

❑NWRC are holding an apprenticeship event on the 5th Feb 6 - 8pm on Strand Road Campus.

Alternative to University Higher Education • Cheaper alternative to university • Lower entry requirements • Access to certain university courses in year 2 or 3

• HND – A level Entry (UCAS pts) – Progress to 2nd/3rd Year at uni – Work placement included • Foundation Degree – A level Entry (UCAS pts) – Progress to 2nd/3rd Year at uni – Employer focussed study • Higher Level Apprenticeship – A level Entry (UCAS pts) – Progress to Employment or further study – One day at college 4 days working (Earn while you learn) Aim High but Stay relatively Local… Letterkenny Institute of Technology www.ucas.com

www.cao.ie www.which.co.uk/uni versity www.studentfinanceni.co.uk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5 Mu0Q8Rl_I8 AS Levels AS Levels in LGS

◆ The First Year of an A-level Course and is a qualification in its own right.

◆Two units comprise the AS Level and are normally studied and examined in Year 13.

◆Two units are studied at A2 Level in Year 14.

◆ Combining the AS (40 %) and A2 (60%) produces the final A level grade. Why Study AS/A Levels?

• AS/A-levels help you develop skills that are required for all careers. • They enable you to keep your options open much longer than many other vocational-type courses. • They remain the most popular, and many would argue the most valued, means by which students can gain access to degree programmes and the world of higher education. • Pupils can study 4 AS subjects in Yr13 and carry 3 or 4 subjects through to complete the full A level in Yr14. Points to Consider

1. GCSE Performance: A student scoring approximately 16 points should be capable of four AS Levels.

A/A* = 4 points B = 3 points C* = 2 point C = 1 point

2.The Entry Requirements for your chosen course. Each subject has its own entry criteria listed in the subject choices booklet. Points to Consider

3. The differences between GCSE & A Level Content Be sure they discuss the differences with subject teachers and listen to their advice.

4. Coursework (Controlled Assessment) vs Exam Coursework is great for gaining confidence, gaining marks, relieving exam pressures etc. BUT…. Are they good at meeting deadlines? Organised? Etc Agenda • Personal Career Planning • Career Trends • Choosing subjects & Careers • Further Education Options • Subject Choices Forms • What Next? • Question Time You should be aware that:

1. All AS subjects have entry requirements. Read the subject booklet carefully and make an informed choice.

1. Higher education courses often require you to study certain courses. Study the booklet. You should always ask a member of the careers staff if you are unsure. (Some are outlined on the back of the subject booklet) 2. Be aware of the need to have good grades in feeder subjects E.g. R.E. Link Courses Available This Year At Limavady Campus of the NW Regional College: 1. Engineering (BTEC) 2. Health and Social Care (A level) 3. Construction (BTEC) 4. Applied Science (BTEC)

At Limavady High School: 1. Performing Arts (A Level) 2. Moving Image Arts (A Level) • Pupils can only select ONE link course BTEC Courses – Be aware… • Some universities, particularly those in the Republic of Ireland may not accept certain applied subjects • Queen’s University Belfast only accept 1 BTEC • It is up to each student to research possible university courses and ensure that their A levels are suitable Provisional Subject Choices Form

• When writing your DA science grade: write it in one box as the highest predicted Double Grade. EG: A & B or A* & A Provisional Subject Choices Form: Example

• Total your points A or A* = 4 • Pupils scoring over B = 3 16 points would be expected to take 4 C* = 2 AS levels. C = 1 All pupils entering Year 13 in September are expected to meet our preferred criteria: • A minimum of 14 points, at least 3 of which are Grade B level or high C*, including at least Grade C in English and Mathematics. • A sound record of attendance in Years 11 and 12 (95% +). (The school will take into account medical evidence in relation to this). • For every AS subject chosen, the student must ensure that they fulfil the entry requirements set by the subject department. • Satisfy the Principal, together with the Vice Principals that they have a sound good behaviour record in Years 11 and 12 or to have a significantly improved behaviour record in Year 12. Provisional Subject Choices Form

Even if your son or daughter is not planning on returning to LGS after their GCSE’s please complete the form and return it so that we can support them through their next steps and provide information. Returning to Study at LGS

• Choose a maximum of 4 subjects and a minimum of 3 subjects. • Only one of your choices may come from the block showing the link courses with the FE College and High School. • Please write the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4 beside your subject choices ie: in order of preference. • Finally, indicate a reserve subject with (R) • Remember the form must be signed by a parent or guardian. For more in depth subject information:

Read the subject booklet you have received. • This outlines the Course which pupils would follow in that subject. • It includes information on the form of assessment the A Level uses: for example the % of work within the subject which is assessed by elements of course work throughout the 2 years (called Controlled Assessment).

• Also consider which style of assessment suits your child when selecting certain A levels.

• www.limavadygrammar.org.uk Government & Politics A Level Entry Criteria ● A minimum of 70% in GCSE English Language and/or Literature is essential. ● A grade of C* with a UMS of 140 (70%) in GCSE History is preferred. ● Students must be interested in researching political stories and events using a range of media. ● Any other entry will be at the discretion of the Head of Department. Mathematics A Level Entry Criteria

● A high grade A (UMS score at least 340) or A* at GCSE and at least 140 UMS points scored in Further Mathematics if completed (a high C* grade) Physics A Level Entry Criteria • Grade B in GCSE Physics (TA). • Those who have achieved minimum BB in DA will be offered the opportunity to study this subject if they have achieved 80% or more in the Physics component or the equivalent. • Grade A in Mathematics. • All others achieving AA, AB or BB will be considered in rank order of achievement in Physics and at the discretion of the Head of Department • Admission to Physics, if oversubscribed, will follow the sixth form admissions criteria. Religious Studies A Level Entry Criteria

• A mark of 70% or above (UMS of 140) is desirable in either GCSE Religious Studies OR • An interest in the subject and a minimum of 70% in English Language, Literature or History at GCSE. • An interest in reading, extended writing, thinking critically and expressing your own opinion. This provisional form is not a final choice but….. • Option blocks will be created from the choices made on this form. Pupils will have the opportunity to change their mind during the interview process, but only within the confines of the option blocks. • Please take this seriously and make an informed choice. • We do regret that on occasions there have been some subject combinations that have not been possible. • Some courses may not run. Strategy for choosing A Level subjects

Five questions: 1. Which subjects are available to you? 2. What subjects do you like? 3. What subjects are you good at? 4. What subjects are required for future your career pathway?

5. What would this subject combination rule out in terms of careers? Agenda • Personal Career Planning • Career Trends • Choosing subjects & Careers • Further Education Options • Subject Choices Forms • What Next? • Question Time Timeline for Choices

Mon 3rd Feb: Parental Choice of Pupil Tues 28th Jan: Return consent form subjects interviews: Parent & Provisional returned reviewed: At Late Pupil Choice form (Parental interview on Feb/Early presentations to Form interviews if results day in March teacher necessary) August WARNING! Exam Preparation

• Must not leave revision until the Easter holidays! • You know yourself best. How are you working? How much time was spent preparing for the recent mock examinations? • Have you thought about how you might stick to a realistic revision programme? • Examinations can be stressful and some of that stress can be relieved through preparation. We all know the exams are coming, so prepare early; prepare now! So what now……

• Be proactive. • You should use the next few days to:

1. Think carefully about the pathway you would like to follow after GCSE and the subjects you will take.

1. Use the UCAS, nidirect, which university and icould websites to help you and them become better informed, and ask subject teachers for advice.

1. Establish a plan of action to initiate a thorough and thoughtful revision programme. Agenda • Personal Career Planning • Career Trends • Choosing subjects & Careers • Further Education Options • Subject Choices Forms • What Next? • Question Time Questions