Encounters with Further and Higher Education
Throughout Years 7-11 students will have the opportunity to participate in various activities such as the Careers Fair and various assemblies where they will have the opportunity to hear from and speak to Colleges regarding courses on offer including T Levels. Students are encouraged to attend Open Days at local colleges as well as at other Sixth Forms.
For students with an EHCP (Educational Health Care Plan) students visit specialist colleges and providers to allow them to make informed choices about their progression. Where possible an event is held on site at The Sittingbourne School for parents and students from Year 9 and Year 10 to attend where all specialist providers will give a presentation regarding the opportunities available.
As a Sixth Form, we have always had a robust programme of support for our students moving into further and higher education, including apprenticeships. This support will include a range of visits, workshops and one to one personalised support meetings.
We hold a HE Information Evening by the University of Kent, which informs both parents and students of Years 11, 12 and 13 with everything they need to know when considering ‘Why go to university?’. It is an interactive event, with the audience getting to vote digitally on questions from the university presenter.
Our HE workshops are run by ambassadors from local universities and support students through:
- How to choose a university and degree course
- Making your application
- Writing a personal statement
Students have the opportunity to meet and interact with universities, local colleges, ASK apprenticeship team and other training providers to help support them to make the decision on progression to further and higher education including apprenticeship.
Working in partnership with Kent and Medway Progression Federation (KMPF)
The Sittingbourne School is a member of the Kent and Medway Progression Federation (KMPF) which is a collaborative partnership of higher education providers, colleges, schools and community organisations working to make sure young people from all backgrounds can see and reach their potential.
Its longevity evidences the commitment and passion of colleagues within the partner universities towards ensuring that every young person in the area who has the potential to benefit from higher education (HE) – particularly those currently under-represented – is aware of the opportunities available and can make an informed choice about their future.
KMPF work with 49 schools and 3 colleges to deliver outreach activities across Kent and Medway through two targeted widening participation projects: the KMPF General Outreach Programme, which is funded and delivered by their partner institutions, and the KaMCOP programme, which is part of the Office for Students (OfS) Uni Connect Programme.
KMPF also provides information, advice, and guidance for anyone from Kent and Medway who need support exploring their post-16 and post-18 education options.
HNC/HND/Access to HE/Foundation Degrees
These can be a suitable alternative route for some students, offering a stepped pathway into higher education and degree courses.
Use: www.Whatuni.com and then select HNC/HND into the search with your chosen subject.
The Sittingbourne School is a member of the Kent and Medway Progression Federation which is a partnership between Canterbury Christ Church University, the University of Kent, the University for the Creative Arts, the University of Greenwich, Canterbury College, the EKC Group, MidKent College, HEAT, Laser Learning Awards, Switch Youth Services and over 70 schools and colleges in Kent and Medway.
Collaboratively, KMPF works to raise the aspirations and attainment of young people from backgrounds who might not otherwise consider progression to higher education. The majority of young people with whom KMPF work are from disadvantaged backgrounds or are the first in their immediate family to go to university.
We would also recommend this range of websites to support any move into further or higher education:
Websites which give you the facts and figures nationally for each university can help you make informed decisions on where you want to study. This is one of several websites to support you in that research.
Student finance will give you all the information you need on the variety of costs linked to university and this is also the portal to apply for student finance to support your higher education studies.