Discussion Cardsto support use of the

‘Moving on at 18’ e-book 2017-18

Discussion Cards – Answers

1 - What is the new UCAS Tariff?
How many points would you get for the following qualifications? (Under the new Tariff)
  1. 2 As and a B grade at A level (136 points, Page 7)
  2. Double Merit for a BTEC Diploma (64 points, Page 7)

2 - What financial support is available if you go to University?
(Page 14) You may be able to borrow money to help pay for university or college tuition fees and to help with living costs. You might get extra money on top of this, for example if you’re on a low income, are disabled or have children. This site has a useful calculator: or
When do you start paying this back?
(Page 14) Students don’t have to pay back the loans until after they leave their course and start earning more than £21,000 per year. After that, you’ll pay back 9% of anything you earn over £21,000. So if you’re earning £26,000 a year you’ll repay £450 a year (or £37.50 a month). For up-to-date information about student finances go to


3 - Where can you go for advice about taking a gap year?
(Page 23) If you are planning to take a year out before going to university attend any interview you may have for year out opportunities. Many student websites have articles about the pros and cons of taking a Gap Year. It is worth sounding out others for information and advice, including the university department you are interested in. For some subjects continuity of study for skills and knowledge is considered important e.g. maths and also music so a gap year may be less advisable. For more information, here are some examples of sites to look at:






4 - What is a CV?
(Page 19) CV is an acronym for Curriculum Vitae, although the longer Latin term is no longer used widely. It is a written description of a person’s educational background, work experience, key skills and achievements. It provides employers with an insight into the person who is applying for a job with them.
What information should be included in a CV?
(Page 19)
-Name and contact details
-Personal profile and/or key skills and achievements
-Education and qualifications
-Work experience (paid and unpaid)
-Other achievements/hobbies or interests
-References (or available on request)
Your CV should be well presented and formatted, easy to read and no longer than 1 A4 pages. You can also create a digital CV, particularly if you’re interested in a career in arts/design.
5
What is a higher apprenticeship?
Higher Apprenticeships are a real alternative to higher education as lots of large (and smaller) companies, such as Accenture, Rolls Royce, BT and PWC, recruit this way. You would obtain higher-level qualifications, gain valuable work experience and skills for your CV, and get paid at the same time. Apprentices are in full-time employment with an appropriate wage.There are now many opportunities to take up degree-level apprenticeships.
6
What activities should you do in the autumn term of Year 13 / 2nd year of college to help you plan for your future?
(Page 21) What you need to do will depend on what your plans are for the following year i.e. are you planning to take a gap year, go to university, go into an apprenticeship, or something else? If you are planning to get a job you should have already done some intensive research into your chosen career area. Begin to write a CV and decide who you will use as references (and ask them for permission!).
If you are planning to go to university complete your UCAS application form. This can be submitted anytime from mid-September, the deadline for applications is 15th January. (For medical, dentistry, veterinary medicine / science courses and courses at Oxford / Cambridge the deadline is 15th October). Apply for any bursaries, scholarships or sponsorships (some of these may have to be applied for in the summer term of year 12). If you are planning to take a year out before university make sure you are clear on your UCAS application form that you are applying for a deferred entry. If you have not yet done so apply for any year out schemes that you are interested in.

7

What options are available if you do not plan to go to university as a full-time student?

(Page 21) There are lots of options for you if you don’t intend to go to university. This can include:

- Apprenticeships (starting at Level 2 up to Degree level)

- Job with training

- Job without training

- Traineeship

- Internship

- Volunteering

- Gap year

8

What is a degree?

(Page 3) A degree is an academic title given by a Higher Education institution to indicate the successful completion of a period of in-depth study. Degrees normally last 3-4 years (although can be longer dependent on subject being studied.)

What different types of degree are available at university?

(Page 3) Universities offer a range of different types of qualifications including

- Foundation degrees

- Higher National Diplomas

- Foundation degrees

- Bachelor degrees

- Sandwich courses

9

What things should you consider when choosing a course?

(Page 5) There are a number of things that should be considered when choosing both a course and university. These can include:

- Type of university i.e. large / small, town / county, campus / city centre, traditional / modern

- Location / costs of living in different areas /cost of (and time) of travel to home

- Facilities

- Accommodation

- Course options linked to your subject preferences

- Entry requirements

- Accreditation by relevant professional bodies (if appropriate)

- League tables

- Financial support available from the university

- Graduate prospects

- Teaching and assessment methods

- What you found out and observed when you went to open days