Cambridge Edition November 2020 - Web

EDUCAT ION

LIFE AFTER SIXTH FORM

Preparing for life after sixth form can be stressful at the best of times – and that’s before you factor in anxiety about the economic and employment shockwaves of a global pandemic. Now more than ever, students need support, guidance and excellent employability skills as they take their next steps in the world. At Parkside, this is provided by a strong tutor programme and knowledgeable UCAS advisers – an ‘international, diverse and highly qualified’ team of staff, many of whom came to teaching from other sectors. The college also partners with Form the Future – a local organisation that connects young people with career options and businesses, as well as other organisations that enable students to engage with a range of sectors, industries and individuals. Over at St Mary’s, support for the next steps comes in the form of bespoke careers advice, work experience programmes and enrichment and leadership opportunities – as well as practical extracurricular activities including cookery courses. In addition, students can supplement their studies with the Extended Project

Qualification (EPQ), which gives a taster of university-style work on a chosen topic, while ‘learning lunches’ with experts from various professions supply students with insights into a range of careers. Whichever path students ultimately decide to follow after their GCSEs, one thing is certain: our area’s first class sixth form colleges will be there, ready, willing – and with every enrichment activity or support mechanism at their disposal – to help them achieve their goals.

“Preparing for life after sixth form can be stressful”

IMAGE St Mary’s supports students through bespoke careers advice, work experience and leadership opportunities

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