Where to next?

1. Where to next? What’s on offer after Henbury

2. Why study post 16 is important? • It’s the law! All young people must now remain in education or training until they are 18 • Very few jobs available for untrained or unskilled workers • Competition for jobs is extremely important; employers are looking for future employees who show commitment and training • Study post 16 allows you to concentrate on your strengths and interests • Gaining further qualifications will significantly improve your future earning and career potential.

3. University • Certain careers require a degree: • Teaching • Medicine (including nursing) • Architect/ surveyor • Engineers……… and many more! Going to university is a big step, and a big opportunity. We have links with universities through which students who are thinking about it can learn the facts, and what helps to get you in!

4. What can students study post 16? • Level 3 qualifications (A levels; BTECs; NVQs) • The entry requirements for these courses will normally be at least 5 A*-C grades, including English and Maths • They normally take two years • To get into university, you must have studied level 3 qualifications

5. Level 2 qualifications • These qualifications are the equivalent of A*-C grades at GCSE • They include GCSEs, BTECs and vocational qualifications • They can take either one or two years • You can use these qualifications to go on to study at level 3 • If you don’t get a C in English and Maths this year, you will have to continue studying both at post 16

6. Level 1 qualifications • These are the equivalent of D-G grades at GCSE. Most level 1 qualifications at post 16 will be in vocational areas • Most last for one or two years, and can take you on to level 2 qualifications • You will continue to study English and Maths

7. Entry level qualifications • These qualifications are appropriate for students working below GCSE grade G level • They will be in vocational areas, and include work on Literacy and Numeracy • Most of these last for one year

8. Apprenticeships • Modern apprenticeships can be studied at levels 1, 2 or 3, according to a student’s ability. • Students following an apprenticeship will spend some time learning skills through working with an employer (for which they are paid), and some time learning in a college setting • Apprenticeships are popular and have to be applied for, like a job! The application process may include tests and interviews. You will need to show real interest and commitment, and an excellent school attendance record.

9. Where can I study? • Students at Henbury School have a right to continue their studies at a school based sixth form at Redland Green and Cotham (North Bristol post 16 centre) • Nearly all the qualifications on offer at the post 16 centre are level 3, so students must get 5+ A*-C grades with English & Maths to follow the courses. You will often need a B in your chosen subject. • Most courses are academic, rather than vocational • Increasing numbers of our students go there each year, and are very successful.

10. Where else? • City of Bristol College (Ashley Down & College Green) offers both traditional A levels and more vocational qualifications. It is a large Further Education centre. • South Gloucestershire and Stroud (Filton) College also offers a mixture of academic and vocational subjects in a large FE setting • Every year some of our students go to other schools and colleges, including St Mary Redcliffe 6th form and St Brendan’s College

11. St Bede’s Catholic College • St Bede’s in Lawrence Weston have a small sixth form. • They offer level 3 courses (A levels and the International Baccalaureate). You must have at least 5+ A*-C grades including English and Maths to get in. • Applications from Henbury students are welcomed.

12. What’s right for me? • Students need to decide whether they would do best in a school based sixth form or an FE college. Discuss with your parents. • You should talk to your teachers at Henbury to think what level of course they are best suited for. Colleges will ask us for references! • Do you want to study academic or vocational courses?

13. Go and see! • Open evenings for post 16 have already begun. Go and visit! • Talk to students on the courses to find out what they feel about what they are studying. • Talk to your teachers here. They know you well, and will give you advice about your strengths. • Visit the ‘surgeries’ that all the sixth forms hold at Henbury. • Get your applications in on time! Ask us if you need help.

14. Support for Year 11s in school • Mock exams w/b 1st December • Parents’ Evening 29th January • Lots of additional study support/ lesson 6 • Year 11 study room available • Holiday revision sessions pre-exams • Pre-exam preparation all the way through to the last exam

15. How can parents and carers support? • Encourage and support! • Know your child’s timetable • Check their planner and homework • Help them revise – test them • Let them read you their work • Give them a bit of space for work • Agree times when they will relax and socialise… and when they won’t! • Limit the X box!