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Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 9 - 10 11 - 11.25 10 - 11 12.30 - 1.30 11.25 - 12.25 1.30 - 2.15 2.15 - 3.15 8 - 9 7 - 8 6 - 7 5 - 6 4 - 5 REVISION TIMETABLE 56 | www.ecgbert.sheffield.sch.uk
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 9 - 10 10 - 11 11 - 11.25 11.25 - 12.25 12.30 - 1.30 1.30 - 2.15 2.15 - 3.15 4 - 5 5 - 6 6 - 7 7 - 8 8 - 9 REVISION TIMETABLE www.ecgbert.sheffield.sch.uk | 57
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Write down all the things that make up you. Include academic study, hobbies, extra-curricular activities, accomplishments and future plans. www.ecgbert.sheffield.sch.uk | 67
Consider your first major goal. What are the three things you need to do to achieve this? 1. 2. 3. 68 | www.ecgbert.sheffield.sch.uk
Skills others see in me Examples of skills and qualities Problem Solving Organisation Patience Collaboration Flexibility Spoken Communication Reliability Integrity Speaking another language Empathy Independence Perseverance Listening Numeracy Written communication Resilience Explaining things clearly www.ecgbert.sheffield.sch.uk | 69
Think about specific skills needed for your career choice/degree course and how you have demonstrated these. You should consider both subject specific skills and more generic skills. Check the person specification if you are applying for a job – this is a list of the skills and qualities they are looking for. Make sure you have addressed all of these in your application. For university courses, look on provider's websites for information about what they are looking for. For those applying for caring professions, remember the six core values of the NHS – Care, Compassion, Competence, Communication, Courage and Commitment. Skill or Quality How I have demonstrated this 70 | www.ecgbert.sheffield.sch.uk
A time when I made a good first impression was... Because... A time when I made a bad first impression was... Because... Impression Summary Record three practical steps you can take to make a good impression 1. 2. 3. www.ecgbert.sheffield.sch.uk | 71
Whether you are going for a job interview or writing your personal statement, giving examples of when you have used certain skills or behaved in a certain way can be helpful. The STAR method is useful for this. Employers and interviewers are assessing what you say, how you say it, your overall behaviour and style of speech. One way to ensure your answers are as strong and composed as possible is to answer questions using the STAR method which helps you showcase your skills. Many companies (including BBC, Harrods, Debenhams, Lloyds Banking Group, Microsoft, BP, GSK, PwC and HSBC) expect their candidates to answer questions posed in an interview this way. S T A R Situation Talk Action Result Situation means that you need to paint a picture in a general sense. In the Situation part of the answer, you must describe the background to the main event. Task is where you include the specifics. While in Situation, you were merely opening the story, in Task you are getting into the detail of the problem. You need to describe why it was such a big problem and why you were the one to deal with it. Action is where you aim to get to the bottom of the story. You have been faced with a big challenge: How did you deal with it? What plan did you put into action to ensure the desired outcome? Result is wrapping up the story. After building up the problem and solution, you now have to explain how you got the desired result and what this achieved in the long run. 72 | www.ecgbert.sheffield.sch.uk
S S T T A A R R In BTEC Business we had to organise a charity event, taking up different roles including leadership, marketing and finance. Our team decided to host a cake sale to raise money for Sheffield Children's Hospital. I was tasked with leading the group which meant I needed to have an overview of the whole event. There was a problem - the student in charge of finance was unwell. Knowing the importance of keeping a close eye on the budget, I broke the role up into different areas and gave additional responsibilities to each member of the team – one person was looking at income, another at expenditure on ingredients and I controlled the marketing budget. We raised £385 for the Children's Hospital and I was given a distinction for this unit. Example Tell me about a time when you were in charge of a group... Can you think of a time you’ve shown determination? www.ecgbert.sheffield.sch.uk | 73
Appropriate Wording Hey, I would love to apply for a job at your firm. I have enclosed my CV so that you can have a look at it, please give me an interview. I would so appreciate an interview, Thanks for reading this, Joe To whom it may concern, I saw your job advertised in the local paper and after researching your company I decided I would like to apply. The work that you do in the charity sector really hit a nerve with me, as my mother was diagnosed with MS three years ago. I have enclosed a CV and would love to discuss the position with you in person, Kind regards, Joe TOP TIP: If unsure how to set up a letter, use Microsoft letter template 74 | www.ecgbert.sheffield.sch.uk
Your personal statement is limited to 4000 characters, including spaces (one side of A4). Try to plan around three main paragraphs supported by an introduction and conclusion. Using all the ideas you previously gathered, split them into the following categories: Introduction Academic Super-curricular Extra-curricular Conclusion You should explain your motivation for studying this course. If you're applying for a combined degree, include why you have chosen to study the two subjects together. Show your understanding of course content and structure and include reflection on relevant aspects of your sixth form study. Include details of work experience, prizes and wider reading. Discuss your hobbies, interests and part-time job and the skills you have developed here. This should be a brief summary of your reasoning behind choosing the degree. This is your final chance to 'clinch the deal', and assure them you are committed to this decision. INSTEAD OF... TRY WRITING... I am captain of the hockey team Being captain of the hockey team... I enjoy playing sport Having enjoyed playing football... I am studying A levels in My A level subjects have... I enjoy socialising Socialising is important to me because... I have taken part in Taking part in... I have gained a number of skills The skills I have gained from... www.ecgbert.sheffield.sch.uk | 75
DO NOT: LIE: Lying can be detected easily at interview. COPY: Do not copy other statements. Develop confidence in your own abilities. Universities have plagiarism detection software, you will be found out! BE RESTRICTED TO A FORMULA: Some personal statements do not follow a formula and they stand out as unique. Other students write a little about their course and themselves (nice and simple) and produce very persuasive statements. USE GIMMICKS: Such as quotes or jokes as these might not amuse the Admissions Tutor and they have probably been used before. PRODUCE LONG LISTS OF SKILLS: In a part time job you will develop many skills. Stick to those that are relevant (eg time management, organisation, coping well in a pressured situation could all be relevant to your chosen course. The ability to lay a table correctly might not be.) IN ADDITION “In addition to my work experience I have gained valuable skills through my voluntary work.” AS WELL AS “As well as my involvement in team games I am also keen on playing individual competitive sport.” REINFORCE “My work experience reinforced my decision to study a degree in Nursing.” STRENGTHEN “My decision to study Economics has been strengthened by my enjoyment of my A level course.” FURTHERMORE “Furthermore, I am particularly suited to a degree in Chemistry because of my love of the subject and my keen interest to further my knowledge of the subject.” APART FROM “Apart from my involvement with sports I am also involved in amateur dramatics.” NOT TO MENTION “Part time work, not to mention volunteering, has meant working with a diverse range of people.” MORE RECENTLY “Having enjoyed playing the violin for many years, more recently I have decided to learn the piano.” ENABLED ME “The opportunity to play in the school football team enabled me to work as part of a team.” PROVIDED ME “The work experience provided me with an opportunity to work with a range of people.” OPPORTUNITY TO “The opportunity to work with people was provided by my work 76 | www.ecgbert.sheffield.sch.uk
Furthermore Enable me Intellectual exploration On reflection Of particular interest to me Additionally Used my Strengthen Enhanced Thrive under pressure As well Explore my interests Skills I have gained through I learnt from Commitment Reinforced This has furthered my My pursuit Taking part Creatively Efficiently Benefit More over In addition I aspire to I undertook Hard work My passion for I particularly Broadening my interest Responsibility I continue to develop This has expanded my knowledge of Through regularly attending I was determined to Challenging To improve my Continuing my I was determined to Combining...with... has taught me My involvement with Immensely rewarding Brought to my attention Learnt to prioritise Thought-provoking Highly competitive www.ecgbert.sheffield.sch.uk | 77
SEPTEMBER AUGUST MARCH - MAY MAY - JUNE OCTOBER - MARCH MARCH 1st SEPTEMBER 15th OCTOBER Write first draft of Personal Statement Register with UCAS Hub and begin your ONLINE application Applications OPEN (School deadline is end of November but aim to hand yours in early) Form tutor WRITES your reference Admissions deadline for Oxbridge, Medicine, Dentistry & Veterinary Science Choose your course and up to FIVE universities SUMMER Admissions Tests NOVEMBER 25th JANUARY Interviews Final UCAS deadline Receive Offers: Conditional Unconditional OR Unsuccessful Apply for Student Finance Examinations and BTEC deadline Clearing and confirmation Exam Results University or Gap Year BEGINS Deadline for some Art & Design Courses 78 | www.ecgbert.sheffield.sch.uk
I enjoy Histroy lessons so I have decided to study the subject at degree level. At university, I look forward to examining the subject in more depth, particularly the British medieval period. I also enjoy French history, and trips to France have broadened my historical awareness. As a school prefect I hold many responsibilities: organising and attending school functions, delivering speeches at some of these events, being an active member of the school council, and working effectively with other students. I am a keen sports player and I am a member of the school hockey team, netball team, athletics squad, girls football team, chess team, tennis squad, cross country running team, and volleyball team, earning me the school's 'Sports Personality of the Year' award. I have taught information technology skills to younger students and helped one student to overcome his language difficulties. I have also written, directed and performed a number of short plays in school. I have always enjoyed reading novels and recently I have explored some foreign literature. I also play music. I appeared in a school concerts with the keyboard orchestra when I was in year nine. Currently, I am involved in the European Youth Parliament Competition in which I will be representing my school at a residential debating conference. The winner will represent the United Kingdom at a future event. This venture is enhancing my general knowledge, particularly with respect to genetic engineering and drug legislation. www.ecgbert.sheffield.sch.uk | 79
I enjoy Histroy lessons so I have decided to study the subject at degree level. At university, I look forward to examining the subject in more depth, particularly the British medieval period. I also enjoy French history, and trips to France have broadened my historial awareness. Strengths: Improved by: As a school prefect I hold many responsibilities: organasing and attending school functions, delivering speeches at some of these events, being an active member of the school council, and working effectively with other students. Strengths: Improved by: I am a keen sports player and I am a member of the school hockey team, netball team, athletics squad, girls football team, chess team, tennis squad, cross country running team, and volleyball team, earning me the school's 'Sports Personality of the Year' award. I have taught information technology skills to younger students and helped one student to overcome his language difficulties. I have also written, directed and performed a number of short plays in school. Strengths: Improved by: PARAGRAPH 1 PARAGRAPH 2 PARAGRAPH 3 I have always enjoyed reading novels and recently I have explored some foreign literature. I also play music. I appeared in a school concert with the keyboard orchestra when I was in year nine. Strengths: Improved by: PARAGRAPH 4 80 | www.ecgbert.sheffield.sch.uk
Introduction Interest in the course (academic experience) Interest in the course (out of school - work experience, additional reading) Other skills and abilities e.g achievements in sport, responsibility in school etc) Summary www.ecgbert.sheffield.sch.uk | 81
Have I included...? You red/amber/green Tutor red/amber/green Why you have chosen this degree course Why that subject area interests you Aspects of your current studies related to the course you have chosen Why you think you would be a good student Details of jobs, placements, work experience or voluntary work which you have undertaken (particularly if relevant) Hobbies, interest and social activities that demonstrate you are a well-rounded person Non-accredited qualifications (Duke of Edinburgh, NCS etc) Any other achievements that you are proud of (music/sport etc.) Positions of responsibility that you hold both in and out of school (prefect, form rep, charity volunteer etc.) Attributes that make you interesting, special or unique Whether you have any future plans of how you want to use the knowledge and experience that you gain A punchy end which is specific and positive. 82 | www.ecgbert.sheffield.sch.uk
Institution Course Course Details (duration, qualification type, sandwich year etc) Entry Requirements Essential Criteria (listed on UCAS website) The best places to start your research are: www.ucas.com or www.apprenticeships.org.uk You can apply for up to five courses through UCAS. It is crucial that you select these courses carefully. Please complete this form ready for a discussion with your mentor.InstitutionCourseCourse details (duration, qualification type, sandwich year etc)Entry requirementsEssential criteria (listed on UCAS website) Preparation - Course Choices You should include courses with a range of grade requirements. Only apply to those institutions you are prepared to go to. Discuss your choices with your form tutor and your parents. www.ecgbert.sheffield.sch.uk | 83
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www.ucas.com www.ukcoursefinder.com www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk www.whatuni.com university.which.co.uk www.thestudentroom.co.uk discoveruni.gov.uk www.opendays.com www.purepotential.org As well as being the application route to universities and colleges, the UCAS website also provides access to a wealth of information. The Course Search tool links to all courses at all universities and includes an Entry Profile with Entry Requirements and what admissions tutors look for in applicants. Recommended by previous students as their most used website for course research – university league tables based on student view, entry standards, research assessment and graduate prospects. Lots of comparison tools, including contact hours so you can find out how much tuition is provided for your fees. The personal statement builder is also useful as a starting point. A wealth of information and advice about employment, apprenticeship and university options. We would strongly recommend their publication – Apply – available online for £6. Full of comments and advice from current students about the applications process, the quality of courses, accommodation and student life. Brings together a range of official information to help compare courses at different universities Search facility for open day dates, advice on what to do on open day, facility to book a place Type in a subject and predicted grades and search for appropriate courses. Includes the option to search for university courses with foundation, middling, high or premium tariff points for University www.ecgbert.sheffield.sch.uk | 85
www.notgoingtouni.co.uk www.apprenticeships.org.uk www.skillsmadeeasy.org.uk www.sheffieldfutures.org.uk nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk website.u-explore.com www.yini.org.uk www.sheffield.gov.uk/opportunitysheffield Apprenticeships, employment, gap year and work experience Searchable database of vacancies Reputable training provider with vacancies in the area For independent careers advice Includes careers information and job profiles To create a login, the King Ecgbert code is 36640 Year in Industry - for paid work placements for Employment and Apprenticeships 86 | www.ecgbert.sheffield.sch.uk
www.timeshighereducation.com/student/advice/top-10-tips+surviving-freshers-week BANK - If you don’t already have one, open a UK bank account and set up internet banking to keep track of your money CAMPUS TOUR - Go on a campus tour or a city tour COMPUTING ACCOUNT - Activate your University computing account DOCTOR - Register with a doctor EMAIL - Activate your University email account FAIRS - Attend the Activities, Sports and Academic Fairs INDUCTION - Attend your school or programme induction meeting or event INSURANCE - If you are not in university accommodation, take out personal contents insurance for your belongings LIBRARY - Visit your campus library or take a virtual tour PERSONAL TUTOR - Meet your personal tutor to select your courses STUDENT CARD - If you are not in University accommodation, collect your student card TUITION FEES - If you are liable to pay some or all of your fees and have not made arrangements, make sure you do in the first week TV LICENCE - Buy a TV licence if you own a TV or watch live TV online www.ecgbert.sheffield.sch.uk | 87
Circle of Control Circle of Influence Circle of Concern No concern www.kooth.com Samaritans: 116 123 for 24/7 confidential support Studentminds.org.uk 88 | www.ecgbert.sheffield.sch.uk
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