This blog is designed to keep you up-to-date with Careers Education, Information and Guidance (CEIAG) available locally, nationally and through the school. I’ll be posting information about employment and training opportunities available locally as well as details of open days and useful websites. The world of education, employment and training opportunities is changing rapidly so keep checking in for the latest information.

Mr Cross


Monday 2 July 2018

UCAS Personal Statements advice

As it's "that time of year again", it might be useful to revisit the UCAS list of Top 10 overused and cliched phrases students use in their Personal Statements.

From a young age I have (always) been ...
For as long as I can remember I have ...
I am applying for this course because ...
I have always been interested in ...
Throughout my life, I have always enjoyed ...
Reflecting on my educational experience ...
XX is a very challenging and demanding (career/profession/course) ...
Academically, I have always been ...
I have always wanted to pursue a career in ...
I have always been passionate about ...

UCAS has released the information to encourage applicants to "convey a connection with the subject" in language that made them stand out. Their chief executive, Mary Curnock Cook, said: "The Personal Statement is supposed to be personal. Learning to write about yourself in a compelling way is a vital skill when applying for jobs; using hackneyed phrases is not the best way to stand out.

Predicted grades system questioned

A study by the University and College Union says no other developed country uses forecasts of results for university admissions and that in 2016 only 16% of predictions for three A-levels or equivalent were accurate. UCAS says that the most recent figures suggest that predicted grades are usually higher than the actual results, with 73% of applicants doing less well than forecast. The UCU report calls for an 'urgent overhaul' of the application system, so that pupils would know their actual exam grades before making their final applications. 

Do video lectures work?

A study from Kings College of a BSc course before and after it offered video capture for lectures, found that attendance plummeted and grades went down. The study found that the number of students missing classes doubled to 40% and those who did not attend had significantly lower coursework grades.