Clearing 2021: advice students hoping to secure Plan B
This time of year can be very stressful for students as they await their hotly anticipated exam results. After a much-maligned academic year, this summer, students have the dreaded wait to find out if they have secured their spots at their educational institution of choice. If you’re in this position, the best advice right now is not to forget to have a plan B. If you don’t get the results you expected for your first choice and don’t want to appeal your exams next year, then Clearing is the way to go. Clearing is used by universities and colleges to fill up the spaces they have left on their courses and helped more than 70,000 students last year. Many of those did not originally apply through the traditional UCAS route, instead deciding to wait until Clearing began. Navigating Clearing can be tricky, so here are some top tips to secure your future. When is results day? Tuesday 10th August will be when most people receive their Level 3 BTEC and A-Level results. Scottish results will be released on the same day for SQA levels. Where to start First things first – don’t panic! Through Clearing you have more time than you think if you don’t get the results you expected. This year, the UCAS Clearing portal will run between 5th July to 19th October, and the option to use Clearing Plus, which matches you to courses you had previously shown an interest in, means it’s never been easier to see course options. The Clearing process gives you extra time to find a course you want while allowing you to start university in September. During this period, you are able to visit online open days and virtual campus tours, giving you access to explore wider options. This is crunch time, and there is plenty of support available from your school, college, parents, or directly through UCAS. Searching for a course It may feel like starting all over again when looking at courses through Clearing but don’t be disheartened! Remember you already picked your favourites, so it might be a good starting point to look back on your original choices. If you were already interested in these universities and courses, and already applied through UCAS, this will prove your interest when you give them a call to go through the Clearing process. If these universities don’t have any Clearing places, don’t be discouraged. Allow yourself to think about what was important to you when you first chose these courses. Have your priorities shifted since then? The pressure and stresses that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought with it mean some students may no longer wish to attend university in September. Others may opt for a course closer to home rather than one at the other end of the country. You may find that you have a new passion to explore or that moving away is no longer what you want. It is important to answer all these questions when searching to find exactly what course and university will suit you. There will probably be courses you never knew existed that are available, so it’s also good to keep an open mind and not to discount alternative courses – you never know what you might find! It could set you on the path for a career you previously hadn’t looked into. Consider your alternative options A really important factor to consider is exactly what you want to get out of your studies. After studying for your A-levels or Level 3 qualification you may have found that the traditional routes aren’t for you after all, or you may need more time to adjust to higher studies or moving away from home. You may do better to look for institutions that offer a broad curriculum of foundation degrees or more vocational options for study. Many colleges offer higher education options and are still great places to study! They are able to offer more support while also giving the option for work experience alongside your studies and smaller classes for a more personal teaching style. You can still get the perks of studying in a location you want to as well, whether that is close to home or near your ideal city of choice. Degree apprenticeships are also a great option to get the best of both worlds. You can enter the world of work while also getting paid and achieving your degree without tuition fees. While you can earn as you learn, degree apprenticeships are also a way to give back and apply your learning back in the workplace, entry requirements differ across colleges and employers but there are great opportunities across the UK through a variety of different businesses. There is no need to stress on results day. There will be disappointment if you don’t get into your first choices, but it’s essential to keep an open mind! Taking that step further into higher education is an exciting new chapter in life, with many memories and friends to make, so don’t let one day change that!
Overcoming the myths of clearing
As of September 20th, 2018, the academic intake year seen a total of 60,100 hopeful students accepted through the UCAS clearing process. Not only was this figure 150 higher than the previous year, it broke a new record for the number of students in total who had been taken in through clearing. Unfortunately, despite the incredible number of success stories which have generated from the clearing process, in 2019, there still exists a major stigma around it. In this article, we set out to quash the myths and provide you with a factual realisation of the benefits of clearing. What is clearing? Clearing takes place between July and September. It is designed to help students who need another opportunity to apply, regardless of the reason. Much of the confusion regarding the clearing process is based around who can apply. If you fall within any of the following categories, then you can apply: • Your application was not received by UCAS until after the 30th June, as by this stage they will not have been able to submit it to higher education institutions on your behalf • You didn’t receive any offer(s) • You had paid the full application fee for a course which has either been declined or unsuccessful • You either didn’t respond by the due date or declined your offer(s) • You didn’t receive the grades, therefore your offer was not confirmed • You declined a changed entry point, a changed course of study, or a changed start date A-Level aftermath The first major point regarding the clearing process, which is misinterpreted, is that it is only for people who failed their A-Levels. Not only is this untrue, it couldn’t be further from the truth. Yes, clearing does offer an alternative route into further education for those who failed to meet preestablished grade requirements, however, this is one very small dimension to the process. It is a sad reality that many students will beat themselves up if they don’t get their predicted grades at A-Level. However, once you arrive at university, everyone starts off from the same place. Teaching is designed and geared to ensure that everyone is in the same boat, regardless of your previous experience or learning. Similarly, don’t think because you’ve come through clearing that the rest of the class will be more intelligent — they could have gone through the exact same experience! Once you’re in, you’re in, and there is no looking back. For students carrying out their A-Levels, there is no denying that you have a lot on your plate. Yes, of course you will receive copious amounts of help from your career advisor at school or college, but, quite frankly, you might not know what you want to do. Often this can lead to jumping into a university course that you didn’t actually want to do. This is where clearing can show its true worth. Rather than devoting the next three or four years of your life to a degree which you are unsure about, reapply once you have had a summer to weigh up your options. ‘But it’s only the courses that nobody wants to do…’ If you listen to the word on the grapevine, you might think that the only courses available through clearing are the ones which nobody wants to do. This, however, is little more than a rumour. Of course, there are a number of subjects which are incredibly oversubscribed from the off-set. However, even for those courses, the grade boundaries will usually be higher, and if the candidates don’t meet the requirements, unfilled places will remain. All clearing does is match students to courses which are not filled. The credibility of the course isn’t diminished in anyway because it features in the clearing process — you could literally find anything on there, even the course you had initially applied for. Don’t think that because you’ve had one knock back from that course that you are inappropriate for a second shot. Many students find that they miss the cut the first time around, however, they can enter on the second intake. Edward Brooks is a recent graduate of Northumbria University. After completing his first year at Teesside University in Middlesbrough, Edward began to look at alternative locations for the remainder of his studies. He wanted to be closer to his family in Newcastle. Unfortunately, because he had missed the cut off for UCAS applications, he would have had to wait for another year if he was going to apply using the standard procedure. Thanks to the university clearing process, Edward was able to apply to Northumbria. He details how his process was utterly seamless: “I was a bit stressed at first. I’d heard that clearing can be really confusing and time-consuming, but, I got in touch and everything was pretty simplistic — I was on the right course for me, in the right location in a few weeks”. What else? The clearing process isn’t difficult, but, we do admit, come results day, things might be a bit haphazard. However, there are walkthrough guides online detailing how to make the most out of the process. Don’t be fooled into thinking people will think less of you if you go through clearing. Clearing is somewhat of a Pandora’s box, or Narnia style cupboard, in that it can lead you into endless opportunity. Sources ucas.com bbc.co.uk
NewVIc achieves Ofsted outstanding
Newham Sixth Form College’s latest Ofsted inspection has praised the college for being outstanding in their provision for personal development, behaviour and welfare. Students were found to achieve excellent results at the college. The report highlighted that “the proportion of students who successfully achieved their qualifications was high” with many students achieving top grades. The report, published on the Ofsted website today (22 January 2019) confirms NewVIc as a diverse and collaborative community with excellent academic success, personal development and progression. Ofsted commented on how students “benefit significantly” from the specialist A Level Honours programme and how “students on vocational programmes make good progress”. Many students we found to progress to university with an increasing number securing high level apprenticeships. NewVIc’s expert teaching was celebrated with teachers being described as “very enthusiastic” practitioners who “motivate students to have high aspirations and make good progress”. Teachers’ dedication to students resulted in the majority of students meeting or exceeding their expected grades. Inspectors were particularly impressed by the college’s focus on personalised support, unique opportunities, and tailored skills development. The extensive programme of sports and other enrichment activities such as debating; sports clubs; women’s club and voluntary work was found to be extremely popular with many students participating. NewVIc principal and chief executive Mandeep Gill commented: “I’m delighted that Ofsted has recognised NewVIc’s outstanding contribution to education in the borough. As a college, we are very proud of our broad offer and the wide ranging achievements of students with different abilities and ambitions. I am very much in favour of giving every student the opportunity to achieve on their terms. Our outstanding judgement reflects this.” Inspectors gave emphasis to how much students enjoy life at NewVIc and noted the college’s warm, happy and welcoming environment. Inspectors described student behaviour as “courteous to each other and to staff” and commended the college for ensuring “that there is a culture of tolerance, respect and safety for all students.” Inspectors also praised the college for the individual support and care given to students, including those requiring additional learning support and complex needs. Looking to the future, Mandeep Gill added: “NewVIc will continue its drive to meet the needs of all young people, giving each and every one a chance to create the future they want for themselves. Whether that is a place at Oxford or Cambridge; an English or maths GCSE; an apprenticeship; or a first ever qualification, NewVIc will continue to offer the most inclusive, exciting and engaging post-16 education experience for all the young people in Newham.” Key strengths from the report: ● Outstanding personal development ● Outstanding support and welfare ● High and increasing proportion of student achievement ● High grades on vocational courses ● Good outcomes for learners ● Excellent access to work experience ● Good teaching, learning and assessment ● High-quality careers advice and guidance ● Extensive programme of sports and enrichment ● Strong student voice ● Collaborative and inclusive ethos ● Good leadership and management ● Strong partnerships with employers and universities ● High-quality facilities and resources Find out more about what NewVIc has to offer, visit our Open Day on 26 January 2019. NewVIc offers a wide range of A Level and vocational courses. Prospectuses and more information are available by calling 020 7473 4110.
NewVIc students feel empowered by Michelle Obama and female business leaders.
Since October, NewVIc has been working with the National Literacy Trust to deliver ‘Words for Work: Women in Leadership’ – a programme which aims to engage and empower our future female leaders. Earlier this week, the programme culminated in a fantastic ‘Women in Leadership’ panel event, which was attended by over 200 female students from across East London. Students heard from inspirational female leaders and learnt about their journeys to success, the challenges they faced and how they overcame them. The panellists of professionals included: Laura Bates – Everyday Sexism Project Marie Scott – CMS Law Thanyia Moore – Comedian Kavita Hansla – National Literacy Trust Elizabeth Yentumi – Ministry of Justice Emilie Marsh – Lancôme Sanisha Wynter – National Student Union Kathleen O’Malley – Network Rail Later that day, seven NewVIc students were invited to the sold out event ‘Becoming’ – An Evening with Michelle Obama’ at the Royal Festival Hall, to discuss her new memoir. Michelle chatted with author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie about everything from her childhood spent in the South Side of Chicago to her years as an executive, motherhood and her time as a resident in the White House. “Michelle Obama stands for race equality and gender equality. She just wants to make this world a better place and she believes in us young girls, that we have the power to make this change, and that’s why she particularly addressed us because we are the younger generation. As she says, she is laying the foundations for us to become the future leaders” “What I got from that was the feeling of empowerment and I think that’s enough for me to strive forward. I realise now that my fear of rejection and failure is something I’m emphasising too much and I shouldn’t.” “It actually made me realise that behind every woman, every leader, there is a story to tell.” NewVIc A Level students “The students were a credit to themselves and to NewVIc. The inclusive environment from the minute you walk in the door is hugely evident. They listened incredibly to the panel and asked such insightful questions. It was wonderful to see them rushing to take a copy of Michelle Obama’s autobiography at the end of the event.” Fiona Evans National Literacy Trust, Head of School Programmes The ‘Words for Work: Women in Leadership’ programme, focuses on challenging stereotypes and raising aspirations of students by developing their literacy, communication, leadership skills and preparing them for the workplace by learning how these skills can be used to overcome the barriers women face in their careers. During the first phase of the programme in October, a group of NewVIc students were invited to Lancôme for an immersion day. It was an incredible opportunity for young female students to network in the corporate world. Students saw first-hand how women are valued and developed in a hugely successful international company. “The motivational women that led the programme gave a tour of the company’s offices, encouraged the students to reflect on their own aspirations and dreams and gave them the chance to ask both pertinent and personal questions. The day gave our young female students a deeper understanding of the world of work and left them feeling that there are no limitations to what they can achieve and how high they can aim. The warm and supportive vibe also left us as female staff members full of confidence and enthusiasm to do the same.” Jodie Fink NewVIc A Level Tutor The programme has been a huge success seeing so many strong young women, from all different kinds of backgrounds, develop their literacy skills and have the courage to challenge stereotypes by aspiring to go into leadership roles. Find out more