YEAR 13/14 PARENT/GUARDIANS INFORMATION BOOKLET - June/October 2021
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YEAR 13/14 PARENT/GUARDIANS
INFORMATION BOOKLET
June/October 2021
Year 13 Parent Information Booklet
INTRODUCTION
Year 14 is a key time during which pupils make important decisions about their future. For
many parents it is about making a major financial investment in their son/daughter’s future.
It is most important that both students and parents think carefully about these decisions.
Places on courses at universities in Northern Ireland continue to become more competitive
every year. We continue to see entry requirements being increased and larger numbers of
students are being required to sit selection tests and attend for interview. Pupils are
encouraged to carefully consider their performances at AS level and class tests before
making their final UCAS choices. They are encouraged to apply to courses with a range of
grades.
There is a wealth of choice at Third Level Education. In St. Mary’s pupils are guided in all
aspects of the decision-making process. Ultimately, however, performance in A Level
examinations (and in some cases, Aptitude Tests and interview) will determine the path
which most of our students will follow.
It is most important that pupils also engage with all the advice and guidance offered during
both their careers classes and at guidance interviews where they have the opportunity to
discuss their career plans in great detail.
The content of this booklet will clarify some of the issues and decisions which lie ahead for
our Year 14 students during the next academic year.
Please understand that the information provided in this booklet may change as the year progresses.Year 13 Parent Information Booklet
PROFILE OF APPLICATIONS
All students in Year 14 have the opportunity to consider making applications to the full
cross section of institutions and organisations offering courses at Third Level Education.
1. UCAS (University and Colleges Admissions System)
This organisation governs entry to all universities and colleges of higher education in
the UK. Students make an application to 5 courses in this system (they do not
declare an order of preference).
School Deadline dates:
Phase 1 Medicine/Dentistry/Veterinary Science/Oxford/Cambridge
15 September 2021
Phase 2 All other applications
15 October 2021
2. St Mary’s University College, Belfast
Students may also apply to courses at St Mary’s University College Belfast – this is
a separate application and not part of the UCAS system. Applicants must declare a
subject preference. Students may apply for a maximum of 3 BEd courses and 3
BA Liberal Arts courses. The order of subject preference is very important as this
will be the preference which will determine a place in August, if successful.
School Deadline date:
18th November 2021.
3. CAO (Central Applications Office)
This organisation governs entry to all universities and colleges in the South of
Ireland. Students select 10 courses in order of preference. Pupils are encouraged
to consider a range of Universities & Institutes of Technology within this system.
School Deadline date:
13th Dec 2021.
4. Northern Ireland Colleges of Further and Higher Education
These colleges offer a wide range of courses including Foundation
Diplomas/Foundation Degrees, HNDs (Higher National Diplomas) and a small
number of degree courses. The courses can offer very useful additional options for
students who may be concerned about their ‘A2’ performance. Pupils can progress
onto Degree Courses on successful completion of Foundation Diplomas /
Foundation Degrees/ HND. Some Foundation courses must go on the UCAS form.
5. European Universities
Pupils may consider making an additional application to Universities across Europe
in particular Netherlands and Germany. Students are advised to use
www.studyineurope.eu and will be able to use links to all European Universities.
6. Higher Apprenticeships
Many top firms are offering school leavers the chance to join them as an employee
and they will help with Higher Education fees. A Higher Apprenticeship works on the
principle of ‘earn while you learn’. They are becoming increasingly popular. – Check
school email for details.
Please understand that the information provided in this booklet may change as the year progresses.Year 13 Parent Information Booklet
APTITUDE TESTS
Introduction
Aptitude tests have become an increasing aspect of the selection process, and
performance in these can determine if a pupil is invited for interview or given an offer.
(Full details of each of the tests referred to below are available on the appropriate website)
1. BMAT – Biomedical Aptitude Test
For those applying for Medicine / Veterinary Science at Cambridge / Oxford / UCL /
Imperial College London/Brighton and Sussex Medical
School, Lancaster/ Leeds (Medicine & Dentistry).
2. UCAT- University Clinical Aptitude Test (
For those applying for Medicine/Dentistry at all UCAT universities, we recommend
that pupils must have completed the test by early September to allow time to
finalise selection of their universities, based on their UCAT results. This is an online
exam taken at a Pearson’s Test Centre. Early booking is advised.
3. HPAT – IRELAND
For those applying for some AHP courses and Medicine at NUI, Galway; RCSI;
TCD; UCC and UCD through the CAO system. Applicants must register on-line
and must have their CAO number. The exam date is late February TBC. The test
is a 2½ hour paper based on problem solving and non-verbal reasoning (similar to
HPAT-ULSTER). Test centres will be located in Cork, Dublin, Galway, the North-
West and the South-East - details are to be confirmed (see www.hpat-
ireland.acer.edu.au).
4. LNAT
For those applying to Law at a number of Universities including Oxford,
Durham, Glasgow, Bristol, Birmingham, Kings College London, Nottingham and
UCL (not QUB or UU) two deadline dates exist - for Oxford applicants it is
October and for all other Universities it is January).
Cambridge applicants must sit Cambridge’s own law exam.
5. Cambridge or Oxford
If applying to Oxford or Cambridge you may be asked to complete a subject specific
test through the Admission Testing Service.
Please understand that the information provided in this booklet may change as the year progresses.Year 13 Parent Information Booklet
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT COURSE
Please understand that the information provided in this booklet may change as the year progresses.Year 13 Parent Information Booklet
THE OFFER SYSTEM
Universities take into account a number of factors when considering which
students to make an offer to. These can include all or some of the following
depending on the course:
1) GCSE profile of results.
2) AS performance.
3) The quality / content of the Personal Statement.
4) The school reference which will include predicted ‘A2’ grades.
5) Selection / aptitude test results.
6) Essays
7) Interview / presentation.
Offers will be issued to pupils anytime between November and May.
The offer received can be based on ‘A’ Level grades or UCAS points [UCAS tariff
information is included].
It would be hoped that the pupils would receive offers for all FIVE of their
courses but with competition for places increasing this may not always be the
case particularly in highly competitive courses i.e. Medicine / Dentistry /
Veterinary Science/ Sports & Exercise Science/ Midwifery / Nursing / Allied
Health Professions / Education / Social Work.
Students can hold all offers until early May when they select the TWO courses
which they wish to keep, these are referred to as their FIRM and INSURANCE
choices.
On obtaining their ‘A2’ results in August if they match or exceed the grades for
their FIRM choice they will automatically be placed there. If they miss these
grades but obtain grades for their INSURANCE they will be placed there.
Students who are unsuccessful in gaining a place on either their FIRM or
INSURANCE courses will be eligible to enter the “Clearing System”.
Students who do better than expected are eligible to enter “Adjustment” where
they may negotiate with Universities to be considered alternative courses with
there higher grades (This is very rarely successful).
Please understand that the information provided in this booklet may change as the year progresses.Year 13 Parent Information Booklet
Course Choices and Entry Requirements
• UCAS allows students to select up to a maximum of five course choices; NB.
four for Medicine/ Dentistry and Veterinary Science with the fifth choice to be a
different course.
• Students can only apply to one course in either Oxford or Cambridge.
• For the more vocational career areas students are normally advised to apply
for 5 courses in the same career area and show commitment to that
career/subject in their Personal Statement.
• Universities will not actually see your other course choices but will obviously
study your Personal Statement very carefully.
• University entry requirements for each course will be given as either Grades
or Tariff Points or a combination of both. N.B. Tariff points are listed on the
following pages:
• QUB and UU both now ask for Grades across three subjects e.g. BBB and
they do not use the tariff point system.
• Some other UK universities still uses tariff points. They will often stipulate a
minimum grade requirement for 2 A-Level subjects e.g. 120 points to include
Grades BB.
• More detailed information on qualifications and entrance requirements may
be found on UCAS and individual university websites and students are advised
to think carefully and realistically about the asking grades/points before making
their 5 choices.
• Students should ensure they check the selection criteria to confirm GCSE
and Post 16 subject requirements and asking grades/ tariff points for each
course they are applying to. N.B. when made an offer based on tariff points
students need to confirm through UCAS track if specific grades must be
achieved in a particular subject.
• Students are also advised to register for universities’ student portal service
which will provide a tailored home page for your child based on their career
interests and course choices.
• They should talk over their final choices with their subject teachers, parents,
careers teacher and the Careers Adviser keeping in mind the grades achieved at
AS Level.
Selecting a University
• Think very carefully about selecting which universities you are going to apply
to. Check out their reputation in that subject area. (www.qaa.ac.uk/en,
http://unistats.direct.gov.uk/ and www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk)
• www.university.which.co.uk - The website is a free-to-use, independent
source of information and advice to help you find the right degree course and
university - featuring a simple-to-use search tool that lets you filter course results on
the things that matter most to you, real-life student insights from nearly 300 UK
universities and colleges, plus expert advice on everything from applications to
student finance.
Please understand that the information provided in this booklet may change as the year progresses.Year 13 Parent Information Booklet
• Be realistic – are you prepared to live and study at the university for 3 or 4
years?
• Remember the difference in fees here compared to the rest of the U.K.
• Do not be swayed by friends or the prospect of sharing a house with them.
• Discuss university choices with parents, careers teachers
• Take great care - it is your future career which is at stake.
The Personal Statement
• This is a crucial part of the UCAS application. Course Tutors rely on the
information given in the Personal Statement when making decisions.
• The Personal Statement is an opportunity to tell the Course Tutors why you
are suited to particular courses and why the university should want you as a student.
It is the only opportunity to personalise the application. Use this opportunity to show
your commitment and suitability to your chosen courses. The Personal Statement
should cover:
1) Reasons for your choice of courses and your suitability for these courses. (Students
are normally advised to apply for 5 courses in the same career area and thus show
commitment to that career/subject in their Personal Statement).
2) Relevant Experiences of Work.
3) School Experiences.
4) Outside School Experiences.
5) Concluding statement setting out your career ambitions.
All of these should be linked to your course choices, as you want to convince Course
Tutors to offer you a place on the course. NB UCAS will scan Personal Statements for
plagiarism. Avoid copying from another Personal Statement as this will jeopardise your
application for degree courses.
The Reference includes:
• Predicted Grades.
• Intellectual ability, application, quality of work and promise for future studies -
(subject teachers’comments).
• Career aspirations - (relevant experiences of work; research undertaken etc).
• Personal achievements and experiences.
• Personal qualities.
• If a student is completing their Post 16 studies over 3 years the reference
must address this – if this is the case with your child, please ask them to speak to
their careers teacher about this.
Please understand that the information provided in this booklet may change as the year progresses.Year 13 Parent Information Booklet
What happens next?
• Completed Application Form is sent online to UCAS.
• The student will then receive a Welcome email from UCAS, stating that their
application has been processed. This letter will include an Personal ID Number,
which should be kept handy in case the student needs to contact UCAS, and a
Password enabling them to monitor their application using UCAS Track.
• The student waits until they have received a decision from each of their five
course choices.
• N.B. Please note that once students have completed and sent their
application to the school, the Careers department still have work to do before
it can be forwarded to UCAS. You will need to ensure that you have completed
your application, made necessary corrections and sent it off by the deadlines
set by your Careers Teacher, in order to give enough time for further work to
be carried out and so as not to delay the processing of your application by
UCAS/Universities.
•
Admissions Staff/ Course Tutors will make:
• A Conditional Offer i.e. an offer of a place on the course on condition the
student fulfils certain criteria, usually achieving specific grades or tariff points.
• An Unconditional Offer – the applicant has already satisfied the entry criteria
and has a place on the course at a particular university. These are normally only
made to applicants who have already completed their A2 qualification.
• A Rejection – the applicant will not be considered for this particular course
choice.
Firm and Insurance Choices
• Once the student has received all their offers/rejections (if any) from their five
course choices, they will have to choose 2 courses, usually by the first week in May.
• One course will be their Firm Choice (CF) – the offer the student has
accepted as their first choice course. They will be committed to going to this course
if they receive the required grades in August.
• A second course will be the student’s Insurance Choice (CI) - the offer that
the student accepts as their second choice course. The Insurance Course could be
related to the Firm Offer in career terms and it must be a choice of course the
student wants and will accept if they do not receive the grades required for their Firm
Offer or First choice course.
• UCAS Extra (February–July) allows for one extra choice of course for
students who have received no offers.
• Students who receive higher A-Level grades in August than required for their
Firm choice will be given an adjustment period of one week to ‘shop around’ for
alternative courses, if they wish, whilst continuing to hold their Firm choice place.
Please understand that the information provided in this booklet may change as the year progresses.Year 13 Parent Information Booklet
UCAS TARIFF POINTS – GCE AND APPLIED GCE A LEVEL
UCAS Tariff points are used by some universities and colleges to set their entry
requirements and to make offers. Currently, one third of courses in the UCAS search tool
have a Tariff entry requirement.
Instead of asking for grades, a university might express the offer as a number of points. To
help understand how many points a qualification is worth, UCAS has a Tariff calculator that
you can use.
The new Tariff provides a fair and more transparent process of allocating Tariff points
across a wider range of qualifications.
What the new points mean to you
The new UCAS Tariff points should not have any impact on your decisions about
qualification choices at school or college, or your preparation for or application to a
higher education course.
You'll still need to achieve the same A level, Scottish Advanced Highers, Scottish
Highers, or BTEC grades (or grades in any other qualification you're taking) to meet
the higher education course entry requirements.
All qualifications that are currently on the UCAS Tariff will continue to be allocated
points under the new system.
The new Tariff is based on a different approach, using a qualification’s size and
grades to calculate total Tariff points.
The numbers are much lower, for example an A level grade A* gets 56 points under
the new Tariff
e Tariff points
• BTEC Subsidiary Diploma Grade - D* = 56; D = 48; M = 32; P = 16 points
Please understand that the information provided in this booklet may change as the year progresses.Year 13 Parent Information Booklet
This table shows the new Tariff points for A Level qualifications.
AS A New
level level Tariff
points
A* 56
A 48
B 40
C 32
28
D 24
A 20
B E 16
C 12
D 10
8
E 6
Other qualifications, such as practical music or speech and drama exams such as LAMDA
and ESB, also have a tariff value:
GRADE GRADE 6 GRADE7 GRADE8
PASS 6 10 18
MERIT 10 12 24
DISTINCTION 12 16 30
You can use the tariff calculator on the UCAS website to work out what other qualifications
are worth and there is also a helpful video which explains the tariff system in more detail.
Entry requirements and offers that state tariff points may also require a minimum level of
achievement in a specified subject, for example '128 points from a minimum of three A
levels to include grade A in A level Chemistry', i.e. an A in Chemistry (48) and B grades in
two other A levels (40+40)
If you have any questions about the new Tariff, call UCAS’ Customer Experience Centre on
0371 468 0 468 (+44 330 3330 230 if you’re calling from outside the UK), or find more
detailed information at www.ucas.com/new-tariff.
Please understand that the information provided in this booklet may change as the year progresses.Year 13 Parent Information Booklet
UCAS PERSONAL STATEMENT
START EARLY!!!
Personal statements are so important; make sure your son or daughter includes:
academic achievements, past and present
interests in the chosen subject area
knowledge of the subject and enthusiasm to go beyond the syllabus
what they enjoy about studying
details of their independent study skills.
The questions Universities and Colleges will ask:
Have they chosen the right subject for the right reasons?
Do they have a range of interests?
Does the personal statement confirm their interest in the subject?
Have they studied independently?
Are they motivated and committed?
Do they process good numeracy and literacy skills?
Ask your son/daughter to follow the UCAS Personal Statement guidance provided in
the Y13 MS Teams Classroom.
Please understand that the information provided in this booklet may change as the year progresses.Year 13 Parent Information Booklet Please understand that the information provided in this booklet may change as the year progresses.
Year 13 Parent Information Booklet
CAO & Institutes of Technology - Southern Ireland
• CAO is a separate system for applying to universities in Southern Ireland.
• The closing date is 1st February and cost of application is approximately €40.
• Tuition fees are not charged in the ROI. All students pay a Student Contribution Fee
per each year of the course. For the academic year 2020/2021 this is approx.
€3,200.
• Students can obtain a student loan to cover the cost of the contribution fee.
• The student applies for up to 10 Degree courses and the order of preference is
vital as CAO will only make one offer after the A-Level results and will try to place
students as near their first choice as possible. For example, if a student is offered
their 2nd choice course they will not be considered for any of their course choices
form 3 to 10.
• Students will need to post confirmation of qualifications achieved and completed to
date; e.g. GCSE results.
• No Personal Statement is required for the CAO Form.
• NB. BTec qualifications and some Applied A Levels are not accepted by some
universities in the South and some high demand courses require 4 A-Level subjects.
However, there are many excellent degree courses that are available at the
Institutes of Technology throughout Southern Ireland that do accept lower A-Level
grades and BTEC courses. (N.B. More detailed information on qualifications and
entrance requirements may be found on CAO and individual university websites.
Some of the more prestigious universities insist on a GCSE pass in a language as a
basic part of their matriculation. See www.cao.ie).
Please understand that the information provided in this booklet may change as the year progresses.Year 13 Parent Information Booklet
CAO CHANGE TO A LEVEL POINTS SYSTEM
Applicant Scoring for GCE/GCSE – for applicants from 2019
From Universities and Institutes of Technology
2017 associated colleges (other than DkIT)
AS Levels
First 3 A- 4th A- or AS First 3 A-
Grade (& 4th A-level where
Levels Level Level Levels
presented)
A* 185 45 185 74†
A 156 38 26 156 62
B 131 32 22 131 52
C 106 26 18 106 42
D 84 20 14 84 34
E 63 15 11 63 25
† Applies to A-level only
Universities and associated colleges:
Applicants are scored on the basis of their best four A levels or three A levels and an AS
level in a different subject from the same or preceding year. The maximum number of
points that can be achieved is 600.
Note: Applicants presenting Grade E or above in one of A-Level Mathematics, Further
Mathematics or Pure Mathematics will have 25 points added to their score for that subject.
The bonus points will only be relevant where that subject is scored as one of the applicant's
best four subjects for points purposes. This gives a maximum possible score of 625.
Institutes of Technology (other than DkIT) and other HEIs offering QQI HET
awards:
Applicants are scored on the basis of a maximum of 4 different subject results at A and/or
AS level. For scoring purposes, the following combination of A Levels and AS Levels are
permitted:
The best 4 A level results in a single sitting.
The best 3 A level results in a single sitting, plus the best AS level result from the previous
or the same sitting.
The best 2 A level subject results in a single sitting, plus the best 2 results at AS level from
the previous or the same sitting.
The best 1 A level subject result in a single sitting, plus the best 3 results at AS level from
the previous or the same sitting.
The best 4 AS level subject results in a single sitting.
Please understand that the information provided in this booklet may change as the year progresses.Year 13 Parent Information Booklet
Important information for all GCE Applicants
Evidence of GCSE examinations must be supplied in order to meet minimum entry
requirements.
AS Levels must be in different subjects to those taken at A-Level.
When sending documents, certified photocopies of certificates/statements of results
produced by an Examining Board must be supplied to CAO well in advance of Round One
offers – school transcripts will not be accepted.
Applicants must also advise CAO of any previous AS and A Level awards and provide
certified photocopies of certificates/statements of results produced by an examining board
to support their application.
CAO advises GCE applicants to discuss their AS Level certification process with their
school. AS Level results are frequently cashed in along with A2 Level results in the final
year. As a result, candidates often will not have evidence of their AS Level results until the
release of their A2 Level results in August. In this instance, CAO will expect to receive
electronic notification of the AS Level results provided that the applicant has supplied their
correct Board, Centre number and Candidate number for all subjects that will be cashed in
in August 2019.
If a school cashes in AS Level results in the same year as A Level results, applicants must
enter the remaining AS Level subject carried forward on their CAO application – applicants
must use the space provided for ‘Examinations to be taken’ in the Qualifications &
Assessments section.
CAO must be informed if the candidate sat any AS or A2 Level examinations at a different
school.
PLEASE NOTE, ALL APPLICANTS MUST CHECK THE MATRICULATION
AND MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL COURSES. *
*TAKEN FROM THE CAO WEBSITE
Please refer to the CAO website for the most up to date information and guidance regarding CAO
points.
Please understand that the information provided in this booklet may change as the year progresses.Year 13 Parent Information Booklet
TRINITY COLLEGE APPLICATIONS:
GCSE/Advanced GCE (A-Level) – Please see Trinity website for most up to date
information
To be considered for admission to the University you must:
Present six subjects at grade C or above on GCSE or Advanced Subsidiary GCE (AS)
papers. Two of these subjects must be grade C or above on Advanced GCE (A-Level)
papers.
The six subjects above must include:
A Pass in English
And
A Pass in mathematics and a Pass in a language other than English
Or
A Pass in Latin and a Pass in a subject other than a language.
Notes:
1 A pass means grade C or above on GCSE or Advanced Subsidiary GCE (AS) papers.
2 Students may combine grades achieved in different sittings of their Advanced GCE (A-
level) examinations for the purpose of satisfying minimum entry and/or course
requirements, but not for the purposes of scoring. This is not permitted for Medicine –
see full details of specific course requirements on website.
3 Acceptable subjects:
„ Applied A-level, Vocational Advanced Subsidiary, Vocational A-level, National Vocational
and Key Skills qualifications are not accepted for minimum entry requirements or scoring
purposes.
„ GCSE/Advanced GCE (A-level) subjects set by recognised examination boards are, in
principle, acceptable for consideration with the following exceptions:
‚ Physical Education, General Studies and Media Studies are not acceptable.
„ Applicants who require advice about subject eligibility should contact the
Academic Registry
4 Combinations of A-level subjects not permitted for minimum
entry requirements or scoring purposes:
„ Art may not be presented with History of Art.
„ Biology may not be presented with Botany or Zoology.
„ English Literature may not be presented with English Language.
„ Environmental Science may not be presented with Biology or Geography.
„ Science may not be presented with Chemistry, Physics or Biology.
„ Not more than one specialised endorsed programme in art may be presented.
5 Art and Music may not be offered as the two Advanced GCE (A-level) grades for
minimum entry requirements but both may be used for scoring purposes.
Please understand that the information provided in this booklet may change as the year progresses.Year 13 Parent Information Booklet Part-time Degree Courses An increasing range of degree courses are now being offered on a part-time basis and can be a more affordable option. However, a much smaller maintenance loan will be available to the student. Application to part-time degree courses is made directly to the university and will not therefore count as one of your child’s five UCAS choices thus keeping more options open to them. Foundation Degrees More students are now applying to Foundation degree programmes as a more affordable alternative to embarking directly onto an honours degree. As application to many of these courses is made directly to the college and is not one of a student’s five UCAS choices, it can once again keep more options open to your child. (N.B. Application to some Foundation degree programmes must be made through UCAS – this will be noted in the university and college prospectus.) On completion of their foundation degree at local colleges such as South West College, Northern Regional College, North West Regional College or Belfast Metropolitan College students may choose to go on to complete the full honours degree at UU or QUB or alternatively go directly into employment. Early application is advised (Spring 2022) as these courses fill up quickly and preference may be given to applicants who applied earlier in the year. Higher Level Apprenticeships/Degree Apprenticeships More and more employers are offering Higher Level Apprenticeships. HLAs offer an excellent alternative to full-time study and are suitable for students who wish to earn as they learn. HLAs include part-time study (1 day per week) at a University or Regional College and 4 days’ employment within a company. All fees are paid for and students will be paid for their work. On completion of the HLA, a full-time position is usually offered. Examples of employers include, Deloitte (Business/Accounting), Kainos, Career Encode (Software Engineering), Terex, and Thales (Engineering), to name a few. The regional colleges such as, Northern Regional College and South West College, also offer a range of HLAs in different subject areas, however the student must secure their own employer before commencing the course. Some degree apprenticeships must be part of the 5 UCAS choices. This is usually stated on the prospectus. Details of any HLAs are emailed to all students and guidance is provided, on request, if preparing for a competency interview. Interviews Whilst not all courses invite students to interview our Year 14 students will all undertake interview preparation and mock interview practice as part of their careers programme. If your child is called for interview by a university we would ask them to let Ms Donoghue know so further individual mock interview practice can be carried out with them. The year group are invited to attend the Mock Interview Evening in late November. Please understand that the information provided in this booklet may change as the year progresses.
Year 13 Parent Information Booklet
Finances – Fees and Loans
The maximum fee for QUB and UU is £4530 approx. per annum for 2020-21 entry. The
Executive agreed that tuition fees would be kept at current levels, subject only to
inflationary increases. Students from England, Scotland and Wales wishing to study in
N.Ireland may be charged up to approx. £9250 by both universities. It is likely that many
students from N.Ireland will continue to opt to remain here to complete their degree
courses and this has put continuing pressure on asking grades at both our universities.
This in conjunction with the reduction in university places at both our universities means it
is essential that your child works hard this year to achieve the best grades they are
capable of.
Students from N.Ireland who wish to study at universities in England, Scotland* or Wales
will be charged full fees of up to £9250 but will be eligible to borrow the full amount from
the student loans company.
• Currently in Northern Ireland, there are no fees for Nursing or the Allied
Health Professions
e.g. Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Radiography, etc., at QUB or UU.
• Currently students in Northern Ireland studying a Nursing, Allied Health or
Social Work course are entitled to a non-repayable bursary.
• Students undertaking a Nursing or Allied Health degree course in England,
Scotland or Wales will have to pay full fees and a bursary is no longer available –
please check with your university provider as this situation may change.
• All students, regardless of parental income, are eligible to apply for a Tuition
Fee Loan to cover fees. The money will be paid directly to the university.
Students can also apply for a:
• Maintenance Loan for living expenses – Max approximately £4,840 if living
away from parents’ home and studying outside London; maximum approximately
£3,750, if living at home.
• 25% of the maintenance loan is means-tested – all pupils entitled to 75% of
the available loan and parents do not need to disclose any financial information.
• Maintenance Grant – maximum approximately £3,475 (is means tested so
depends on parental income, non- repayable)
• Student Loans are repayable after graduation on earnings over £15,795
approx.
• On a salary of £22,000 (the average starting salary for a graduate level job)
repayments would be approximately £46 per month. Interest is charged at the rate of
inflation.
• Students will be given application forms and further advice/details in school
during March/ April 2022 on the financial support available.
Please understand that the information provided in this booklet may change as the year progresses.Year 13 Parent Information Booklet Accommodation We would recommend students stay in halls of residence for their first year. If you book a place in halls and pay a deposit this will always be refunded to you if your child does not meet the grades required for the course, defers or decides to go to a different university. University Halls work on a 32-36-week university term contract. Places in halls can be very scarce in the South of Ireland, particularly Dublin, so if applying there, students are advised to put their name on a waiting list at their chosen universities in May/ June of Year 14. Private Landlords work on a 52-week contract. Care must be taken in reviewing the contract prior to signing. It is advisable to take photos (ideally date-stamped) of the rooms and fixtures prior to moving in as this can help when negotiating getting the deposit back at the end of the contract. Please see important information below regarding applying for student accommodation at Queen’s University Belfast and Ulster University. https://www.ulster.ac.uk/accommodation https://www.qub.ac.uk/accommodation/ Please understand that the information provided in this booklet may change as the year progresses.
Year 13 Parent Information Booklet
USEFUL WEBSITES
University & Colleges Admissions
www.ucas.com
System
www. smucb.ac.uk St. Mary’s College, Belfast
www.qub.ac.uk Queen’s University, Belfast
www.ulster.ac.uk University of Ulster
www.cao.ie Central Applications Office
www.ucd.ie University College Dublin
www.tcd.ie Trinity College Dublin
www.bmet.ac.uk Belfast Metropolitan College
www.cafre.ac.uk CAFRE
www.nrc.ac.uk Northern Regional College
www.nwrc.ac.uk North West Regional College
www.swc.ac.uk South West College
www.nidirect.gov.uk Job Based information - NI
www.prospects.ac.uk Career Information
www.studentfinanceni.co.uk Student finance
www.astarfuture.co.uk Study abroad
Health Professional Aptitude Test
https://hpat-ulster.acer.edu.au
(Therapies at UU)
www.ukcat.ac.uk UK Clinical Test ( Medicine)
Biomedical Aptitude Test ( Some
www.admissionstestingservice.org
Medical Schools)
LNAT (entrance exam for come UK
www.Inat.ac.uk
based Law Schools
www.admissionstestingservice.org Oxford/Cambridge Entry Tests
www.careersportal.ie Useful CAO Careers website
Please understand that the information provided in this booklet may change as the year progresses.Year 13 Parent Information Booklet
THE UCAS PROCESS FOR YEAR 13 INTO YEAR 14
The purpose of this timeline is to help you manage key deadlines. This timeline shows a
normal school year rather than the Covid school year.
All year 13 pupils have one timetabled careers class only once every two weeks resulting
in limited pupil contact time
*DEADLINE: Careers Event/Deadline
MONDAY
11:02 Work Experience (February)
Work Experience Debrief
FEB 25:02: Individual career guidance interviews on-going
UCAS Convention
UCAS FORM: Introduction
04:03 Stage 2 of Work experience process begins (June Placements)
Individual career guidance interviews on-going
UCAS FORM: Introduction
Stage 2 of Work experience process begins (June Placements)
11:03:
Individual career guidance interviews on-going
MAR
Ulster University Talk to Yr 13
UCAS FORM: personal statement preparation
18:03: Individual career guidance interviews on-going
QUB Talk to Yr 13
UCAS FORM: personal statement preparation
25:03:
Individual career guidance interviews on-going
All official June Work experience school paperwork regarding confirmed
01:04: placements completed
Individual career guidance interviews on-going
APR On-going work on Personal Statement
08:04:
Individual career guidance interviews on-going
15:04: EASTER HOLIDAYS
Working on personal statement
29:04:
Individual career guidance interviews on-going
MAY 06:05: AS PRACTICALS AND ORALS BEGIN
13:05:
20:05:
27:05:
JUNE 03:06: Y13 Careers Parents’ Information Event – Focusing on Higher Education
10:06: Phase 1 applicants – UCAS workshop – Filling in the application form-
Phase 1 (Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science, Oxford, Cambridge)
17:06:
applicants UCAS draft form emailed to CDO – Draft 2
24:06: End of Y13 Studies
AUG 12:08:1 A LEVEL RESULTS OUT 10 AUGUST
YEAR 14 OFFICIALLY BEGINS
Phase 2 –Induction Day - Official registration with UCAS and begin filling in the
‘live’ UCAS form (Parts 1-5 of the form)
Phase 1 – Finalising choices and amending Personal Statements
Phase 1 & 2 - Amend personal statement
SEPT 02:09:
Queen’s University & Ulster University Family Open Days (Saturday 7th)
Please understand that the information provided in this booklet may change as the year progresses.Year 13 Parent Information Booklet
UCAT exams completed
09:09:
Phase 1 UCAS forms submitted – 15 September
16:09: Phase 2 personal statement final check and redrafting
23:09: Phase 2 finalise 5 courses – check entry requirements
Final course check; interview with Senior teacher writing reference
30:09:
Final Date to register & book LNAT for Oxford
OCT 07:10: Final check on Personal Statements (to Careers teacher)
Print off and check completed UCAS form (to Careers teacher)
14:10: Late Fee Deadline for BMAT
Sit LNAT (Oxford Application)
Phase 2 UCAS forms start to be submitted:
Print off and check completed UCAS form (to Careers teacher)
21:10:
St Mary’s University Applications – Direct Entry
ERM University Roadshow Virtual
MID-TERM
28:10: BMAT exam
Other Cambridge/Oxford Subject Exams (see website for exact dates)
English/Welsh/Scottish Medical/Dental/Veterinary School Interviews begin
04:11:
Start of Higher Level Apprenticeship Notification & Application
MMI Interview workshop
Final submission to St Mary’s University College;
Cambridge/Oxford Interview Preparation;
11:11:
Applications completed for Talented Athletes Scholarship
English/Welsh/Scottish Medical/Dental/Veterinary School Interviews (on-
going)
Medicine/Dentistry/ Vet Science – Individual Interview Preparation
English/Welsh/Scottish Medical/Dental /Veterinary School Interviews (on-
18:11: going)
BMAT results – 22 November
Phase One MMI Interview Evening
On-going Interview Preparation;
Mock Interview Evening (COMPULSORY FOR ALL YEAR 14)
25:11: English/Welsh/Scottish Medical/Dental/Veterinary School Interviews (on-
going)
QUB Medical/Dental interviews begin (Dec-Feb)
LNAT Workshop (TBC)
English/Welsh/Scottish Medical/Dental/Veterinary School Interviews (on-
02:12:
DEC going)
QUB Medical /Dental Interviews (on-going)
CAO Applications due;
Art Foundation Applications to FE & HE Colleges (Ballymena, Limavady,
Belfast Met)
09:12:
QUB Medical/Dental Interviews (on-going)
English/Welsh/Scottish Medical/Dental/Veterinary School Interviews (on-
going)
16:12: CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS
QUB Medical/Dental Interviews (on-going)
06:01: English/Welsh/Scottish Medical/Dental/Veterinary School Interviews (on-
going)
Stranmillis interviews begin
English/Welsh/Scottish Medical/Dental/Veterinary School Interviews (on-going)
13:01:
JAN Deadline for LNAT registration
Closing date for HPAT –Ireland registration
Stranmillis interviews (on-going)
20:01: QUB Medical Interviews (on-going)
English/Welsh/Scottish Medical/Dental/Veterinary School Interviews (on-
going)
Please understand that the information provided in this booklet may change as the year progresses.Year 13 Parent Information Booklet
LNAT exam –
HPAT Ireland training
QUB Medical Interviews (on-going)
27:01:
English/Welsh/Scottish Medical/Dental/Veterinary School Interviews (on-
going)
On-going interviews (CHECK UCAS TRACK FOR INTERVIEWS)
QUB Medical Interviews (on-going)
03:02:
English/Welsh/Scottish Medical/Dental/Veterinary School Interviews (on-
going)
Dealing with university offers/rejection
QUB Medical Interviews (on-going)
10:02: English/Welsh/Scottish Medical/Dental/Veterinary School Interviews (on-
going)
FEB
St Mary’s University College Interviews & Writing Assessment (TBC)
MID TERM BREAK
UCAS Extra opens
17:02: QUB Medical Interviews (on-going)
English/Welsh/Scottish Medical/Dental/Veterinary School Interviews (on-
going)
HPAT Ireland Exam
Social Work - Additional essay
24:02: Completion of all Provisional Student finance forms;
02:03: Investigate sponsorship opportunities
Social Work Interviews
09:03:
MAR Nursing Interviews (QUB) begin
Research apprenticeship pathways (where appropriate)
Social Work Interviews
16:03:
Nursing Interviews (QUB)
HPAT Ulster results (end of March)
23:03: Download all course content information about your 5 chosen courses
30:03: University of Ulster – Art Degrees – Portfolio Interviews
06/04/20 HOLY WEEK
13:04:20
APRIL 20:04: STUDENTS RETURN TO SCHOOL
27:04: DEADLINE TO REPLY TO UCAS – FIRM & INSURANCE CHOICES
Please understand that the information provided in this booklet may change as the year progresses.Year 13 Parent Information Booklet
OVERVIEW OF ACTIVITIES PROVIDED IN THE CAREERS DEPARTMENT
2020-121
Month Details of Lunchtime and After School Workshops Provided
September Virtual University Open Days Y14
Virtual QUB Dental Open Day
Careers Workshops: - Struggling with Personal Statements
Applying to a Health-Related Course
- Nursing Personal Statements
- Nursing at Ulster University
Phase One 2021: Support Workshop
Altnagelvin Hospital – Health Professions Virtual Open Day
Dundee University – Competitive Courses Virtual
October Careers Workshops: Opportunities with Deloitte
Phase 1 2021 Support Workshop
Newcastle University Virtual
Allied Health Therapies HPAT Workshop 1
ERM University Roadshow Virtual
Interview Preparation Workshop 1
Deloitte Higher Apprenticeship Application Workshop
November Phase One Mock Interviews Virtual
Interview Skills Workshop 2
St Mary’s University College Workshop 1
Phase 1 2022 Applicants Workshop 1
St Mary’s University College Workshop 2
Talented Athlete Scholarship Workshop
QUB Pathways Talk Virtual
Nursing Workshop
December Virtual Work Experience Opportunities
Opportunities with Mega Mid Ulster
CAO Applications
Teaching Interview Practice Workshop
HPAT-Ulster Workshop 2
January Phase 1 2022 Workshop 2
HPAT Ulster Preparation Workshop Virtual
QUB Talk Virtual
Nursing MMI Workshop Virtual
Liverpool University Talk Virtual
February Scottish University Tour Virtual
UU Whole Assembly Talk Virtual
March QUB Talk Virtual
UK Universities Virtual Careers fair
Oxford/Cambridge Conference Virtual
Liverpool John Moore Talk Virtual
April Student Finance Workshop Virtual
Ulster University Student Finance Virtual Talk
Phase 1 2022 Workshop 3
May
June Y13 Parents’ Higher Education Information Event Virtual
Phase 1 2022 Workshop 4 & 5
August Post result Support & Guidance
Y14 UCAS Registration
Please understand that the information provided in this booklet may change as the year progresses.Year 13 Parent Information Booklet In St. Mary’s, Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) is an important element of our provision. We provide pupils with access to high quality careers education, information, advice and guidance to enable them to make informed, considered and realistic decisions about their education, training and employment options. In a normal school year. all Y13 & 14 receive a weekly Careers Bulletin to their school email account outlining the Careers events and deadlines for the week. The bulletin is also sent to the Form Tutors, Head of Year and Progress Manager. Resources are also available in the Y13/14 Shared Careers Resources on the school system. In Term 3 the Careers Department also piloted a Careers Dept. Twitter account with the hope that all students would follow the Twitter feed in order to access key information throughout the year @CareersDeptSMG. Additional guidance and support materials for a variety of Higher Education and Further Education courses are available through the MS Teams folders which pupils can access both in school and at home. Please understand that the information provided in this booklet may change as the year progresses.
Year 13 Parent Information Booklet
YEAR 13 WEEKLY CAREERS BULLETIN
Below is a copy of the weekly Careers Bulletin which is updated each week and emailed to
all students.
Week 1
Y13 Careers 4th March 2019
Bulletin
REMINDER:
GUIDANCE INTERVIEWS HAVE TO BE RESCHEDULED – NEW TIMES
EMAILED SHORTLY
I HAVE NOTICED A NUMBER OF Y13 NOT ATTENDING THEIR CAREER CLASS, WE ARE
GOING THROUGH THE COMPLICATED UCAS FORM SO IT IS SO IMPORTANT TO ATTEND.
WEEKLY OVERVIEW
GALWAY UNIVERSITY – SENIOR LUNCH – K1
Monday 4
Tuesday 5
Wednesday 6
Thursday 7
Friday 8
NEXT WEEK Ulster University Talk – All Y13
KEEP CHECKING YOUR C2K EMAIL – THERE IS ALWAYS ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION ABOUT APPRENTICESHIPS ETC COMING IN VIA EMAIL. KEEP
YOUR INBOX OPEN!!!!
ADVANCE NOTICES:
1. REMEMBER IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING AN ADDITIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE IN JUNE, YOU
NEED TO SPEAK TO MS DONOGHUE FIRST – TO SEE IF THE PLACEMENT CAN GO AHEAD
BEFORE YOU START THE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESS.
2. NO ADDITIONAL DAYS SHOULD BE ARRANGED
DURING TERM TIME AT THIS STAGE!! THE PRIORITY
MUST BE YOUR AS EXAMS.
3. ART STUDENTS - PLEASE CONSIDER THE OPEN EVENING AT NWRC – SEE WEBSITE PLEASE
REMEMBER IN PREPARATION OF YOUR PORTFOLIO INTERVIEWS, YOUR A LEVEL STUDIES ARE
NOT ENOUGH, YOU NEED EVIDENCE OF ADDITIONAL WORK . IT MIGHT BE WORTH GOING
ALONG AND ASKING ABOUT THEIR REQUIREMENTS IN ADVANCE
4. KEEP CHECKING THE ULSTER WEBSITE AS THEY ARE ADVERTISING THEIR INFORMATION
EVENINGS – CONSIDER GOING ALONG TO SEE WHAT YOU NEED TO DO IN ORDER TO BE
CONSIDERED AS A STRONG APPLICANT
1.
Please understand that the information provided in this booklet may change as the year progresses.Year 13 Parent Information Booklet
NOTES
Please understand that the information provided in this booklet may change as the year progresses.You can also read
