Head of Sixth Form Lent 8

National Careers Week and National Apprenticeship Week conveniently coincide and allow for added focus as we look to empower students choosing their next steps. In both Year 12 and Year 13, students are looking at the alternative routes to a degree and other level 3 & 4 qualifications which they can pursue at the end of Sixth Form. University remains the popular destination for most of our students but as the quality and number of apprenticeships improves, they are recognising the value and sense of considering this option seriously. To celebrate these initiatives we have welcomed both Charlotte Smith from Investment 2020 and also ASK Apprenticeships to meet our students and highlight the exciting 'earn while you learn' opportunities in the workplace. We have also tasked students with adding their future plans to a 'Careers Wall' which includes creative, sports based and science oriented jobs. This week the DfE have announced the introduction of a leaderboard to recognise and promote outstanding apprenticeship employers, which will only encourage employers to improve their offer further.

Next week Year 12 are attending the Higher Education Exhibition at Brunel University, another opportunity to find out more about the myriad courses available and their entry requirements. It is helpful to find out about specific degrees and campuses directly from university representatives and students find renewed motivation to 'Aim High' in their studies as they target applications for competitive undergraduate courses. I encourage students to achieve the 'power combination' - apply to university and look at the apprenticeships available simultaneously. I only wish I was in their position - so much choice! Superstars of the week include our incredible Year 12 Young Enterprise Team, up at the crack of dawn to trade their wares in Windsor, the Year 13s who supported the Junior Boys PTA Quiz Night and the BTEC students who enjoyed refereeing the Junior Boys Football Tournament. All of them 'made a difference'!