Choices 2012

Academic Year Calendar

Autumn term

(September-December)

• Research what you want to do
• Consider your interests, best subjects and potential exam grades
• Discuss your options with your Adviser, teachers and family
• Visit your school or college careers library
• Find out which courses are available and where by using the UCAS Progress website (formerly the Choice website) www.ucasprogress.com or local school/college prospectuses and websites
• Check dates of open evenings at schools/colleges, or find out if there are year 11 events in your area
• Decide which sixth forms/colleges you are interested in and apply in the September of year 11. Remember that lots of courses fill up fast, so it’s best to get your application in early. You can apply for more than one school and college
• Looking for work or an apprenticeship? Prepare your CV for work or training. Start to write to employers. Talk to your Adviser about how to apply and deadlines
• School/college and job application forms will ask for a reference, so decide who you would like to be your referee and ask their permission first.

Spring term

(January-April)

• If you haven’t applied for schools/ colleges yet, you must apply this term
• Interviews for further education (FE) colleges run from January until August. To make sure you are prepared, you will need to explain why you have applied for that particular college and course. Ask your Adviser for help, if you need it
• Start applying for apprenticeships and other work-based learning, if they interest you.

Check www.apprenticeships.org.uk, this will give you information about the types of apprenticeships there are and you can search online for vacancies

• Find out if you can apply for a 16-19 Bursary ( the replacement for the Education Maintenance Allowance) which offers funding support if you intend to stay in education or are considering work-based training. Schools, colleges and training providers are responsible for awarding bursaries to students

Summer term

(April-July)

• Find out about bursaries, if you haven’t already
• You will probably go on study leave in May – most exams take place in May and June
• Keep in regular touch with your Adviser, one stop shop or youth centre if you are looking for employment. A range of jobs across London is available on: www.lois.uk.net
• For year 11s, your official school leaving date is the last Friday in June (29th June 2012)

You can only legally enter full-time work or training after this date, even if you are 16 before or after that date.