This can be a stressful time for Sixth Form students, parents and teachers. The UCAS process can be a challenging one. This is why at Fyling Hall, we are dedicated to navigating our students through the process. Our guidance ensures that key milestones are achieved on time, and parents are kept informed.
Looking back to June, then Year 12 students visited Newcastle/Northumbria Universities Open Days, spending the day looking at available options. At this time we encouraged them to register with UCAS and to start their personal statement. We recognise that not all students will want to go onto university, but UCAS is now used to apply for apprenticeships as well as for university courses.
Clearly it is the personal responsibility of the students to complete applications and personal statements. Some students use their initiative and proactively start the process. Personal statements are not easy to construct, but the exercise itself provides a useful preparation for university study. We are here to offer support and help throughout. Support is provided in a timetabled UCAS lesson. If time does not permit attendance of this class, students can find Dr Richardson and/or Ms Mitchell during tutor time and after school. Rest assured they have a great deal of experience in this area!
Parental support of course, is most welcome and indeed, expected. Encouraging your child to prioritise this process is critical! If they are not applying through UCAS, their personal statement can be used as the basis for their CV and also by staff in writing references.
The internal deadline for personal statements was Friday, 26th October to allow staff to write their references. The deadline for applications to reach UCAS is Tuesday, 15th January 2019. No decisions made at this stage are set in stone, but once an application has been made it is much easier to defer entry or alter the course/university applied for than to apply after the deadline.
Rest assured the personal care and attention offered each pupil is one of the reasons why pupils at Fyling Hall nearly always achieve their first-choice place!
Further information can be found on UCAS’ ‘Advice for Parents’ which has usual information about the process and also topics such as finance and accommodation.