Post-18 Options:

What comes next?

careers@ousedale.org.uk

Post-18 Options: What comes next?

Ousedale School wants students to pursue the best destination they can. Each pathway

must be considered carefully by students to ensure that they make the right choice for

them.

This booklet will help you explore the options available to student’s post-18 and signpost

resources that will help you research the options further, such as:

University

Degree Apprenticeships

Gap year

Further Education College

Employment

University

3 Tips when considering going to university:

Do a degree in a subject you feel passionate about.

Explore interesting opportunities like studying abroad or spending a year in industry.

Concider different qualifications available including full undergraduate degrees,

foundation degrees and top-ups, post-graduate and doctoral.

Another helpful exercise when considering if university is right for you is to weigh up the

pro’s and con’s.

Pros:

Broaden your knowledge of a subject

Meet lots of new people

Increase your earning potential

Gain independence

Access job opportunities not available to those without a degree

Cons:

It can be expensive to live while you’re not earning a wage

Can take a long time

Doesn’t guarantee higher earnings

You may lack employment skills

You may have tuition fee debt, and potentially debt from living costs

University

When considering university it might be helpful to ‘think outside the box’. Below are 5

lesser known university subjects that you might not have concidered before:

Course Why choose it? Careers

Ethical

Hacking and

Cybersecurity

There are ever increasing demands for

protection against cyber crime. It is predicted

there will be a workforce shortage of 1.2 million

in cybersecurity by 2020 (Global Information

Security Workforce 2015). There’s a rapidly

intensifying demand for people with this skillset.

For students already looking to study

Computing, selecting a course which includes

cybersecurity would be wise.

People with this degree tend to go into cyber

system security, data analysis, patron testing

or information security management. Given

the demand for work in this field, many cyber

security consultants set up and operate under

their own company. There is also the

opportunity to work for major technological

companies such as Microsoft, CACI and PWC.

Social and

Human

Sciences

It is perfect for students who want to continue

with multiple subjects, and/or are interested in

how subjects interact. Subjects often taken

together such as Politics and History, or

Psychology and Sociology, can be continued

within the context of Social Science. Graduates

in this area tend to be very employable because

they can show a range of skills and knowledge.

People with a degree in Social/Human

Sciences tend to go into careers in the

government, civil service, health services,

police, media, law and teaching.

Oriental /

Islamic /

African

Studies

This course educates students about the history

of the world from a different, non-European

perspective, as well as often teaching them a

new language. If it is part of the course most

universities will start the language from scratch,

so no prior knowledge of the language is

necessary, unlike a lot of European Modern

Language courses.

People with a degree in, or incorporating,

Oriental/Islamic/African Studies tend to go

into careers in the civil service, industry,

commerce, non-government organisations,

journalism and publishing.

History of Art Art history is more suited to those who want to

know the story of the past, rather than make a

judgement upon its causation. No prior

knowledge of art history is needed, and most

courses use the first year to lay a foundation of

knowledge.

People with a degree in History of Art often

go on to careers in arts journalism, curatorial

posts, museums, advertising, auction houses,

media and publishing.

Material

Science

This course is suited to students who are

interested in the performance of materials,

material processing, as well their scientific

properties. Material science graduates are likely

to always be in demand due to constantly

developing technology and materials which

companies want to adapt with.

People with a degree in or incorporating

Material Science often go on to careers in the

manufacturing industry, becoming design and

materials engineers. Alternatively, it is also

possible to work in finance, consultancy and

IT with this degree.

Russell group universities:

Russell Group Universities are research-intensive UK universities who have a shared

commitment and focus to research and outstanding teaching and learning experiences.

Russell Group universities have huge social, economic and cultural impacts locally, across

the UK and around the globe.

The origins of the Russell Group go back to 1994, with 17 original members setting out to

ensure that their interests were represented to government. The heads of these

universities would meet informally in the Hotel Russell in London, which is where the name

came from.

New universities have been added along the way, with the group becoming an official,

incorporated organisation in 2007.

There are currently 24 universities belonging to the Russell Group:

University of Birmingham London School of Economics & Political Science

University of Bristol University of Manchester

University of Cambridge Newcastle University

Cardiff University University of Nottingham

Durham University University of Oxford

University of Edinburgh Queen Mary, University of London

University of Exeter Queen's University Belfast

University of Glasgow University of Sheffield

Imperial College London University of Southampton

King's College London University College London

University of Leeds University of Warwick

University of Liverpool University of York

For support with supporting statements and UCAS applications please contact Mrs Moulds.

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are becoming increasingly popular and are an ideal option if you have a

clear idea of the career path you want to follow, they offer a more practical and work-

related approach to learning.

Apprenticeships allow you to combine work and study by mixing on-the-job training with

classroom learning. You'll be employed to do a real job while studying for a formal

qualification, usually for one day a week either at a college or a training centre. There are

no student fees – your training costs are funded by the government and by your employer.

By the end of your apprenticeship, you'll have gained the skills and knowledge needed to

either succeed in your chosen career or progress onto the next apprenticeship level.

Degree apprenticeships provide an alternative to university, offering the chance to gain a

high-quality degree without the cost of tuition fees, earn a salary, and get on-the-job

experience. Apprentices are employed throughout the programme, and spend part of their

time at university working towards a bachelor's or master's degree, and the rest with their

employer. They are a relatively new type of programme and it is anticipated that the

number of vacancies will grow over the next few years.

There are many different apprenticeships available across a wide range of industries, from

childcare to construction, from hospitality to law, and banking. There are opportunities

available in both small and large companies, from local organisations to large national

brands, such as Network Rail and Santander.

Apprenticeships are available to anyone over the age of 16 living in England and have no

upper age limit. They can take between one and six years to complete, depending on which

apprenticeship you choose and what level it’s at:

Intermediate/Level 2 (equivalent to GCSE) – usually requires Maths/English at GCSE

Advanced/Level 3 (equivalent to A-Level) – usually requires 5 GCSEs at Grade 4+

Higher/Level 4-5 (equivalent to Foundation Degree) – usually requires L3 or A-Levels

Degree/Level 6-7 (equivalent to University Degree) – usually requires 3 A-Levels or similar

Useful Apprenticeship resources and links

The Amazing Apprenticeships website is fantastic and provides lots of information and

resources including a parent information pack: https://amazingapprenticeships.com

The following apprenticeship sites are also very useful when trying to research and explore

Apprenticeship opportunities.

https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/

http://www.apprenticeshipguide.co.uk/

https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeshipsearch

www.getmyfirstjob.co.uk

https://www.notgoingtouni.co.uk/apprenticeships

https://www.ucas.com/apprenticeships-in-england

https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk

Careermap Careermag- A free Career focused magazine which promotes Apprenticeships

and other useful Careers information. Adverts for national companies often feature.

https://careermap.co.uk/careermag/

Higher and degree apprenticeships:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/higher-and-degree-apprenticeships -

Provides a guide on Higher and Degree apprenticeship as well as a list of current vacancies.

It is also a good idea to used Job search sites like Indeed to research opportunities and look

directly on employer websites linked to your sector of interest. Social media and LinkedIn

are increasingly being used to recruit new apprentices and staff members.

The Institute of Apprenticeship standards list all the apprenticeship standards available,

including Apprenticeships which are currently in development.

https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards

You also have access to UNIFROG that provides up to date information on local and

national vacancies.

Further Education College

Colleges offer an extremely broad range of qualifications, both academic and vocational:

Academic qualifications allow you to study a small range of subjects to a high level,

and include A Levels, International Baccalaureate (IB) and Cambridge Pre-U.

Vocational qualifications offer practical, hands-on learning that prepares you for a

specific job or industry, and include BTEC, Cambridge Technical and NVQ.

Consider the pro’s and con’s:

Pros:

Meet lots of new people from varied backgrounds

Feels more like being at university compared with a Sixth Form

Study a range of qualifications

Cons:

Can be large and impersonal; very different to being at school

Courses provided can depend on what else is available in the area

Top tip!

Remember to attend college open days to ensure you chose the right college and the right

course for you. You will get an opportunity to view the facilities, speak to tutors and even

current students which will all help you make your decision.

Gap Year

remember that Deciding to go on a Gap Year before or after university is a big decision, but

as well as having a great year you need to make sure you take something back from it.

Whatever your destination is when you get back home, ensure that you’ve created a Gap

Year experience that is worth talking about - and hopefully that has helped you to build

some new skills too.

Things to consider for a successful gap year:

Destination - Many backpackers will venture across multiple countries within a

continent, so make sure you do your research into a continent that you would like to

spend more time discovering.

How long? - The name may sound like a stretch, but in reality many Gap Years don’t

last an entire year. This can be either because it’s difficult to fund a full year abroad

and also because it can be a long time away from home.

Money - This can depend on a variety of factors, mainly what you’re planning on doing.

If you plan on working whilst you’re abroad this can help future travels, but if you just

want to travel then make sure you have enough money for food, drink, accommodation

and trips saved up before you leave.

Working abroad - This is a popular option for travellers, but you need to be in the

know with your visas if you’re planning on getting a job.

Volunteering - Do be aware that volunteering does come with a cost, but you are not

expected to completely foot the bill from your own savings. Many organisations will

ask you to fundraise to fund your volunteering placement before you leave home.

Language barriers - Some may be easier than others, but it’s important everywhere

you go to be able to communicate with the locals. In many countries you will find

English is spoken, but if you go to more remote areas then communication will be more

challenging.

Safety - Staying safe is super important

when you’re on the other side of the world.

Make sure you keep family and friends

informed of your whereabouts and

addresses of where you are staying. Also

keep each country’s emergency number in

your phone when you get there. You’ll never

know if you might need it.

Getting a job

You may feel that the right option for you is to get out there into the big, wide world and

see what it’s all about!

You could get an entry level job in the industry you want to be in, or just any job to pass

some time while you think about your next move

Lots of employers offer education that doesn’t fall into the category of ‘university’ or

‘apprenticeship’.

Consider the pro’s and con’s:

Pros:

Work experience to put on your CV

Learn and develop new skills

Earn a wage

Take advantage of training and professional qualifications that employers offer, that

don’t fall under the categories of university or apprenticeship

Cons:

Starting work is very different to being at school or university

Your wage in an entry level job may not be very high to begin with

Without further education, you may feel limited in where you can progress to

Writing a CV

Your CV is often the first thing about you that an employer will see. First impressions really

do count; it’s essential you present a clear and professional CV so your application isn’t

simply thrown onto the ‘no’ pile. Here are 5 tips to help make your CV successful.

1. Be professional - Remember you’re trying to convince an employer that you will be

an asset to their organisation. An email address like masterflamez@hotmail.com is

not going to achieve this - create a new email address for your applications if needed.

In general, your CV should include contact information, work history and experience,

education, hobbies and interests and references. Your CV should not include your age

or a photo.

2. Keep it brief - A good CV is clear, concise and makes all the necessary points without

waffling. You don't need to give pages of detail; if an employer is interested they will

ask for further explanation at an interview. Consider using bullet points to streamline

information. Keep your CV to two sides of A4 maximum and be brutal in your editing.

3. Tailor the CV to the job - Create a unique CV for every job you apply for. You don't

have to rewrite the whole thing, just adapt the details so they're relevant. If your CV

seems too generic then it gives the impression that you’re lazy or uninterested in the

job.

4. Be assertive - This is your chance to sell yourself to an employer so don’t be afraid to

highlight your achievements. Use assertive and positive language such as

"developed", "organised" or "achieved" and remember to claim your achievements

as your own, using ‘I’ rather than ‘we’.

5. Be interesting - The ‘hobbies and interests’ section of your CV is not simply

something to fill up space - it’s another valuable chance to sell yourself. Avoid

including passive interests like watching TV or playing video games. Instead, mention

activities which have helped you develop skills or learn something new.

You have access to a C.V builder on UNIGROG, if you need support with this please come

and see the Careers Team in the library.

Labour Market Information (LMI)

At Ousedale School the Careers Department uses Labour Market Information to help

students plan their career path.

What is Labour Market information (LMI)?

Labour market information is information relating to the world of work, employment

trends, job roles and job availability. It includes a wide variety of data and analysis related

to employment and the workforce.

How can Labour Market Information (LMI) be used?

You can use this information to find out about different job roles and the sectors that these

roles are in. It will allow you to identify the skills and qualifications that are required for

particular job roles, so you can plan your career path.

Why is it important?

Looking at LMI is an important way for you to develop

your knowledge of different job roles that are available

and the career paths that can be taken. From this

information you will develop an awareness of the local

and national job growth sectors, allowing you to make

informed decisions about your future aspirations. By

using LMI you will be able to plan realistic goals relating

to your choice of career and aspirations.

Where you can find Labour Market Information

There is a wide variety of resources where you can find Labour Market Information, such

as:-

Websites such as LMI for All, National Careers Service, Careers Pilot and ICould.com

South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP) provide a detailed report

on the local area and also have Careers Explorer embedded into their website to allow

you to search for local opportunities.

Unifrog - Ousedale School Student Career Portal that all students are registered on.

Ousedale School website Careers page and Facebook page.

Careers office at Newport Pagnell and Olney campus.

Local and National news shows and newspapers highlight

developments and job opportunities.

Ousenews

LMI Current

trends

The top areas of growth for the South

East Midlands are:

• Manufacturing and Advanced

Technology

• High-Performance Technology

• Logistics and Supply Chain

• Cultural and Creative.

The infographic shows the types of

businesses that need employees in

our area.

Results day!

In the summer you will receive your exam results, don’t panic if things don't go to plan.

This isn’t the end of the world, even if it feels like it. You have a number of options and

paths open to you:

Exam resits If a couple of mistakes has dragged your mark down consider re-sitting your exam. However you can no longer retake specific modules therefore you will have to re-take the whole exam for the year as a private candidate. You don't attend classes; you just take the exam at a local, approved school or college. Remember, as well as the fees to pay, you'll have to keep yourself motivated to study for these.

Appealing a grade If you want to query a grade – perhaps one is unusually low compared with others and you weren’t expecting this, or you’ve narrowly missed a grade boundary – speak to your teacher in the subject or your head of year. They can contact the necessary exam body on your behalf and an EAR (Enquiry About Results) can be made.

Repeat a year You can retake a whole year – including actually going to classes, doing the classwork etc – if you stumbled in several areas but you're still determined to stick to the same path. This can be done at another local college or sixth form if preferred.

How do universities view retakes? In most cases, retakes will be acceptable. If something significant affected your original performance, be upfront about this; especially if you're applying to a very competitive course like medicine and law, or top universities like Oxbridge, where retakes may not be typically considered.

Enter Clearing If you don’t get the grades you need for your university course, you can find an alternative with lower entry requirements through Clearing. While Clearing kicks off properly in August when you get your results, universities begin publicising courses with empty spots in July. If you think you may need to use this option, start work on your back-up plan and begin looking at alternatives straight away. Start with courses that were in your top five UCAS choices or ones you shortlisted previously. This way if you do have to enter Clearing, you'll be prepared.

On results day Mrs Moulds and the Careers Team will be available to support should you need it.

How can the Careers

Team help?

The school Careers Advisers are available daily between 1.20 – 2pm for drop in sessions or

email careers@ousedale.org.uk with any questions or to schedule an appointment.

It is not easy for young people to decide what career they want, especially when they

haven’t had any experience of the working world or do not understand what that might

involve. Each student has different requirements and criteria which are important to them

in making a career decision.

Careers guidance helps to identify areas of interest that can be further explored and

investigated and built over a period of time.

The Careers team will help you to plan your journey as early as possible. This will provide

time for you to carefully consider and investigate all your thoughts and ideas, possibly

undertake some work experience and start gaining the skills needed for your desired role.

Things to think about…

What am I good at and what do I enjoy?

What are my career aspirations?

Can I stay at Sixth form or do I need to go to college to study?

Do I have to go to university to study that?

Would an apprenticeship scheme be suitable?

Are there jobs available in my local area?

How much will I earn?

How can parents or Guardians help?

Parents/Guardians have a key role to play in your decision-making and the general career

you choose to pursue. It is important to talk to your parents about your aspirations and

goals to ensure you have the support you need.

Top Tip! – We recommend using the quizzes UNIFROG to start the journey of

exploring your career aspirations. We regularly put information about

careers, local and national opportunities, Apprenticeships and Open days for Colleges and

University on the Careers Google Classroom and the schools FB page.

For termly updates on the Careers department please see our newsletter.

Alumni stories

If you are still unsure what your next step is, why not take some inspiration from some past

students.

Graduating in 2004, Jessica left Ousedale School with 11 GCSEs and History, English Language, English Literature and Music A Levels. After leaving school Jessica went on to study English at the University of Exeter and a National Certificate Examination in newspaper journalism from the National Council for the Training of Journalists.

Jessica has had a few different roles in her careers but currently is a Speechwriter working for David Cameron. Advice from Jessica - Don’t get too fixated on getting a career for life. You don’t have to pick one thing and stick with it. I’ve flitted around from job to job. I’ve done career swerves and taken backward steps and it’s always paid off.

Graduating in 2019, Harry left school with 9 GCSE’s grade A-C and A Levels in English Language, History and P.E. Harry is working towards a degree in Business Management and a Chartered Management Certificate at Birmingham City University whilst doing an apprenticeship with Mercedes Benz Financial Services (MBFS).

When Harry was at school he wanted to be in the Royal Marines, but did not have a clear career path until the opportunity at MBFS came along. Advice from Harry - As cliché as it sounds, my best advice would be to just throw yourself into any opportunities that comes your way and just be yourself.

Rebecca graduated from Ousedale School in 2007 with 9 GCSEs and Geography, Leisure Studies, Photography and World Development A Levels. After leaving school Rebecca took a year out to work and travel. Following this she attending the University of East Anglia to study BSc Environmental Geography and International Development.

Rebecca has worked in several organisations in the charity sector before joining the National Trust which is where she currently works as a Volunteering & Participation Consultant. Advice from Rebecca - Do the things you enjoy and take every opportunity to learn and develop. The experiences you have will help influence the opportunities available to you. People who are passionate and driven can achieve great things and have most impact.

Nick graduated from Ousedale School in 2006 with 10 GCSEs and A Levels in math, further math, biology, chemistry and physics. After leaving Ousedale Nick studied medicine at Gonville and Caius College, University of Cambridge. Nick is currently a Neurologist working at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge. He is also a

University lecturer, and responsible for the provision of undergraduate neuroscience teaching within Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge University. Advice from Nick – If you want to go into Medicine you need to work hard. Also make sure you know what the entry requirements are to medical schools – most specify a certain number of the science-based subjects at A levels. You should additionally seek work experience in the care setting to help your experience and application stand out.

Want to get prepared use the following websites?

Search and apply for apprenticeships online –

https://amazingapprenticeships.com/

Explore information, advice and guidance to help you

make decisions on learning, training and work –

https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/

Learn more about the options available after finishing

school, including sixth form, college, apprenticeships and

university –

https://careerpilot.org.uk

UNIFROG – Provides lots of information on your next

steps, explore information on university, apprenticeshis,

gap years and many more.

https://www.unifrog.org/sign-in

Start volunteering to gain valuable work-related skills and

experience –

https://vinspired.com

Start volunteering to gain valuable work-related skills and

experience –

https://communityactionmk.org/

Start volunteering to gain valuable work-related skills and

experience –

https://do-it.org/

Improve your employability skills and start recording your

experiences in a CV –

www.barclayslifeskills.com

Use Informed Choices digital tool to help you understand

which A Level and BTEC subjects open up different

degrees, particularly at Russell Group universities –

www.informedchoices.ac.uk/ or www.ucas.com/