Careers Advice and Guidance – Old | Moseley School and Sixth Form

The school’s Careers Leader is Mr Silgram and he can be contacted by telephone on 0121 566 6444, extension 27035, or by email: sil@moseley.bham.sch.uk

The 2016 Ofsted report noted that a “comprehensive programme of careers information advice and guidance is in place, starting in Year 8. Impartial advice is provided that draws on the expertise of a dedicated careers adviser. The careers programme is extensive and effectively raises the aspirations of pupils”…“As a result of the excellent careers provision, the proportion of pupils who leave the school to move successfully on to sixth form, college or into employment with further training is rising”.

These web pages aim to support students to make informed decisions about their future choices and to help parents/carers to assist their daughter/son with their options. They can also be used by school staff to support students.

There are 13 sections that focus on key questions and answers. You will also find links to useful websites, videos and other sources of information and help.

Please choose from the following 13 sections:

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Employers

Q. I’m an employer, how can my company support the school?

A. Moseley School welcomes employer input into the curriculum and enrichment days as this inspires our students and helps them to learn about the world of work.

There are many opportunities to get involved, including:

Providing inspirational careers talks.
Participating in Year 9 employer speed dating.
Running workshops e.g. employability skills, CVs, mock interviews.
Offering work experience/work shadowing opportunities.
Running business challenges and enterprise competitions.
Mentoring students.
Promoting STEM careers.

For further information contact the school’s Careers Leader Mr Barry Silgram.

Mr Silgram can be contacted by telephone on 0121 566 6444, extension 27035, or by email: sil@moseley.bham.sch.uk

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Provider Access Policy

Q. What is the school’s policy for managing the access of providers to pupils for the purposes of giving them information about the provider’s education or training offer?

A. This policy statement sets out the school’s arrangements for managing the access of providers to pupils at the school for the purposes of giving them information about the provider’s education or training offer. This complies with the school’s legal obligations under Section 42B of the Education Act 1997.

Student entitlement

Students in years 8 to 13 are entitled:

To find out about technical education qualifications and apprenticeships opportunities, as part of a careers programme that provides information on the full range of education and training options available at each transition point.
To hear from a range of local providers about the opportunities they offer, including technical education and apprenticeships, through options evenings, assemblies and group discussions and taster events.
To understand how to make applications for the full range of academic and technical courses.

Management of provider access requests

A provider wishing to request access should contact Mr Simon Edwards, Deputy Headteacher, Curriculum and Assessment. Telephone: 0121 566 6444 extension 27009. Email: eds@moseley.bham.sch.uk

Premises and facilities

The school will make the theatre, classrooms or meeting rooms available for discussions between the provider and students, as appropriate to the activity. The school will also make available AV and other specialist equipment to support provider presentations. This will all be discussed and agreed in advance of the visit with Simon Edwards.

Providers are welcome to leave a copy of their prospectus or other relevant course literature at Reception and this information will be displayed in the careers section of the LRC and/or in the careers section of the sixth form library. The LRC is available before school, lunchtimes and after school. The sixth form library is available to sixth formers throughout the school day.

Opportunities for access

A number of events, integrated into the school careers programme, will offer providers an opportunity to come into school to speak to pupils and/or their parents/carers (see table below).

In addition to these, there are opportunities to deliver inspirational careers talks and events via curriculum faculties, STEM/Science Club and sixth form assemblies.

	Autumn Term	Spring Term	Summer Term
Year 8	Year 8 PSHE careers module.	Year 8 GCSE option choices.
Year 9		Careers enrichment day, including Year 9 employer speed dating and university input. Year 9 PSHE careers module.
Year 10			Careers enrichment day. Includes options, apprenticeships, interviews, case studies, useful websites and action planning. Visits to local colleges. EAL careers plan.
Year 11	Year 11 options talks. Sixth form open evening (includes local universities). 1:1 careers interviews.	1:1 careers interviews. Sixth form subject fairs. Parents evening.	1:1 careers interviews. Apprenticeship event. Exam results support.
Year 12	Sixth form enrichment and mentoring opportunities. Year 12 level 2 options talk and presentations form local colleges. 1:1 careers interviews. NEC Skills Show. NHS Careers Fair.	Sixth form enrichment and mentoring opportunities. 1:1 careers interviews. Level 2 work experience. Post-18 options presentations. Sixth form progress evening.	Sixth form enrichment and mentoring opportunities. 1:1 careers interviews. Apprenticeship event. UCAS and university input, visit to UCAS Convention and visit to a university. Level 3 work experience. Exam results support.
Year 13	1:1 careers interviews. UCAS personal statements.	1:1 careers interviews. Alternatives to HE (including degree apprenticeships) and UCAS process update presentation. University talks and support e.g. student finance, scholarships and awards, interviews, student life. Sixth form progress evening.	1:1 careers interviews. Apprenticeship event. Exam results support.

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Career programme and destinations

Q. What careers support are Moseley students entitled to?

A. Moseley students are entitled to careers support that meets the government’s statutory duty, published in April 2014 (and updated in January 2018) to ensure that all pupils in Years 8 to 13 are provided with impartial and independent careers guidance.

The 2016 Ofsted report noted that a “comprehensive programme of careers information advice and guidance is in place, starting in Year 8. Impartial advice is provided that draws on the expertise of a dedicated careers adviser. The careers programme is extensive and effectively raises the aspirations of pupils”…“As a result of the excellent careers provision, the proportion of pupils who leave the school to move successfully on to sixth form, college or into employment with further training is rising”.

The vision and mission of Moseley School is to produce a planned programme of careers activities to help learners at key transition points choose 13-19 pathways that are right for them.

Careers support will follow best practice from the careers profession and be delivered by trained staff, be person-centred, impartial, raise aspirations, challenge stereotyping and promote equality and diversity.

The careers programme is designed to meet the needs of all learners at Moseley School. Activities are differentiated and personalised to ensure progression in their career learning and development and to strengthen their motivation, aspirations and attainment at school.

Moseley School is committed to providing extra support as required for learners with additional needs and works in partnership with other agencies and partners.

The careers programme benefits from links made with external partners, such as employers, universities, voluntary organisations, training providers, colleges and other schools.

The careers programme is delivered through a range of activities, including:

1:1 careers guidance from a qualified and professionally registered careers adviser.
Provision of high quality careers information.
Careers and PSHE lessons.
BTEC courses.
Curriculum activities.
Assemblies
Parent evenings.
Enrichment events and activities.
External events, careers conferences, open days and masterclasses.
Sixth form tutorials.
Work related learning, including work experience.

Q. What topics does the careers programme include?

A. The programme focuses on different topics for each key stage/year group and this is reviewed on a yearly basis.

Key topics include:

Years 7-9:

Transition from primary school.
Equal opportunities legislation and the fact that ambitions should be based on ability and qualities/skills, not stereotypes.
Understanding that jobs change. For example, jobs that their grandparents did may no longer exist and we need to prepare students for jobs that don’t yet exist!
Exploring links between subjects and jobs. Students begin to explore subjects needed for their “dream job” and to use research skills.
Developing understanding of “job families” to widen career horizons.
Subject options: GCSE/BTEC subject choices and supporting students to make good choices.
Managing finances, including why budgeting is important, opening a bank account, bank loans and credit cards.
Recognising that career development is a lifelong process and reflecting on own career development so far.
Personal qualities and skills.
Stereotyping and how it may influence course and career choices.
Using careers computer software programs to research and generate career ideas.
“Speed dating” with a wide range of employers, including STEM employers.
University presentation about higher education and university options.
Labour market information lesson that aims to raise awareness of careers available in Moseley School, Birmingham and the West Midlands.

Years 10-11:

CVs and applications.
Visits to local colleges, including opportunities for targeted students to check out ESOL options.
Apprenticeship presentations from an external organisation to raise awareness about apprenticeship opportunities on offer and how to use the national apprenticeship website.
Presentations from local colleges to raise awareness of the range of courses available.
Using key websites to support post-16 planning.
Helping prepare students for future interviews e.g. school, college, job and apprenticeship interviews.
Developing an action plan to help students plan and manage what to do after Year 11.
Post-16 options talks.
Inspirational employer talks.
College fair attended by a wide range of local colleges.
Moseley school Sixth form open evening. This is also attended by representatives from local universities to help students check out university options and course entry requirements.
School apprenticeship event, which is supported by local training providers.

Year 12-13:

Inspirational employer talks.
Opportunities to participate in mentoring and personal development opportunities, such as Young Enterprise; Duke of Edinburgh Scheme; The Access Project; Aimhigher; Routes to Professions (Birmingham University); Birmingham University A2B Scheme; Aston pathways to medicine; The Challenge (NCS); mentoring younger students at Moseley and supporting House activities, such as being a charity ambassador, environment ambassador or a reader leader.
Post-18 options talks.
Opportunity to attend careers events, such as Skills Show, Big Bang, NHS Careers Fair.
Work experience week. Provides students with an insight into the world of work and helps develop employability skills (to enhance UCAS personal statement and apprenticeship applications).
University presentations to raise awareness of course options and UCAS process.
Opportunity to attend the UCAS Convention at the NEC.
UCAS day to help prepare students to choose what to study at university.
Opportunity to visit to a university.
Support to write a UCAS personal statement.
Student finance presentation from a local university and opportunity to research university scholarships and awards.
Alternatives to university presentation.
School apprenticeship event (attended by local training providers) and an opportunity to attend external apprenticeship events.

Q. What are the destinations of Year 13 and Year 11 students?

A. In September each year the school follows up the destinations of all its students. The following gives a summary of 2017 destinations (as of 21 September 2017):

Year 13:

95% of students gained a place at university, with 41% achieving a place at a selective university.
The majority of students chose to study in the midlands and the top 5 most popular university destinations were Birmingham City; Aston; Birmingham; Newman and Coventry.
6 students chose to study farther afield, with 4 going to De Montfort, 1 to Cardiff and 1 to Brighton.
The most popular course types were engineering/science; business; social science; law; sport; health/medical and education/children.
Other courses chosen included English; maths; construction project management; computer science; forensic investigations; health & social care and business information systems.
One student obtained a job in a nursery; one student took a year out; one was planning to re-sit A levels before re-applying to UCAS and one student was in the process of applying for apprenticeships.

Year 11:

92% remained in education. The top 5 education destinations were Moseley School; South & City College; Joseph Chamberlain College; Solihull College and Solihull Sixth Form College.
51% of students started a level 3 course, with 85 students studying A levels or A levels combined with BTECs. 25 students started BTEC extended diplomas (equivalent to 3 A levels) in the following vocational areas: Health and social care; business; science; IT and engineering.
29% of students started level 2 courses. The top 5 most popular course choices were business; health & social care; science; electrical and engineering.
12% of students started a level 1 or supported learning course. Course choices included motor vehicle; ESOL; ICT; hair/beauty; business; health & social care; construction; barbering and electrical.
3 students started an apprenticeship (in HR; IT and warehousing).
3 students were believed to be NEET (not engaged in education, employment or training). These students were referred to Birmingham Careers Service to follow-up.
5 students moved abroad.

The DfE also publish information about sustained pupil destinations (where pupils have stayed in education or employment for at least 2 terms).

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Student finance

Q. What support is available to pay for university tuition fees?

A. You can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan. The loan is paid directly to your university or college. Full-time students can apply for up to £9,250 per year or £6,165 if studying full-time at a private university or college (for the 2018/2019 academic year). Part-time students can apply for up to £6,935 or £4,625 if studying part-time at a private university or college.

You have to pay it back, but only after you have finished your course and earning over £21,000 a year. You pay back 9% of any income over £21,000 (soon to rise to £25,000).

Q. What is a maintenance loan?

A. It helps to pay for your living costs while studying at university, such as accommodation, food, travel and clothes. The loan is paid directly into your bank account at the start of each term.

The amount you get depends on where you are living (you get more in London) and whether you are living at home. Some of the loan is available to all eligible students and part of it is means-tested, so this part is dependent on household income.

For example, 2018 starters living at home can get between £3,224 and £7,324 (depending on household income).

Further information is available on the government website https://www.gov.uk/student-finance/new-fulltime-students.

For details of how much loan you can get, use the Student finance calculator https://www.gov.uk/student-finance-calculator.

The loan is repayable, but only after you have finished your course and earning over £21,000 a year. You pay back 9% of any income over £21,000 (soon to be £25,000).

You can also find useful information about student loans written by Martin Lewis on his MoneySavingExpert http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/students/student-loans-tuition-fees-changes website. Includes loan myth-busting information and advice from Martin Lewis.

Q. Is any extra financial help available?

A. Extra money or support may be available. For example, if you have children, dependent adults or if you have a disability. Further details are available on the government website https://www.gov.uk/student-finance/extra-help.

Many universities also offer extra money directly to students. These bursaries, scholarships and awards don’t have to be paid back. Each university has its own rules about who qualifies, how much you can get and how to apply. You get your bursary directly from your university or college.

Q. How do I apply for student finance?

A. You need to apply using the government website https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-student-finance. You don’t need a confirmed place at a university to apply.

Q. How do I work out how much I am entitled to?

A. For the standard student package you can use the Student finance calculator https://www.gov.uk/student-finance-calculator.

Q. Do universities provide any financial help?

A. Many offer financial support to their students through bursaries, awards and scholarships. Bursaries are linked to personal circumstances and often, household income. Awards can include fee waivers or cash. Scholarships can be linked to academic results or outstanding ability in an area, such as sport, music or art.

You should check university websites early and ask at open days for information on support available and how to apply.

Q. When do I have to repay my student loans?

A. Your repayments are linked to your income and you only make repayments when your income is over £21,000 a year. If your income drops below this amount, repayments stop. Each month you pay back 9% of any income over £21,000 (soon to be £25,000).

Q. Is everyone eligible to apply for student finance?

A. No, it depends on factors such as what course you’ve applied for, whether you’ve lived in the UK for 3 years before starting your course and nationality/residency requirements, such as being a UK/EU national or having ‘settled status’ (no restrictions on how long you can stay). However, you may also be eligible if you meet other residency requirements. Full details are on the government website https://www.gov.uk/student-finance/who-qualifies.

Q. Are there any useful websites for student finance?

A.Yes, check out the following:

UK www.gov.uk/studentfinance: It gives an overview of finance available and enables you to apply for financial support.
YouTube http://www.youtube.com/user/SFEFILM: Student Finance England videos.
The Student Room https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/content.php?r=5659-Student-Finance: Includes useful information.
MoneySavingExpert http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/students/student-loans-tuition-fees-changes: Student loan myth-busting information and advice from Martin Lewis.

Q. How do I work out how much I am entitled to?

A. For the standard student package you can use the Student finance calculator https://www.gov.uk/student-finance-calculator

Q. Do universities provide any financial help?

A. Many offer financial support to their students through bursaries, awards and scholarships. Bursaries are linked to personal circumstances and often, household income. Awards can include fee waivers or cash. Scholarships can be linked to academic results or outstanding ability in an area, such as sport, music or art.

You should check university websites early and ask at open days for information on support available and how to apply.

Q. When do I have to repay my student loans?

A. Your repayments are linked to your income and you only make repayments when your income is over £21,000 a year. If your income drops below this amount, repayments stop. Each month you pay back 9% of any income over £21,000 (soon to be £25,000).

Q. Is everyone eligible to apply for student finance?

A. No, it depends on factors such as what course you’ve applied for, whether you’ve lived in the UK for 3 years before starting your course and nationality/residency requirements, such as being a UK/EU national or having ‘settled status’ (no restrictions on how long you can stay). However, you may also be eligible if you meet other residency requirements. Full details are on the government website https://www.gov.uk/student-finance/who-qualifies

Q. Are there any useful websites for student finance?

A. Yes, check out the following:

UK www.gov.uk/studentfinance: It gives an overview of finance available and enables you to apply for financial support.
YouTube http://www.youtube.com/user/SFEFILM: Student Finance England videos.
The Student Room https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/content.php?r=5659-Student-Finance: Includes useful information.
MoneySavingExpert http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/students/student-loans-tuition-fees-changes: Student loan myth-busting information and advice from Martin Lewis.

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Useful websites

1. Need careers advice?

National Careers Service: Their careers advisers can talk to you about your choices online or over the phone on 0800 100 900. Advisers are available from 8 am to 10 pm.
Birmingham Careers Service: You can get help from them if you have left school, are aged 16 to 19 (up to 25 if you have a learning difficulty or disability) and are unemployed and looking for a college course, job, training or apprenticeship.

2. Year 8 Options

Icould: Their videos include people talking about their own choices at 14 and their own personal career stories, covering a wide variety of jobs and sectors. It also has articles and information about your option choices.
Kudos software program: If you have not previously used Kudos you need to go to the section Not signed up yet? and enter the licence code (available from your form tutor, Mr Silgram and the careers notice board near room AG01). You will then be able to create your own account (using your own username and password).
eCLIPS program: Click login (top right) and enter the school password, which you will need to get from your form tutor, Mr Silgram or from the careers notice board near room AG01. To check out what careers you can do with a particular subject go to “Information & Advice”, choose “Education” and then choose the relevant subject leaflet (for example, art and design).
HELOA: A higher education guide aimed at 13 to 16 year olds.

3. Options after Year 11

Icould: Their videos include people talking about their own choices at 16 and their own personal career stories, covering a wide variety of jobs and sectors. It also has articles and information about your option choices.
Kudos software program: If you have not previously used Kudos you need to go to the section Not signed up yet? and enter the licence code (available from your form tutor, Mr Silgram and the careers notice board near room AG01). You will then be able to create your own account (using your own username and password).
Raising the Participation Age: This government website explains that young people leaving Year 11 in must remain in learning until they are 18 years old.
Apprenticeships website: Use to check out the types of apprenticeships on offer and to search and apply for vacancies.
16-19 Bursary Fund: This is aimed at students who need financial help so that they can stay in learning.

4. Post-18 options

Icould: Their videos include people talking about their own choices at 18 and their own personal career stories, covering a wide variety of jobs and sectors. It also has articles and information about your option choices.
Prospects: A guide to taking a gap year.
Apprenticeships: Includes information on the different types of apprenticeships available and has real apprenticeship and traineeship vacancies.
Year in Industry yini.org.uk: Paid employment with major UK companies in science, technology, engineering and manufacturing.
UCAS website https://www.ucas.com/degree-apprenticeships: Has useful information about degree apprenticeships.

5. Apprenticeships and traineeships

Apprenticeships: Includes information on the different types of apprenticeships available and has real apprenticeship and traineeship vacancies.
National Minimum Wage.
Rate my apprenticeship: Includes useful information and apprenticeship vacancies.
Careermap: Search and apply for apprenticeships using a map.
UCAS website https://www.ucas.com/degree-apprenticeships: Has useful information about degree apprenticeships.
Get my first job https://www.getmyfirstjob.co.uk/: includes apprenticeship and traineeship vacancies

6. Further education

Moseley School: Courses available in the sixth form.
Aston University Engineering Academy https://auea.co.uk/
Birmingham Metropolitan College (includes Matthew Boulton) www.bmet.ac.uk
Birmingham Ormiston Academy http://www.boa-academy.co.uk/
Bournville College https://www.sccb.ac.uk/
Cadbury College www.cadcol.ac.uk
Joseph Chamberlain College www.jcc.ac.u
Solihull Sixth Form College www.solihullsfc.ac.uk
Solihull College www.solihull.ac.uk
South & City College https://www.sccb.ac.uk/
University College Birmingham http://www.ucb.ac.uk
Raising the Participation Age: This government website explains that young people leaving Year 11 must remain in learning until they are 18 years old.
HELOA: A higher education guide aimed at 13 to 16 year olds.
Kudos computer program: To log on, go to the section Not signed up yet? and enter the licence code (available from your form tutor, Mr Silgram and the careers notice board near room AG01). You will then be able to create your own account (using your own username and password).

7. Jobs and voluntary work

A. Where to look for jobs:

Yell.com: Use to find employers and employment agencies.
Job search sites, such as fish4jobs and Get my first job.
Universal jobmatch: This government site enables you to search and apply for full or part-time jobs.
E4S: Use to search for part-time jobs, holiday jobs, gap year jobs and school leaver vacancies.

B. Self-employment:

Shell LiveWIRE : Established in 1982, this programme offers free online business advice and funding to young entrepreneurs (16-30 year olds).
The Prince’s Trust Enterprise programme: They can help you decide whether self-employment is right for you. It offers help to 18 to 30 year olds who are either unemployed or working less than 16 hours a week.
Government website: Advice about starting your own business.

C. Volunteering:

Birmingham Voluntary Service Council (BVSC): Offers local volunteering opportunities.
National Citizen Service: is open to all 16 and 17-year-olds in England. It helps you build your skills for work and life, while you take on new challenges and meet new friends. Participants develop a social action project to deal with a local issue they’re passionate about, and spend 30 hours putting the project into action in their community.
Volunteering Matters: This was formerly called CSV (Community Service Volunteers) and they offer a range of volunteering opportunities.

D. Labour market information:

World of Work Black Country: Although this focuses on the Black Country, check out the information in “Job Sectors” and “Future Jobs”.
Prospects: Graduate job sector information.
National Guidance Research Forum: Has job trend information for 25 different job sectors.
Nomis: Provides a labour market profile of an area (e.g. search for Birmingham). Includes data on population, employment, unemployment, qualifications, earnings, benefit claimants and businesses.
UK Commission for Employment and Skills: If you’re very keen, this provides a link to a report called “Working Futures 2010-2020”. It gives a comprehensive picture of the UK labour market with projections for occupations by industry and areas.

E. The law:

Raising the Participation Age: This government website explains that young people leaving Year 11 must remain in learning until they are 18 years old.

Child employment law: Explains the law relating to the restrictions on children working.

F. CVs:

There are several CV books available in the LRC and sixth form library that provide a guide to writing a CV.

8. University applications

A. What and where to study, applications and year out:

UCAS: The key website. Search and apply for courses. Lots of other useful and helpful information e.g. choosing what to study, the applications process and student finance.
UCAS Conservatoires: Application process if you are applying for performing arts courses at conservatoires.
Which? University: Has an easy to use search facility, which can be filtered by predicted grades and other criteria. Profiles of almost 300 different UK universities and colleges and brings together a wealth of information that exists about full-time undergraduate courses, including the Guardian and Times league tables, official employment and satisfaction statistics and UCAS course information. It now also includes an A level explorer tool to help you discover the full range of degrees different A level subjects can lead to.
UK CourseFinder: Includes a questionnaire and course search. You need to register to use the questionnaire.
UNISTATS: Includes official data on each university and satisfaction scores in the National Student Survey, jobs and salaries after study and other key information for prospective students.
PUSH: “Guide to UK universities, student life, gap years, open days, student finance and all things studentish”.
Apply to Uni: Has a range of advice and information e.g. applying, finance, personal statements and course finder.
Bestcourse4me: You can select A levels and then see what degree and careers they could lead to.
Pure Potential: Has lots of useful information relating to higher education and includes a very useful section called “Events and Opportunities”, which includes details of opportunities that may interest you, such as masterclasses and conferences.
Prospects: Guide to taking a gap year.
Getting in: Has a range of useful information, such as applying, open days and personal statements.
HELOA: A higher education guide aimed at 13 to 16 year olds.
The Guardian: Links to league tables.
The Complete University Guide: Links to league tables.
My Student Events: This portal has details about open days, study days and tasters.

B. Considering studying abroad?

A Star Future: Use to search for courses taught in English abroad.
The Student World: This gives guidance about where to study, why go abroad, the process and financial implications.
Eunicas: Enables UK and Irish students to apply to degree programmes, taught through English, in universities across Europe.
Fulbright Commission: Use to explore studying in the USA.
Study in the USA: Use to explore studying in the USA.
Study options: Use to explore studying in Australia and New Zealand.
Study portals: Provides a database of courses around the world.
StudyLink: Information and guidance about studying abroad.
Study Overseas: A guide to studying in the Middle East
Medical Doorway: Free advice to students aiming to study medicine, dentistry or veterinary medicine in Europe.

C. Graduate careers:

Prospects: Graduate careers website e.g. go to “Careers advice” and then “What can I do with my degree”.

D. Alternative options to university:

Not going to uni: Advice and support on alternative options.

E. Higher education books:

A range of books are available in the sixth form library.

F. Software programs purchased by the school:

Program

Details

Kudos

If you have not previously used Kudos you need to go to the section Not signed up yet? and enter the licence code (available from your form tutor, Mr Silgram and the careers notice board near room AG01). You will then be able to create your own account (using your own username and password).

eCLIPS

Has printable leaflets on over 500 careers and lifestyle topics; plus leaflets covering choices, education options and work & training.

To log-on, click login (top right) and enter the school password (available from your form tutor, Mr Silgram and the careers notice board near room AG01).

9. Student Finance

gov.UK: Gives an overview of finance available and enables you to apply for financial support.
Student finance calculator.
YouTube: Student Finance England You Tube videos.
MoneySavingExpert: Student loan myth-busting information and advice from Martin Lewis.

10. Career ideas and careers information

eCLIPS: This has printable leaflets on over 500 careers and lifestyle topics; plus leaflets covering choices, education options and work & training. To log-on, click login (top right) and enter the school password (available from your form tutor, Mr Silgram and the careers notice board near room AG01). To check the entry requirements for a specific job, go to “Job Groups”, choose a job group and then select your chosen career.
Kudos software program If you have not previously used Kudos you need to go to the section Not signed up yet? and enter the licence code (available from your form tutor, Mr Silgram and the careers notice board near room AG01). You will then be able to create your own account (using your own username and password).
National Careers Service Job Profiles: These provide detailed information about different careers, for example, what the job involves, salary details and entry requirements.
Careersbox: This is a free online library of careers related film, news and information. Provides online case studies that show real people doing real jobs and gives an insight into careers across all sectors.
Icould: Free online careers videos showing the career journeys taken by a wide range of people.

11. Parents and carers

The Careers Writers Association: This website is aimed at parents and carers and includes information on the choices available to your daughter or son.

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Parents and Carers

Letter from the Headteacher Spring 2

School Police Advisory Letter for Parents April 2019

Letter for Parents County Lines 2019

Letter for Parents re knife crime

Knife Initiative letter

Q. When can my daughter or son leave school?

A. The official school leaving date is the last Friday of June of the school year in which they turn 16.

Also, did you know that the government has increased the age that students must continue in learning?

This means that Year 11 students must be in some form of learning until they are 18 years old.

This doesn’t mean they have to stay on their school or go to a college; they can choose from the following:

Full-time study in a school, college or with a training provider.
Full-time work (including working in a family business) or volunteering combined with part-time education/training.
An apprenticeship.

For more information go to the government website.

Q. How can I support my daughter or son with their choices?

A. Young people have a wide range of choices available to them and we have produced these web pages to support you to help your daughter or son to make an informed decision.

There are 13 sections that focus on key questions and answers and you will also find links to useful websites, videos and other sources of information and help.

Please click here to check out any the following 13 sections

Need careers advice?
Year 8 options
Options after Year 11
Post-18 options
Apprenticeships and traineeships
Further education
Jobs and voluntary work
University applications
Student finance
Career ideas
Parents and carers
Useful websites and information
Careers entitlements

Additionally, The Careers Writers Association has developed a website aimed at parents and carers that you may find helpful.

If you have any questions or wish to provide feedback on the school’s careers provision please contact the school’s Careers Leader, Mr Silgram.

Mr Silgram can be contacted by telephone on 0121 566 6444, extension 27035, or by email: sil@moseley.bham.sch.uk

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Career ideas

Q. I have no career ideas, what can I do?

A. Use the Kudos software program. If you have not previously used Kudos you need to go to the section Not signed up yet? and enter the licence code (available from your form tutor, Mr Silgram and the careers notice board near room AG01). You will then be able to create your own account (using your own username and password).

Then go to “MY FUTURE”. Answer a series of questions and Kudos will come up with a list of careers for you to consider.

Also, if you need 1:1 careers advice, see Mr Silgram, the school’s careers adviser. He can help you decide what to do in the future.

Q. How do I check what the entry requirements are for my chosen career(s)?

A. Use eCLIPS. This has printable leaflets on over 500 careers and lifestyle topics; plus leaflets covering choices, education options and work & training. To check the entry requirements for a specific job, go to “Job Groups”, choose a job group and then select your chosen career.

The job groups are really useful for expanding your career ideas as they list a wide range of similar jobs for you to consider.

You can also use Kudos and the National Careers Service Job Profiles.

If you have not previously used Kudos you need to go to the section Not signed up yet? and enter the licence code (available from your form tutor, Mr Silgram and the careers notice board near room AG01). You will then be able to create your own account (using your own username and password).

Go to “EXPLORE CAREERS” to search for a specific career you want to check out.

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University applications

Q. I’m planning to go to university, how do I decide what to study and where?

A. There are over 37,000 courses and 370 higher education institutions, so research is the key to making an informed decision about what to study and where.

To help your research, the school has purchased a number of key books that are available in the sixth form library. Also, go to the section Useful websites to find lots of helpful websites to support your higher education research.

Use these 4 steps to ensure you make a good plan:

1. Develop course ideas (by the end of Year 12)

Brian Heap (see his book in the LRC called University Degree Course Offers) writes that deciding your degree on the basis of your current studies is a “reasonably safe option since you are already familiar with the subjects themselves and what they involve” and that for many occupations “the degree subject is often not as important as the degree itself”. A large number of graduate jobs are open to graduates of any degree discipline and specialist training for many careers starts once you have your degree.

Brian Heap also advises that the subjects you are currently studying are part of a much larger family and have similarities to degree subjects that you may not have considered. Pages 2 to 6 of his book list examples of degree courses linked to your current subjects. Also, pages 6 to 11 lists courses related to career areas.

Ask yourself these questions:

Do I have a specific career in mind and need to take a certain type of higher education course?
Which subject(s) am I interested in studying?
Am I interested in a combined or joint honours degree?
Do I want to live at home or away from home?

You could decide to:

Continue with one of your present subjects.
Combine two or more of your current subjects.
Combine a subject that you are studying now with a new one.
Take a completely new subject or subjects.
Take a general vocational course linked to a broad occupational area, such as business studies, art and design or tourism & travel.
Choose a course related to a specific job. You can use the Kudos computer program. If you have not previously used Kudos you need to go to the section Not signed up yet? and enter the licence code (available from your form tutor, Mr Silgram and the careers notice board near room AG01). You will then be able to create your own account (using your own username and password). Then go to “MY FUTURE”. Answer a series of questions and Kudos will come up with a list of careers for you to consider.

2. Research course ideas (by the end of Year 12)

3. Finalise course ideas (by beginning of Year 13)

For steps 2 and 3, check out university prospectuses, go to open days/conventions, contact admissions tutors, use the books available in the sixth form and useful websites.

In particular, research the following:

The specific university course entry requirements to make sure you have the right subjects and the right UCAS Tariff points needed/grades.
Type of qualification on offer: For example, is it academic, vocational, single honours, joint honours, combined honours, modular or sandwich (sandwich means it usually includes a year working)?
Reputation: What is the quality of teaching and research? What do recent students say about it?
Student satisfaction.
Academic facilities.
Course teaching methods: What is the balance between lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical or work-related activities?
Course assessment: Is it all examination-based or partly based on coursework?
Tuition fee costs.
Graduate destinations: How many find employment? What kind of careers do they go into?
Location and distance from home: Do you want to live in a big city or somewhere quieter?
Costs: Some places are cheaper to live in than others!
Accommodation: Are all first year students offered accommodation?
Is study or employment abroad part of the course?
Part-time and holiday work: Does the university help and encourage this and do they have a student employment service?
Social activities: What clubs, societies and sporting facilities are there?

4. Apply (autumn Year 13):

Most applications for full-time HE courses are made through UCAS — the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. Applications are made using the UCAS online system “Apply”. You need to complete various sections, such as personal details, education/employment history and a personal statement (this is key as you need to explain why you want to study your chosen course). Further information is on the UCAS website.

You now also apply for performing arts courses at conservatoires through the UCAS Conservatoires section of their website.

Q. What are university league tables?

A. University league tables can be used to compare universities. There are a number of different league tables available to use, although it’s worth knowing that they calculate their tables using different criteria and weighting. However, all should include student satisfaction scores; student to staff ratio; graduate prospects and entry grades.

Although they are a useful source of information, they do have their limitations! For example, not all indicators are updated yearly and student feedback may not be objective.

The Which? University website adds the following points:

Just because a university is at the top of a league table doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the right one for you.
League tables are often closely bunched together at the top, middle and bottom, so don’t read too much into universities placed five to 10 places apart. A university in 20th place can be separated by the one in 30th place by only a few percentage points. It adds that this is also why some universities and courses fluctuate from year to year – small differences in the score can mean big differences in the ranking order.
League tables don’t always tell you the full story as certain university courses may be well regarded by employers in specific career areas, even though the universities may not feature in the upper reaches of the tables. Falmouth University and Sunderland University are known to produce high achieving graduates in journalism and animation respectively, but there’s little sense of that reflected in the league tables.

Here are two sources of league tables to check out:

Remember though, you need to choose the right course and university for you, based on factors that are important to you! You therefore need to decide your priorities – create your own list of key factors and do your research.

Some factors to consider include:

Location and distance from home e.g. big city versus somewhere quieter.
Course content.
Entry requirements.
Academic facilities.
Course teaching methods.
Course assessment: Is it all examination-based or partly based on coursework?
Graduate destinations: How many find employment? What kind of careers do they go into?
Living costs – some places are cheaper to live in than others!
Student accommodation on offer.
Social activities: What clubs, societies and sporting facilities are there?

Q. How do I apply for university courses?

A. You need to use the UCAS website to apply for most undergraduate courses.

You apply for performing arts courses at conservatoires through UCAS Conservatoires.

Q. I want to study art at university; do I need to study an art foundation course first?

A. Possibly. It is often a requirement to have studied an art and design foundation course to gain entry to many art and design courses at university. You need to check the specific entry requirements for your chosen universities.

Q. What is the deadline for my application?

A. The usual UCAS deadlines are 15 October for the universities of Oxford, Cambridge or any professional course in medicine, veterinary medicine/science and dentistry; 15 January for the majority of courses and 24 March for some art and design courses.

UCAS Conservatoires: The usual application deadline for music courses starting the next year is early October. For most undergraduate dance, drama or screen production courses the deadline is 15 January. However there are exceptions, please check with individual conservatoires for full details as dates do vary. More information is available on the UCAS website.

Q. Will I have to take an admissions test?

A. Possibly, it will depend on what course you have applied for (e.g. law, medicine) and where you have applied (e.g. Cambridge and Oxford).

Most admissions tests take place early in the school year, so if you do need to take one you’ll need to register for it early, possibly before you’ve sent your application off.

UCAS add that many of the courses that use admissions tests are also the courses that have the 15 October application deadline, so it’s worth checking these details in advance.

More information is on the UCAS website.

Q. How many UCAS course choices do I have?

A. You can choose up to five courses. There’s no preference order and your universities won’t see where else you’ve applied until after you reply to any offers you get.

However, you can only choose a maximum of four courses in any one of medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine or veterinary science. Also, you can only apply to one course at either the University of Oxford or the University of Cambridge.

After you’ve sent off your application you can see how it’s progressing by logging in to the UCAS system called Track.

Q. Will I be interviewed for my course?

A. It varies, but it’s more likely if you have applied for competitive courses. If you are invited for an interview you can use University Interviews Guide to prepare. This book is in the sixth form library and is arranged into an A-Z of more than 80 degree courses, each with subject specific advice and sample questions. It also includes a section on applications to all undergraduate UK Medical Schools, Oxbridge section and sections on Primary Teaching, Veterinary Science, Nursing and Midwifery.

Q. What do I need to include in my personal statement?

A. Course tutors use personal statements (plus estimated grades and references) to compare applicants, so make sure you sell yourself so that your application stands out from the rest!

UCAS advise you not to mention universities by name as you need to use the same personal statement for all the courses you apply for.

The UCAS website gives useful tips for writing your personal statement.

Also, in addition to getting help to write your personal statement in your post-16 tutorial sessions, check out the personal statements books in the sixth form library.

Q. What is a conditional offer and what is an unconditional offer?

A. A conditional offer usually means you are required to get certain grades or points in your A levels (or equivalent). This will mean waiting for results day in summer to see if your exam results meet the conditions.

An unconditional offer means you’ve already met the entry requirements, so the place is yours if you want it! By accepting an unconditional offer you are committing to go to that university, so you can’t make an insurance choice or be entered into Clearing.

If you have an unconditional offer you can select it to confirm your place. If your offers are conditional on exam results or other requirements, you can pick two; your first choice and a backup choice.

“Firm acceptance” is your first choice. If it’s an unconditional offer the place is yours! If it’s conditional the place is yours if you meet the entry requirements. Your back-up choice is your “insurance acceptance”.

You will only attend your insurance choice if you don’t meet the conditions of your firm choice but you do meet the conditions of your insurance offer. So make sure your insurance offer is somewhere you would be happy going to.

You also have the option to decline offers. If you decline all offers, or are not made any offers, you can use UCAS Extra and/or Clearing.

Q. What is the UCAS Tariff?

A. The UCAS Tariff is a means of allocating points to compare post-16 qualifications used for entry to higher education. However, it’s worth noting that only one-third of universities make tariff offers; meaning two-thirds of offers request specific grades.

For example, the tariff points for A levels are:

A* = 56 points.
A = 48.
B = 40.
C = 32.
D = 24.
E = 16.

The tariff points for a BTEC subsidiary diploma (equivalent to 1 A level) are:

Distinction* = 56 points.
Distinction = 48.
Merit = 32.
Pass = 16.

The UCAS Tariff has changed for courses starting from September 2017. A key change is that the AS has been repositioned to 40% of the full A level. Universities will not generally count the tariff points from an AS level if the student has progressed to the full A level.

For more information about the Tariff go to the UCAS website.

Q. What is UCAS Extra?

A. Extra is a way of making a further course choice. If you’ve used five choices and weren’t accepted or you decided to decline any offers you received, you can use UCAS Extra to apply for more courses (one at a time). It is open between 25 February and early July.

Q. What is Clearing?

A. Clearing helps universities fill any places they have left on their courses and is available July to September each year. So you can use it if you have no offers or didn’t meet your conditional offers.

Q. What is UCAS Adjustment?

A. Each year some applicants pass their exams with better results than expected. So if you’ve met and exceeded the conditions of your firm choice, adjustment gives you the chance to potentially swap your course for another one. It’s available from A level results day to 31 August.

If you try Adjustment but you don’t find anything, you’ll still keep the course you gained on results day.

Q. Where can I find out more information about the UCAS process?

A. The UCAS website provides detailed information to help you with your UCAS application. It also provides lots of useful videos, such as a step-by-step guide to applying.

Also, check out The UCAS guide to getting into university and college (this book is available in the sixth form library).

Q. Can I study abroad?

A. Yes and many more students are considering this option due to the cost of UK university tuition fees. Use the following websites to carefully research your options and the financial implications:

A Star Future: Use to search for courses taught in English abroad.
The Student World: This gives guidance about where to study, why, the process and financial implications.
Eunicas: Enables UK and Irish students to apply to degree programmes, taught through English, in universities across Europe.
Fulbright Commission: Use to explore studying in the USA.
Study in the USA: Use to explore studying in the USA.
Study options: Use to explore studying in Australia and New Zealand.
Study portals: Provides a database of courses around the world.
StudyLink: Information and guidance about studying abroad.
Braintrack: Lists over 13,000 higher education institutions in 194 countries.
Study Overseas: A guide to studying in the Middle East.
Medical Doorway https://www.medicaldoorway.com/: Free advice to students aiming to study medicine, dentistry or veterinary medicine in Europe.

Q. Will I get any help from Moseley School to support my university application?

A. Yes, Year 12/13 students will get help from their post-16 tutor, local universities and the school’s careers adviser, Mr Silgram. This help will include:

Support to plan what to study and where.
Help to understand the UCAS process and how to apply.
Support to write your personal statement.
Preparation for university interviews.
Help to understand the student finance process.
1:1 careers advice (if needed).

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Jobs and voluntary work

Q. Where can I look to find a job?

A.Check out the following:

Job search sites, such as fish4jobs and Get my first job
Jobcentre Plus (your local job centre).
Universal jobmatch. This government site enables you to search and apply for full or part-time jobs.
Newspapers. For example, the Birmingham Mail has jobs on a Thursday.
Employment agencies. They can help you to find temporary and permanent jobs.
Personal contacts. Ask your friends and family if they know about any vacancies.
Local high streets. You can often find part-time or holiday work advertised in shop or restaurant windows.
Online directories, such as yell.com to find employers and employment agencies. Check employer websites to see if they are advertising any jobs, or consider sending them a speculative letter or CV.

Q. Can I find a job that doesn’t have any training?

A. No. The government says that Year 11 students must be in some form of learning until they are 18 years old. So any job you do, including working for a family business or for yourself (self-employment), must include part-time education or training.

Go to the government website for more information.

Q. Can I set-up my own business?

A. Yes, but you will first need to come up with a realistic idea that you can turn into a product or service. You will then need to test the market and develop a business plan. You’ll also need funding to set the business up.

Advice about starting your own business is available on the government website .

You can also contact Shell LiveWIRE. Established in 1982, this programme offers free online business advice and funding for young entrepreneurs (16-30 year olds).

The Prince’s Trust Enterprise programme can help you decide whether self-employment is right for you. It offers help to 18 to 30 year olds who are either unemployed or working less than 16 hours a week.

Q. How much is the minimum wage?

A. The National Minimum Wage rate per hour depends on your age and whether you’re an apprentice.

The rates are usually updated every October. For the latest information go to the Government website.

Q. What age can I start work?

A. The youngest age you can work part-time is 13, except if you are involved in areas such as television, theatre and modelling (children working in these areas will need a performance licence).

You can start full-time work once you have officially left school (you can work up to a maximum of 40 hours a week). Once you reach 18, adult employment rights and rules apply. More information is available on the government website.

Q. I’m still at school, are there any restrictions about what part-time work I can do and when I can do it?

A. Yes. You must be at least 13 years old and you are not allowed to work in places like a factory or industrial site.

You are also not allowed to work:

During school hours.
Before 7am or after 7pm.
For more than one hour before school (unless local bylaws allow it).
For more than 4 hours without taking a break of at least 1 hour.

There are also special rules which only apply during term times and school holidays. For example, during term time you can only work a maximum of 12 hours a week. This includes:

A maximum of 2 hours on school days/Sundays.
A maximum of 5 hours on Saturdays for 13 to 14-year-olds or 8 hours for 15 to 16-year-olds.

During school holidays, 13 to 14-year-olds are only allowed to work a maximum of 25 hours a week. This includes:

A maximum of 5 hours on weekdays/Saturdays.
A maximum of 2 hours on Sundays.

During school holidays, 15 to 16-year-olds can only work a maximum of 35 hours a week. This includes:

A maximum of 8 hours on weekdays/Saturdays.
A maximum of 2 hours on Sundays.

Full details are available on the government website.

Q. I’m interested in doing voluntary work, where can I find out more information about this?

A. Although the work is usually unpaid, there are lots of good reasons to become a volunteer, such as doing something useful in your spare time, making a contribution to your community, meeting new people, making friends or learning a new skill. It’s also a great way to gain experience, which may also help you with your future career plans.

Use these websites to find out more:

Birmingham Voluntary Service Council (BVSC) offers local volunteering opportunities.

National Citizen Service is open to all 16 and 17-year-olds in England. It helps you build your skills for work and life, while you take on new challenges and meet new friends. Participants develop a social action project to deal with a local issue they’re passionate about, and spend 30 hours putting the project into action in their community.

Volunteering Matters. This was formerly called CSV (Community Service Volunteers) and they offer a range of volunteering opportunities.

Q. I’ve got a career in mind; how can I check if there will be jobs available in that career in the future?

A. The job market is constantly changing. You can use labour market information (LMI) to research job trends in different career areas.

Use the following websites to research LMI and to check what future trends are predicted for your chosen career:

World of Work Black Country: Although this focuses on the Black Country, check out the information in “Job Sectors” and “Future Jobs”.
Prospects : Graduate job sector information.
National Guidance Research Forum: Has job trend information for 25 different job sectors.
Nomis: Provides a labour market profile of an area (e.g. search for Birmingham). Includes data on population, employment, unemployment, qualifications, earnings, benefit claimants and businesses.
UK Commission for Employment and Skills: If you’re very keen, this provides a link to a report called “Working Futures 2010-2020”. It gives a comprehensive picture of the UK labour market with projections for occupations by industry and areas.

Q. I’m not sure what job to do, is any help available?

A. Yes, use the Kudos software program. Then go to “MY FUTURE”. Answer a series of questions and Kudos will come up with a list of careers for you to consider.

Also, if you need 1:1 careers advice, see Mr Silgram, the school’s careers adviser. He can help you to explore job ideas.

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Further Education

Q. I want to stay in education, what are the key questions I need to think about?

A. The 2 key questions are:

What do you want to study? There are lots of different subjects and courses to choose from.
Where do you want to study? For example, at Moseley School, another school that has a sixth form, college or a specialist college.

Q. Where can I study?

A. You have lots of options! These include Moseley School, other schools that have a sixth form, colleges and specialist colleges. They vary in size and the courses they offer, so you’ll need to think about the type of place where you would like to study and what course you want to do.

You may want to stay at Moseley School as you know the teachers and are happy here. Alternatively, you may want a change of scenery and decide that another school or college would be better for you.

There are also newer specialist colleges to consider, such as Aston University Engineering Academy that specialises in engineering and science courses and Birmingham Ormiston Academy that specialises in creative, digital and performing arts courses.

It will also depend on what you want to study. For example, if you want to do A levels you’ll need to find a school or college that offers all the ones that interest you. Also, some colleges, such as South and City College and Solihull College, don’t offer A levels. Instead, these two colleges focus on vocational courses, so may offer courses that are not generally available elsewhere (such as motor vehicle studies).

So it’s really important that you decide what course or courses you want to do and then find out which schools and colleges offer them. You can then use their website and attend open days/evenings to find out more information; such as course entry requirements, what you will study on the course, how it is taught, whether there are any exams, the results students achieve, what students do after the course and what facilities are available (such as a library and access to computers).

You should also consider travel arrangements. How far are you willing to travel and how would you get there?

Information about Moseley School sixth form courses is available on the school website.

The website addresses for local colleges are:

Aston University Engineering Academy https://auea.co.uk/
Birmingham Metropolitan College (includes Matthew Boulton) www.bmet.ac.uk
Birmingham Ormiston Academy http://www.boa-academy.co.uk/
Bournville College https://www.sccb.ac.uk/
Cadbury College www.cadcol.ac.uk
Joseph Chamberlain College www.jcc.ac.u
Solihull Sixth Form College www.solihullsfc.ac.uk
Solihull College www.solihull.ac.uk
South & City College https://www.sccb.ac.uk/
University College Birmingham http://www.ucb.ac.uk

Q. What are my course options?

A. Options include general qualifications, such as GCSEs and A levels. General qualifications prepare you for a range of different careers, rather than focusing on a specific job.

In contrast, vocational qualifications are work-related and can give you the skills needed for a broad area of work or train you for a specific job. Courses are usually practical, involve hands-on projects and include courses like City & Guilds, NVQ and BTEC.

Some schools and colleges allow students to mix general qualifications with vocational ones. For example:

2 A levels with a BTEC level 3 course that is equivalent to one A level.
A BTEC level 3 course that is equivalent to 2 A levels with one A level.

What are T levels?
The government announced that technical qualifications, known as T levels, will be phased into the education system in the next few years.

T levels are new technical courses that will sit alongside apprenticeships and A Levels. The government want every young person to be presented with two choices after the age of 16: an academic route, traditionally via A levels and university, and a technical route for those seeking to gain skills required for entering skilled employment (via T levels and apprenticeships).

T-levels will allow 16 to 19-year-olds to choose from 15 technical sectors and will replace thousands of courses that are currently on offer.

T levels will be level 3 technical courses, based on employer-designed standards and content. Progression options will include higher and degree level apprenticeships or higher technical education, including technical degrees.

While some courses may be offered in schools, it’s more likely that T Levels will be taken in colleges due to the technical aspect of the training.

In October 2017 the Education Secretary announced the first three T levels will be in digital, construction and education & childcare.

Q. Will my GCSE grades affect the courses I can apply for?

A. Yes. To study level 3 courses (such as A levels or BTEC courses) you will usually need a minimum of 4/5 GCSEs at grades A* to C/4-9 (many will want this to include maths and English). Some schools and colleges may ask for more than 4/5 GCSEs and may also want a grade B/6 to study a specific subject. For example, Moseley School requires a grade 6 at maths GCSE to study A level maths.

If you get Ds/Es (or 3/2s) in your GCSEs you could consider doing a level 2 course, such as GCSE resits or a BTEC course. Please note, all schools and colleges will offer maths and English GCSE re-sits, but few places offer a full GCSE resit programme. Locally, Joseph Chamberlain College enables students to re-sit 5 GCSE subjects, but will expect students to have mostly D/3 grades at GCSE to get on this course.

Alternatively, if your grades are lower than Ds and Es, you may want to consider taking level 1 vocational courses.

For more information refer to the grid below:

If you get/likely to get: (check with each school/college for details of exact requirements)	Apply for:
4/5 GCSE’s at grade C/4 or above	LEVEL 3
A minimum of 1 GCSE at grade D/3 or above and 2 at Grade E/2 or above, including English and Maths	LEVEL 2
Literacy and numeracy assessments plus satisfactory interview and references	Foundation Learning LEVEL 1 ENTRY LEVEL

Q. I want to study A levels, which ones should I take?

A. Reasons for choosing A levels include being good at a subject, enjoying a subject and needing it for a future option/career.

To make an informed choice you need to do your research. Check what you will be studying (especially important if it’s a subject you have not studied before) and make sure your A level subjects keep open any career ideas you have.

Advice about choosing A levels from the Russell Group Universities (they represent 24 UK universities) is that some university courses may require you to have studied a specific subject or subjects prior to entry, others may not. However, there are some subjects that are required more often than others. These subjects are known as “facilitating subjects”. These include maths (and further maths), English literature, physics, biology, chemistry, geography, history and languages (classical/modern). You don’t necessarily need to have studied 3 facilitating subjects; some courses may require 1 or 2, whilst for other courses there are no specific subject requirements. If you don’t know what you want to study at university then it’s a really good rule of thumb that taking 2 facilitating subjects will keep open a wide range of degree courses. Other subjects that provide suitable preparation for university include economics and religious studies.

Q. How do I check if I need a specific subject or subjects for my chosen career?

A. Use the Kudos software program. To log on, go to the section Not signed up yet? and enter the licence code (available from your form tutor, Mr Silgram and the careers notice board near room AG01). You will then be able to create your own account (using your own username and password).

Go to “EXPLORE CAREERS” to search for a specific career you want to check out.

If you’re not sure which careers interest you, you can also use Kudos to generate career ideas and then check the entry qualifications needed to make sure your choices keep your career ideas open.

Go to “MY FUTURE” . Answer a series of questions and KUDO will come up with a list of careers for you to consider.

Q. Can you tell me more about BTEC courses?

A. BTECs are general work-related qualifications which can lead to further study at college or university, apprenticeships or employment. They combine practical work with academic learning.

They do not train you for a specific job, but they focus you on a particular vocational area, so you need to have decided on the general area of work you would like to do.

A wide range of subjects are available, such as art and design, engineering, business studies, travel & tourism, public services and health & social care.

BTECs can be taken on their own or with GCSEs and A Levels.

Level 3 BTECs are equivalent to A levels and can lead to university. You will need 4/5 GCSEs at grade C/4 or above to do a level 3 BTEC.

Q. What BTEC levels are available?

A. There are 3 levels:

BTEC Level 3	Equivalent to:
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma	3 A levels
BTEC Level 3 National Diploma	2 A levels
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate	1 A level
BTEC Level 2	Equivalent to:
BTEC Level 2 Diploma	4 GCSEs A* to C (9-4)
BTEC Level 2 Extended Certificate	2 GCSEs A* to C (9-4)
BTEC Level 2 Certificate	1 GCSE A* to C (9-4)
BTEC Level 1	Equivalent to:
BTEC Level 1 Certificates, Awards and Diplomas	GCSE D to G (3-1)
Entry level BTEC Certificates, Awards and Diplomas are also available

Q. When should I apply?

A. Once you have done all your research you should aim to apply by Christmas (especially for popular schools and colleges).

Many places have online applications; check their website for details.

If you are planning to apply to grammar schools, check their website for application deadlines.

Information about Moseley School sixth form courses is available on the school website . The school website also has an online application form.

The website addresses for local colleges are:

Aston University Engineering Academy https://auea.co.uk/
Birmingham Metropolitan College (includes Matthew Boulton) www.bmet.ac.uk
Birmingham Ormiston Academy http://www.boa-academy.co.uk/
Bournville College https://www.sccb.ac.uk/
Cadbury College www.cadcol.ac.uk
Joseph Chamberlain College www.jcc.ac.u
Solihull Sixth Form College www.solihullsfc.ac.uk
Solihull College www.solihull.ac.uk
South & City College https://www.sccb.ac.uk/
University College Birmingham http://www.ucb.ac.uk

Q. I’m not sure what course to take or where to do it, is any advice available?

A. If you need 1:1 careers advice, see Mr Silgram, the school’s careers adviser. He can help you decide what to study and where.

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Apprenticeships and traineeships

Q. What are the benefits of doing an apprenticeship?

A. Benefits include earning a salary, getting paid holidays, receiving training, gaining qualifications and earning job-specific skills.

Q. How much do you get paid?

A. All apprentices must receive the appropriate national minimum wage. The rate per hour depends on your age and whether you’re an apprentice. The rates are usually updated every October. For the latest information go to the Government website

Q. What types of apprenticeships are available?

A. Lots! The apprenticeship website says there are over 150,000 employers “offering apprenticeships in more than 200,000 locations, covering more than 170 industries and 1,500 job roles”. Specific examples include:

Animal care.
Teaching assistant.
Healthcare support worker.
Dental nurse.
Pharmacy technician.
Cabin crew.
Travel services.
Design assistant.
Hair and beauty.

Plus lots more…

For more details about types of apprenticeships go to www.gov.uk/education/types-of-apprenticeships

Q. What levels of apprenticeships are available?

A. There are three types of apprenticeship you can apply for depending on your current skills and qualifications. These are:

Intermediate level apprenticeships.
Advanced Level Apprenticeships.
Higher and Degree Apprenticeships.

Q. What are higher apprenticeships?

A. The UCAS website conveys that higher apprenticeships provide an opportunity to gain a higher education qualification, such as an NVQ Level 4, HND or foundation degree. They can take from one to five years to complete, and involve part-time study at a college, university or training provider.

Use the apprenticeship website to check out the latest apprenticeship vacancies.

Q. What are degree apprenticeships?

A. In March 2015 these were launched by the government. They have been developed by businesses, universities and colleges. Apprentices will split their time between university study and the workplace and will be employed throughout – gaining a full bachelor’s or master’s degree from a top university while earning a wage and getting real on-the-job experience in their chosen profession.

Use the apprenticeship website to search for degree apprenticeship vacancies.

The UCAS website https://www.ucas.com/degree-apprenticeships also has useful information about degree apprenticeships.

Q. What are the entry requirements for intermediate and advanced apprenticeships?

A. They vary. An apprenticeship is like a job and students need to demonstrate a strong interest in their chosen apprenticeship area and be ready to start a job! You need to check the apprenticeship vacancies for the specific entry requirements. For example, some may want 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades A*-C (or 4-9), others may ask for a Level 2 qualification in English and maths (such as GCSEs at A*-C/4-9 or a Level 2 Award in Functional Skills). Some may ask you to take a numeracy and literacy test before you are accepted onto the Apprenticeship.

Q. How do I apply for an apprenticeship?

A. You need to search and apply using the apprenticeship website. You can also check out employer websites if you have a particular employer in mind.

Moseley School also organises an annual apprenticeship and traineeship event, usually at the end of April. Local training providers are invited, so this gives you the chance to check out apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities.

Q. What is a traineeship?

A. Traineeships are an option if you want to work but need extra help to gain an apprenticeship or job. Traineeships will give you the opportunity to develop the skills and workplace experience that employers require.

You can search and apply for traineeships using the apprenticeship website.

Moseley School also organises an annual apprenticeship and traineeship event, usually in March/April. Local training providers are invited, so this gives you the chance to check out apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities.

Q. Is any support available to help me search for an apprenticeship?

A. Yes, see Mr Silgram, the school’s careers adviser

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Post 18 Options

Icould videos show people telling their personal career stories in their own words and they provide a first-hand account of what it’s like to work in a wide variety of jobs and sectors.

They also include people talking about their own choices at 18 and has articles and information about your options.

Q. What are my options after I finish my A level/BTEC level 3 courses?

A. Your main options are higher education, doing an apprenticeship , finding a job , further education or taking a year out.

Q. I’m thinking of taking a year out, what could I do?

A. Reasons for taking a gap year vary. For example, you may want to use the time to review your future plans, go travelling, do work experience (possibly linked to your chosen course or future career plans), develop new skills, earn money to fund your university place or volunteer in the UK or abroad.

For more information, check out “The gap year guide book” (available in the sixth form library) or useful websites, such as Prospects and Year in Industry www.yini.org.uk

Q. I want to study art at university; do I need to study an art foundation course first?

A. Possibly. It is often a requirement to have studied an art and design foundation course to gain entry to many art and design courses at university. You need to check the specific entry requirements for your chosen universities.

Q. What are higher apprenticeships?

A. The UCAS website conveys that higher apprenticeships provide an opportunity to gain a higher education qualification, such as an NVQ Level 4, HND or foundation degree. They can take from one to five years to complete, and involve part-time study at a college, university or training provider.

Use the apprenticeship website to check out the latest apprenticeship vacancies.

Moseley School also organises an annual apprenticeship and traineeship event, usually in March/April. Local training providers are invited, so this gives you the chance to check out apprenticeship opportunities.

Q. What are degree apprenticeships?

A. In March 2015 these were launched by the government. They have been developed by businesses, universities and colleges. Apprentices will split their time between university study and the workplace and will be employed throughout – gaining a full bachelor’s or master’s degree from a top university while earning a wage and getting real on-the-job experience in their chosen profession.

Use the apprenticeship website to search for degree apprenticeship vacancies. The UCAS website https://www.ucas.com/degree-apprenticeships also has useful information about degree apprenticeships.

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Options after Year 11

Icould videos show people telling their personal career stories in their own words and they provide a first-hand account of what it’s like to work in a wide variety of jobs and sectors.

They also include people talking about their own choices at 16 and has articles and information about your options.

Q. Do I have to stay in education until I’m 18?

A. No, but the government has increased the age you must continue in learning. This means that Year 11 students must be in some form of learning until they are 18 years old.

You can choose from the following:

Full-time study in a school, college or with a training provider.
Full-time work (including working in a family business) or volunteering combined with part-time education/training.
An apprenticeship.

Go to the government website for more information.

Q. When is the school leaving date?

A. The official date is the last Friday of June of the school year in which you turn 16.

Q. What are my options after Year 11?

A. Your main options are further education , apprenticeships and jobs.

Traineeships are an option if you want to work but need extra help to gain an apprenticeship or job. Traineeships will give you the opportunity to develop the skills and workplace experience that employers require.

For more information about your options after Year 11, check out the Icould videos. The Icould videos include people talking about their own choices at 16 and has articles about your options.

Q. Can I get any money if I stay on at school, go to college or start with a training provider?

A. It depends on personal circumstances. The 16 to 19 Bursary Fund is aimed at students who need financial help so that they can stay in learning. The Bursary Fund can help pay for costs like equipment you might need for your course and transport.

It can be worth £1,200 a year if you are:

In care or a care leaver.
Claiming Income Support or Universal Credit.
Disabled and getting Employment and Support Allowance and Disability Living Allowance.
If you’re not in one of the above groups you may still get a bursary depending on your personal circumstances. You need to check with your school, college or training provider to see if you are eligible.

More information is also on the government website. Additionally, if you’re studying and aged under 20 at the start of your course, Care to Learn can help pay for your childcare costs while you’re learning. More information is on the government website.

Q. I’m not sure what to do after Year 11, what can I do?

A. If you need 1:1 careers advice, see Mr Silgram, the school’s careers adviser. He can help you decide what to do after Year 11.

Q. When should I start applying for courses, apprenticeships and jobs?

A. If staying in further education, aim to apply by Christmas at the latest as some colleges fill up before the Christmas holidays! Check the course entry requirements and it is advisable to attend open days/evenings.

Most apprenticeships and jobs are looking for “immediate starts”, so the majority of the opportunities you can go for will be advertised later in Year 11 (such as April onwards). However, some employers recruit early, such as Jaguar Land Rover.

Use the apprenticeship website to create an account and to search and apply for vacancies. You can also set-up alerts for opportunities that interest you. Remember, some apprenticeship areas, such as motor vehicle, electrical work or childcare, are very popular!

Moseley School also organises an annual apprenticeship and traineeship event, usually in March/April. Local training providers are invited, so this gives you the chance to explore apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities.

If you’re looking for a job, check out the Jobs and voluntary work section.

Q. I have no career ideas, what can I do?

A. Use the Kudos computer program. If you have not previously used Kudos you need to go to the section Not signed up yet? and enter the licence code (available from your form tutor, Mr Silgram and the careers notice board near room AG01). You will then be able to create your own account (using your own username and password). Then go to “MY FUTURE”. Answer a series of questions and Kudos will come up with a list of careers for you to consider.

Also, if you need 1:1 careers advice, see Mr Silgram, the school’s careers adviser. He can help you decide what to do after Year 11.

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Year 8 Options

Icould videos include people talking about their own choices at 14 and their own personal career stories, covering a wide variety of jobs and sectors.

The website also has articles and information about your option choices.

Q. Are GCSE and other subject choices made in Year 8 or Year 9?

A. Like many schools, students at Moseley School choose their courses in Year 8, which means you will get up-to three years to study your subjects. However, some schools continue to make their subject choices in Year 9.

It is also possible to transfer at the start of Year 10 to a specialist vocational college, such as Aston University Engineering Academy (which specialises in engineering and science courses) and Birmingham Ormiston Academy (which specialises in creative, digital and performing arts courses).

Q. Are there any subjects I have to do?

A. Yes, the “Core Curriculum” is studied by all students to ensure basic skills are developed and a broad and balanced education is gained by everyone. These include English, maths, science, RE and PE (non-examined); plus at least one from modern foreign languages, history or geography.

Q. What choices will I have?

A. The “Additional Curriculum” enables you to choose other GCSE/BTEC subjects, such as art, drama, computer science, engineering, business studies, health & social care, travel & tourism, sport studies and textiles. Full details of courses on offer will be in your Year 8 information booklet.

Q. What is the English Baccalaureate (EBacc)?

A. The EBacc is not a qualification in itself. It is a particular group of GCSE subjects looked on favourably by universities. The subjects are English, maths, science (including computer science), history or geography and a modern foreign language. You do not need to have studied all these subjects to go to university but having your GCSE mix steered towards the English Baccalaureate will help keep options open.

Q. What is a BTEC?

A. BTECs are work-related qualifications. They cover a wide range of vocational areas and learning is related to the world of work. Assessment is through a portfolio of work, but may also include some examination. A level 2 qualification is equivalent to GCSE at grade A* to C. They can be taken alongside, or in place of, GCSEs.

Q. What is a GCSE?

A. General Certificate of Secondary Education. GCSEs cover general subjects like English, maths, history, science and languages. The Government has introduced changes, including a new 1-9 grading scale, which is being introduced gradually over three years from September 2015 (starting with maths and English). This will replace the current A* to G grades. For example, grades 4/5 will be equivalent to a grade C, grade 6 is equivalent to a grade B and grades 7-9 are equivalent to A/A*. Full exams will be taken in the summer at the end of two years of study.

Q. When do I have to make my choices?

A. Choices are usually made in January/February of Year 8.

Q. How do I choose what subjects to take?

A. Reasons for choosing a subject include:

Enjoying it.
Finding it interesting.
Being good at it.
Teachers indicating that you will do well at it.
The subject is needed or useful for future career ideas.

Ensure you read the course information in your Year 8 information booklet. You need to make sure courses suit your own personal learning style, so think about the way you learn best. Check out how each subject is taught and whether you are assessed by coursework or an examination (or both).

Also, discuss the courses available with parents/carers, family and other people, such as subject teachers, your form tutor/Head of House for general advice, Mr Edwards (Deputy Headteacher) and the school’s careers adviser, Mr Silgram.

Mr Silgram can be contacted by telephone on 0121 566 6444, extension 27035, or by email: sil@moseley.bham.sch.uk

You should not choose a subject just because your friends are doing it!

Q. Will I get any other support from the school?

A. Yes. You will also have an opportunity to attend, with your parents/carers, a Year 8 Pathways Evening, which will give further information about the options on offer and how the process works.

Additionally, during school time, there will be PSHE careers lessons to provide an opportunity for you to explore options available and to see how subjects relate to careers. Although you don’t need to decide what career you want just yet, giving it some thought may help with Year 8 options.

For further information, you could also check the Icould videos.

Q. What jobs could I do with a specific subject e.g. art and design?

A. You can use the eCLIPS program to investigate this. Click login (top right) and enter the school password (available from your form tutor, Mr Silgram and the careers notice board near room AG01). Once you have logged on, go to “Information & Advice”, choose “Education” and then choose the relevant subject leaflet (such as art and design).

You could also use the eCLIPS job families to find related careers. Go to “Job Groups” and choose the ones that interest you. For example, if you want to explore careers related to art and design, go to the “Design, arts and crafts” job family.

Alternatively, use the National Careers Service Job Profiles to check out careers.

Finally, check out Kudos . If you have not previously used Kudos you need to go to the section Not signed up yet? and enter the licence code (available from your form tutor, Mr Silgram and the careers notice board near room AG01). You will then be able to create your own account (using your own username and password). Then go to the starting point “Explore subjects”. Use to check out careers linked to subjects that you like.

Q. What subjects do I need to become a…?

A. Use the Kudos software program. If you have not previously used Kudos you need to go to the section Not signed up yet? and enter the licence code (available from your form tutor, Mr Silgram and the careers notice board near room AG01). You will then be able to create your own account (using your own username and password).

To check if specific subjects are needed for a particular career, go to “Explore Careers” and search for a career e.g. accountant. Then click on “What subjects should I study?” EXPLORE CAREERS to search for a specific career you want to check out.

Q. I have no career ideas, what can I do?

A. Use the Kudos software program. See previous question for details about how to log-on.

EXPLORE CAREERS to search for a specific career you want to check out.

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Need careers advice?

Q: Can I get careers advice in school?

A: Yes, Moseley School employs its own careers adviser. Mr Silgram is a qualified careers adviser and a registered professional with the Career Development Institute.

Mr Silgram provides impartial (unbiased) information, advice and guidance (IAG) to help students make an informed decision about their future options and career choices.

Advice and support is available for all students at the Careers Club on Tuesdays after school in the Learning Resource Centre (LRC) and there is a lunch-time “drop-in” session for Year 11 pupils on Thursdays in the Learning Resource Centre (LRC).

1:1 careers interviews are also available for students.

Mr Silgram can be contacted by telephone on 0121 566 6444, extension 27035, or by email: sil@moseley.bham.sch.uk

A range of careers information is available in the LRC and the sixth form library. For more details go to Useful websites & information

National Careers Service: Their careers advisers can talk to you about your choices online or over the phone on 0800 100 900. Advisers are available from 8 am to 10 pm.
Birmingham Careers Service: You can get help from them if you have left school, are aged 16 to 19 (up to 25 if you have a learning difficulty or disability) and are unemployed and looking for a college course, job, training or apprenticeship.

Q. Is there any help I can get when I’m not in school or when I’ve left?

A. Yes, support is available from the National Careers Service. Their careers advisers can talk to you about your choices online or over the phone on 0800 100 900. Advisers are available from 8 am to 10 pm.

Also, you can get help from Birmingham Careers Service if:

You have left school.
Are aged 16 to 19 (up to 25 if you have a learning difficulty or disability).
Are unemployed and looking for a college course, job, training or apprenticeship.

Q. I’m an employer, how can my company support the school?

Q. What is the school’s policy for managing the access of providers to pupils for the purposes of giving them information about the provider’s education or training offer?

Student entitlement

Management of provider access requests

Premises and facilities

Opportunities for access

Autumn Term

Spring Term

Year 8

Year 9

Year 10

Year 11

Year 12

Year 13

Q. What careers support are Moseley students entitled to?

Q. What topics does the careers programme include?

Q. What are the destinations of Year 13 and Year 11 students?

Student finance

Q. What support is available to pay for university tuition fees?

Q. What is a maintenance loan?

Q. Is any extra financial help available?

Q. How do I apply for student finance?

Q. How do I work out how much I am entitled to?

Q. Do universities provide any financial help?

Q. When do I have to repay my student loans?

Q. Is everyone eligible to apply for student finance?

Q. Are there any useful websites for student finance?

Useful websites

1. Need careers advice?

2. Year 8 Options

3. Options after Year 11

4. Post-18 options

5. Apprenticeships and traineeships

6. Further education

7. Jobs and voluntary work

8. University applications

9. Student Finance

10. Career ideas and careers information

11. Parents and carers

Parents and Carers

Q. When can my daughter or son leave school?

Q. How can I support my daughter or son with their choices?

Career ideas

Q. I have no career ideas, what can I do?

Q. How do I check what the entry requirements are for my chosen career(s)?

University applications

Q. I’m planning to go to university, how do I decide what to study and where?

Q. What are university league tables?

Q. How do I apply for university courses?

Q. I want to study art at university; do I need to study an art foundation course first?

Q. What is the deadline for my application?

Q. Will I have to take an admissions test?

Q. How many UCAS course choices do I have?

Q. Will I be interviewed for my course?

Q. What do I need to include in my personal statement?

Q. What is a conditional offer and what is an unconditional offer?

Q. What is the UCAS Tariff?

Q. What is UCAS Extra?

Q. What is Clearing?

Q. What is UCAS Adjustment?

Q. Where can I find out more information about the UCAS process?

Q. Can I study abroad?

Q. Will I get any help from Moseley School to support my university application?

Jobs and voluntary work

Q. Where can I look to find a job?

Q. Can I find a job that doesn’t have any training?

Q. Can I set-up my own business?

Q. How much is the minimum wage?

Q. What age can I start work?

Q. I’m still at school, are there any restrictions about what part-time work I can do and when I can do it?

Q. I’m interested in doing voluntary work, where can I find out more information about this?

Q. I’ve got a career in mind; how can I check if there will be jobs available in that career in the future?

Q. I’m not sure what job to do, is any help available?

Further Education

Q. I want to stay in education, what are the key questions I need to think about?

Q. Where can I study?

Q. What are my course options?

Q. Will my GCSE grades affect the courses I can apply for?

Q. I want to study A levels, which ones should I take?

Q. How do I check if I need a specific subject or subjects for my chosen career?