ISS

SIXTH FORM CAREERS ADVICE

WHAT NEXT?!

Gruelling as some aspects of applying to university can be, (such as filling in hundreds of forms), the experience is fantastic in that it finally brings to closure 13 years of school life with the focus being your aims for the future becoming a reality. This is it... it’s about going out there and doing what YOU want to do; and the reality of this new found independence is refreshing.

Choosing a university is one of the most important and crucial choices one will have to make in life. It will shape the future of the individual who embarks on the journey. The process involves lots of research using a range of resources. The school library offers a huge stock of prospectuses (up to date) from universities in USA, UK, Australia, Canada and Europe. Numerous one to one meetings with Mrs Kennedy follow to discuss final choices and courses. Close guidance is offered when filling in application forms, writing student statements, making contact via e-mails and requesting information. The list is endless, but assistance and advice flows from all corners!

In addition, we have information sessions for parents and students, lectures and presentations by the British Council and representatives from UK and American universities encouraging us to apply.

The school has established close links with the Ministry of Education as many students apply for scholarships. All Seychellois students are eligible to apply for government scholarships in the January of any academic year. For this reason some Seychellois students defer some or all of their final examinations until the November series in order to maximise grade outcomes and synchronise with students at the Polytechnic who are applying for the same awards.

Confusing and bewildering as some of it may be, the support and help offered by staff is amazing, and their experience is something to definitely rely on. In our case the Head of Sixth Form Mrs Kennedy, is the instrumental force in making it all possible through her endless encouragement, organisation and hard work.

Once the process is over it is time to concentrate on examinations and keep ones fingers crossed and wait for the offers to arrive.

Make sure you are ready to give it your all, it’s a long process that challenges your faith in yourself, but once you’ve embarked on this journey, you’ll never want to look back!

Annika Braun & Cynthia Sam.

Yr 13 Students 2003. Both are now studying in the UK

UCAS

Around the world there are many students who are anxious about the arrival of their A-level results in August, which will determine their immediate choices and ultimately their future.

There are others who are in their first year of the sixth form, researching their options in terms of university destinations.

Either way the UCAS website provides some good advice and information for students to help then through the complex maze.

For all sixth form students it provides

• Information about institutions in UK and the courses they offer.
• Information about application procedures.
• The Stamford Test; makes suggestions about higher education courses. It’s been developed in conjunction with Cambridge Occupational Analysts and comprises around 70 questions.

For students awaiting results:

• Information about UCAS Extra ; vital for students who are not holding any offers and who wish to continue to apply for a higher education course rather than wait until clearing.
• UCAS Track gives students direct access to their individual records.
  bullet Confirmation and clearing includes information on the release of examination results, clearing entry forms, instructions for international students and general tips.

In order to check out the above and more, visit the UCAS website