For our Year 12 pupils, the end of their Shiplake journey is now just 12 months away. Although it can be a daunting prospect, now is the time to make plans for the future, whether this involves moving on to university, college, gap years or directly into the world of work.
Towards the end of term, the College will once again be holding a Higher Education Week during which we prepare pupils for university entry as well as giving them a taste of the alternative options on offer.
The Higher Education programme commences on Tuesday 17 June at 6.00pm with a drinks reception for parents and pupils in the Tithe Barn. College Housemaster Mr Nick Brown will introduce the week, followed by talks from Head of Careers Dr Bob Snellgrove on the UCAS process, and Julian Lovelock from the University of Buckingham on the advantages of pursuing further education.
On Wednesday 18 June, the pupils will begin the course searching process on the UCAS website. They can then choose between lectures on ‘Applying for American Universities’ or ‘Working in The Hospitality Industry’. The afternoon session covers ‘Apprenticeships.
Seminars, presentations and workshops on Thursday 19 June cover gap years, student finance and tips on how to perfect personal statements. On the Friday, all pupils will attend the University of Reading Open Day. This gives the students a flavour of university life and introduces a range of courses which are available.
The week concludes on Saturday 21 June, as parents are invited back into the College for coffee and a chance to look over the application process with their sons and daughters. There is then a closing talk about the transition from College to university. Experts will be on hand throughout the week to answer questions and offer support to pupils as they begin the important process of deciding their next steps following departure from the College.
It is hoped that pupils and parents benefit from the week, which has proved to be extremely useful in recent years.
