How teachers can help students prepare for their UCAS submissions
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How teachers can help students prepare for their UCAS submissions
The return to
school in September for Year 13 pupils can be incredibly daunting, as it’s a
time when they are required to make a number of decisions around their future.
They’ll need to
decide whether they go to university, and if the answer to that question is
‘yes’, there’s then the need to submit a UCAS application. Teachers can play a
pivotal role in keeping the process as simple and as understandable as
possible, so here we’ve detailed some of the ways they can provide support for
pupils.
Is university right for someone?
One of the big questions for those in Year 13 is whether to
progress into university education. As a teacher, it’s important that you can
showcase the various opportunities and options available, and that you can be
in a position to support youngsters to make a decision that is in their best
interests.
Progressing to university might be the most popular choice
for those leaving school, but it is by no means the only option available.
While doing so can allow pupils to gain qualifications for a career in a
certain area, or to pursue subject interests, a higher or degree apprenticeship
could be a better option. Alternatively, a pupil could progress straight into
the workplace or be tempted by the prospects of a gap year.
Personal statement writing
A key part of the university application process is creating
a personal statement. Each pupil will need to craft their own unique reasoning
for wanting a place at a particular university, and while there isn’t a strict
formula to follow, you can still provide assistance.
You’ll need to remind pupils of the need to keep the
statement concise and for it to be tailored to their university of choice. A
popular approach to follow is known as the ‘necklace’, whereby the opening line
and final paragraph are closely linked, with the ending reinforcing the points
made at the start.
Structuring the personal statement
You can also direct pupils where to go to find further
support, as there is a host of digital tools available. One of these is the personal statement tool, which is
available to pupils when they sign up for the UCAS hub.
Rather than telling pupils what to include within their
personal statement, it has hundreds of useful prompts and questions designed to
get them thinking. There’s also guidance on how to structure it, and a
character count so they’ll know when the 4,000 limit is in sight.
Overcoming stress
The application process can be incredibly stressful for
pupils, but teachers can take actions to help reduce levels of anxiety. This
can include being readily available to answer any questions, or knowing the
details of those in the school careers’ office so you can direct pupils to them
for more information. Take some time to enhance your knowledge of the process
too, as that way you’ll be best placed to field any questions that might arise.
If you need more information, you can also refer to this official
government guidance for schools and colleges, which provides information on
what school staff need to know in relation to careers guidance.
How Tradewind Recruitment can support Teachers looking for their next role in education
If you’re a Secondary Teacher looking for support in writing your CV and preparing for your interview then we can help! Alternatively, we have lots of resources to help with everything related to you and your career, from top ideas for lesson plans to keeping organised in the classroom.
We have hundreds of primary teacher vacancies and secondary teaching positions available if you’re looking for your perfect role as a Teacher – get in touch today.
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