Farnham Sixth Form College Higher Education Presentation to Parents Feb 2014

1. Higher Education Evening for Parents
• Jonathan Stewart
Director Farnham College
• Sally Cunningham
Careers Co-ordinator, Guildford College Group

2. Objectives for this evening
• To provide an overview of Higher Education
and (UCAS)
• To identify the support available to
Farnham College students
• To outline the key dates ahead

3. Why Choose Higher Education?
• Want to continue studying/to specialise further
• Enjoy the subject
• Need qualification for career choice
• To develop valuable skills
• Enhance employment prospects
• Good social life - independence!
• Potential of earning more, progressing further
and creating more flexibility in your
employability

4. Spoilt for Choice!
• BA, BSc, Fdg or HND
• There are over 130 HE institutions in the UK and
• Over 12,000 degree subjects on offer with 50,000
course combinations
• Heap, B, Degree Course Offers, 2014

5. Choosing a Course
• Subject, Course Content, University
– prospectuses, university websites
– UCAS website (www.ucas.com)
• Course Structure
– Practical / Theoretical / Sandwich
– Placements / Employer links
• Entry Qualifications
– Find out predicted grades from your tutor
What is it going to do for you?
What are the progression routes?

6. Location, location, location
Things to consider:
•Distance from home & transport links
•City or campus
•Facilities
•Security
•Quality & cost of accommodation

7. Accommodation
Things to consider:
•Guaranteed for first years?
•Catered/self – catered?
•Ensuite or shared facilities
•Internet access
•Private rented
•Distance from campus
•Value for money?

8. Do your research
• www.ucas.com
• Websites & Prospectuses
• Open day visits and taster days
• www.unitasterdays.com
• Create a short list + reasons for interest

9. UCAS Application Schedule
June
Sep
• Start research, Open Day visits
• Start UCAS application and
• Complete first draft of personal statement
• Create shortlist of 5 courses
• Finalise Personal Statement
• Aim to complete by end Oct
• Oxbridge, Dentistry, Medicine, Vet
Oct
15th
Oct
• UCAS deadline
• Deadline for some Art & Design courses
15th
Jan
Mar

10. Key Dates Ahead
Completed
17th March
20th March
29th April
Why Higher Education? (Speaker from Surrey University)
HE Convention – Surrey Sports Park
Tutoring Day (Progression options)Higher Education
Evening, Guildford College
1-1 support throughoutOngoing
Progression options workshops for all students covering
Employment, Apprenticeships, Higher Education
HE progressors:
•Research
•UCAS registration and application process
•Writing a Personal statement
June