Students

In years 10 and 11 you will need to make plans for once you leave Wishmore Cross Academy, ensuring that you make the best choice for you. The main options you have are below (it is very important that you check entry requirements not only for your chosen college, but the individual course. Some BTEC courses, subject grades at GCSE determine the level of course you can do):

T-Levels - Equivalent to 3 A Levels (including UCAS points), T Levels allow students to get vocational skills by spending 80% of time in the classroom and 20% of the time completing a work placement where they can practise the skills they have learned. Since being introduced in 2020, the subjects available to do as a T Level are expanding and currently include subjects like education and healthcare. Once you have completed your T Level in your chosen subject, it is worth the same UCAS points as 3 A Levels. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Egh-dKw_H7M 

A-Levels - Advanced levels are qualifications that are subject based. These can lead to university, work or further study. A Levels are offered by schools or colleges traditionally to those aged 16-19 and are commonly studied over 2 years and assessed through examinations. Students study 2 or more A-levels during this time and have around 40 subjects to choose from. Subjects on offer are subject to the school or college you study at.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDGV3aqRmH4 

Traineeships - Traineeships are an education and training programme focused on getting students ready for work. Traineeships are available for those aged 16-24 who want to acquire work based skills who do not yet have them. Traineeships have 3 core elements: work experience placement, work preparation training (delivered by an external training provider) and further support with their maths and english if required.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJabsIYNeiI 

Supported Internship - Supportive internships are for those with SEND needs highlighted within an EHCP. Those with this highlighted needs need to be aged 16-24 and will study a programme that involves training and support to give them the skills to get a job. Majority of the learning is done with an employer in the workplace where they teach you to do the job while giving you skills and work experience.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfCV4uxSDRU  

Apprenticeships - When studying an apprenticeship, you will experience a combination of study and a job which gives you practical training. Apprenticeships involve working as an employee, working with experienced staff, getting paid for your work and getting skills specific to the job you are training in. Apprenticeships come in many levels ranging from a level 1 - 7 qualification and can take between 1 and 5 years to complete.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4YDcPZJFWg 

BTECs - BTECs allow you to learn a subject and how it relates to an industry, allowing you to build your knowledge and skills to succeed in that industry. You will do so through theory and coursework, but you will do lots of practical work too! When you do a BTEC course it will fill up your timetable as only one subject is chosen. Depending on your GCSE grades, you can do a BTEC at different levels and you can progress from one level to another. You will be assessed through project work and coursework but may have exams too. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9Ai4oDVv7o 

Below is a list of our local further education and Sixth Form colleges:

• Brooklands College (Weybridge/Ashford): https://www.brooklands.ac.uk/  

• NESCOT College (Epsom): https://www.nescot.ac.uk/ 

• Farnham College (Farnham): https://farnham.activatelearning.ac.uk/ 

• Farnborough College of Technology (Farnborough): https://www.farn-ct.ac.uk/ 

• Crawley College (Crawley): https://www.crawley.ac.uk/ 

• Strode College (Egham): https://www.strodes-windsor.ac.uk/ 

• East Surrey College (Redhill): https://www.esc.ac.uk/ 

• Guildford College (Guildford): https://guildford.activatelearning.ac.uk/ 

• Kingston College (Kingston-Upon-Thames): https://stcg.ac.uk/kingston-college 

• Merrist Wood College (Guildford): https://merristwood.activatelearning.ac.uk/ 

• Woking College (Woking): https://woking.ac.uk/ 

• Bracknell & Wokingham College (Bracknell): https://bracknell.activatelearning.ac.uk/ 

• Reigate College (Reigate): https://www.reigate.ac.uk/ 

• West Thames College (Isleworth): https://www.west-thames.ac.uk/ 

• Military Preparation College (Aldershot/Croydon): https://mpct.co.uk/ 

• Langley College (Windsor): https://www.langley.ac.uk/ 

Below is a list of websites and links providing information on a variety of Post-16 options:

• Apprenticeship information (including vacancies) can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship 

• Looking for an apprenticeship vacancy in computing, engineering, manufacturing or design and technology? Information can be found here: https://www.tomorrowsengineers.org.uk/ 

• Further apprenticeship information can be found at: https://amazingapprenticeships.com/resources/ 

• National Careers Service - an extensive careers website with a variety of job profiles, which outlines the skills required, pay levels, duties and career prospects for many different jobs. Furthermore, it provides valuable guidance on the different stages you experience in getting a job. 

• Career Pilot - looking for labour market information? This website has extensive information regarding the job market in the south-west of England. It provides information on the main employment sectors, including the number of those working in that sector and whether that number is due to fall or increase. Furthermore, it has information on job salaries, types of apprenticeships, the top employers and the linked subject areas.

• BBC Bitesize - an extensive careers section on the BBC website which provides information on job applications, next steps including post-16/18 options, what it's like to work for the BBC and job inspirations. It provides case studies and advice from people who have found the right path for them to help inspire you.

• UCAS - are you thinking about applying to higher education? This website is helpful if you are thinking about higher education in the future. It also has a varied amount of valuable information on different higher education options, including apprenticeships.

• Prospects - an extensive careers website which provides information on a range of jobs and work experience, postgraduate study options, careers advice, support with university applications and support on how to create a CV or cover letter. There are personality quizzes too.

• Icould - a website packed with helpful videos about a vast range of job roles