CAREERS NEWSLETTER 2018-19
This time last year, I attended WHAT CAREER LIVE on a day when snow had hit the region and fewer than 100 people made the NEC for this excellent Careers show. I had the chance to talk to every employer and university at leisure and update my knowledge. Today I am attending again and will be looking forward to seeing former pupil James Tumber on the IBM stand. I will return with much new information, so drop by the Careers Centre soon!
THIS WEEKEND!
ISSUE 10 – Friday 1 March 2019
GEESE IS THE WORD! Religion, Philosophy and Ethics teacher Miss Kate Blackie, inspired by the recent BBC ‘Dynasties’ documentaries, led an excellent full school assembly this week, on 5 LIFE LESSONS we can learn from geese! She kindly let us feature these as our lead article, as there is so much students can learn about successful teamwork/ ideal employability skills from her words:
1 Geese fly together in a V formation on long journeys - this creates additional lift, while reducing air pressure for those behind, and increases flight distance by 70%. They have realised that working harmoniously together to achieve a common goal is beneficial for the group and individuals. If each person’s contributions, energy and motivation are all directed to the same end goal, we can achieve that goal far more quickly, which benefits everyone.
2 Geese rotate their leadership - the goose at the front of the V expends the most energy and therefore tires
A final reminder that we highly recommend students from the 4ths and above attend day 2 of WHAT CAREER LIVE at the NEC, where they will discover excellent information about university courses and employment/ apprenticeship options at 16, 18 and beyond. There are also a good number of excellent workshops to attend.
quickly, so several times on a long journey, the front goose will fall back for a new goose to take its place. Interestingly, their journey often begins with a more elderly member of the gaggle who has more experience navigating, but will also have less energy at the end of the journey and they’ll end the journey with younger geese who have more fuel in the tank. Being ready to be a leader and equally to be led are vital parts of being a good team member. It is important to play to the strengths of the team, not being afraid to take a step back when someone else’s skillsets are best placed to lead the group and equally stepping up to the role of leader when it is required.
3 Geese spend a great deal of time (and energy) honking at each other on their long journey – clearly, communication is important to achieve the group’s end goal. Articulating your own thoughts, listening to others and motivating members of the group are all vital for a successful cohesive group and society.
4 Occasionally a goose will break from the formation and attempt flying alone - this is usually a first migratory flight. This goose quickly realises its mistake, recognising how much harder it is to fly alone and rejoins the group. The other geese consistently allow the estranged goose back into the formation to play exactly the same role it did before. Similarly, we should have the humility to admit our mistakes and redress them. It is also important that when we know someone else has made a mistake and is taking steps to amend it, we allow them to do so, forgive where necessary and embrace them back into the group.
5 Geese go out of their way to help and support other geese - If one goose becomes ill or injured, a stronger goose will fall back to the end of the V to support the weakened one. If the goose is unable to continue flying, the stronger one will actually stay with them until they are able to fly again. This is a wonderful demonstration of the importance of supporting each other. If someone is struggling, if they’re tired, if they’re lacking in confidence, if they’re in need of help in any way, it is so important we recognise this and make steps to support them as best we can. This lesson may apply to you at school, looking after your peers as you go through taxing aspects of school life. I hope you will follow this message in our wider society, locally, nationally and even internationally. Whether it be people you know going through difficult times personally, people in our own city without a home, those struggling with mental health, armed forces personnel struggling mentally or physically to reintegrate into society, people in other countries with insufficient access to food, water or education and people being denied their human rights, there are so many members of our global team that sometimes need extra support. It is so important we ensure that we are ready to lend that extra support to someone, be it our time, a charitable donation or a point in the direction of someone that can help or even offer just a warm gesture. By doing so, we will vastly improve the success of our entire global team.
NB See p3 for info on an excellent COVENTRY BUILDING SOCIETY opportunity next week.
@BablakeCareers
18 REASONS WHY… UNIVERSITY OF SHEFFIELD 2nd Year Psychology undergraduate Lauren has kindly identified 18 highlights of being a student at the University of Sheffield.
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The Peak District/ Location – whether you head out to Bakewell, Forge Dam café (in Forge Dam Park), the pretty town of Castleton, Chatsworth House with its many exciting events (including the annual Christmas markets) or one of the city’s alpaca farms, you are minutes away from some of the UK’s best attractions. Living in a Green City – there are lots of open spaces. Western Park, Endcliffe Park and Crookes Valley Park surround the student areas and there are many others like the Botanical Gardens. Our halls of residence are also very green! The Perfect Sized City – whilst there is plenty to do, most venues are in walking distance of Sheffield city centre, which reduces any travel costs. Popular Food – it is no surprise you are spoilt for choice: e.g. Falafel King – local independent cuisine, close to the Student Union – is popular for its amazing wraps and I’d recommend chicken tikka and falafel; The Nottingham House Pub – located in Broomhill, the student hub – is renowned for its selection of home-baked pies and Bablake’s Head of Careers will confirm the excellence of these. (Lucky Fox and other establishments in Ecclesall Road offer plentiful venues for parents to feed their flock on visits.) Free Quiz & Bingo Nights at The Bloomery – always a fun night, not to mention the special ‘Wing Wednesday’ and ‘Churro Tuesdays’ where wings or churros are 25p each! Friendly Local People – the reputation of the chatty nature of the north is very true of Sheffield, as the locals are really caring, helpful and always looking to point students in the right direction. By all reports, the city seems a lot safer than a good number of other universities (like Leeds, Manchester & Nottingham). Amazing Student Union – this has won UK Best Student Union for 10 years running, thanks to its shop, bar, café, canteen areas, and lots of study space… not to mention the many weekly event nights held at this venue, e.g. The Tuesday club (techno and house), Roar (sport society) and Poptarts (perfect for a boogie with friends to cheesy classics). Over 200 Societies – there are so many societies always looking for new students to join and be inspired! There is something to suit everyone… art, academic subjects, cocktail making, performing arts, Gospel choir (and many more music societies) and every sport you could name. Peddler Market – housed in an old warehouse and boasting a cracking range of street fare – authentic cuisine, new clothing and homeware - craft beers and live music, this perfectly showcases independent business in Sheffield. It has an edgy vibe, with fairy lights to illuminate the warehouse! Study/ Work Opportunities – as well as lots of opportunity to work for the university or locally, there is an outstanding volunteers office and excellent modern foreign language courses on offer. Employers have already said how much they value these extras on our CVs. Flexible Courses – with most degree courses, you are able to choose modules from different subjects, for example modern languages, which are all accredited. 17 subjects feature in the 2019 global university Top 100 rankings. Vibrant Night life – West Street is perfect for a sociable evening or responsible boozy crawl! The Leadmill is a great venue for bringing out anyone’s indie gene, while Tank is perfect for techno and house music lovers. Vintage Shops – within 5/ 10 minutes’ walk, Vulgar, Cow, Ryan’s Vintage and other vintage shops are dotted around West Street and Division Street, which lead to the city centre. 301 Glossop Road – this university building is open to all students, offering a safe place to ask for support with studies. For example, there are workshops on essay writing and statistical skills. SSiDs/ SSiD Services – the amazing student services are available for everyone to use online or in person, and one of the reasons why Sheffield is regularly a Top 5 UK university for the best student experience. Sheffield Varsity – unsurprisingly, sport is huge at the University of Sheffield! There are so many societies available to students including ‘social sport’ activities for non-competitive players or beginners: e.g. the fun Benchball society! Many students also take full advantage of student offers provided by the Sport Sheffield Gym. The Varsity promotes a healthy sporting rivalry with Sheffield Hallam University in a range of sports. Excellent Links to Big Neighbouring Cities – Leeds, Manchester, Nottingham are well within range by train. Cheap Northern Priced Accommodation – Decent privately-owned student accommodation, after the 1st year, ranges from £80 to £100 a week, which compares favourably with other universities (esp. in the South) and new ‘hotel-style purpose built’ student blocks. For more information on the University of Sheffield, see www.sheffield.ac.uk or @sheffielduni. OPEN DAYS – 22 June, 6 July, 7 September 2019
#18BEFORE18 #POST18OPTIONS
WHAT NEXT FOR THE LOWER SIXTH? POST 18 OPTIONS
These are 2 of the slides from a recent L6th Life Choices session, covering some of the options available after A levels. As well offering 18 factors to consider if choosing a university option, we offered 18 tips on how to approach future decisions – we will post those in our next newsletter. In Issue 11, we will also present 18 aspects to consider, if considering an apprenticeship after A levels.
NB DIARY DATE – COVENTRY BUILDING SOCIETY Coventry Building Society is holding two apprenticeship Open Evenings next week: - Tuesday 5th March: 16:30-18:30pm Cooper House, Walsgrave CV2 2UU (Near the Showcase off the M6) - Thursday 7th March: 16:30-18:30pm Oakfield House, Binley Business Park CV3 2TQ These evenings will be set out in a similar fashion to school parents’ evenings, i.e. with representatives from corresponding business areas to talk about the opportunities offered.
TALKING POINTS MOOC OF THE FORTNIGHT (10)
SPRING TERM CAREERS FORUMS
‘Fashion and Sustainability – Understanding Luxury Fashion in a Changing World.’
(11) Friday 8 March: Juliet Hodges – ‘Behavioural Economics & Applied Psychology’ (University of York graduate.) (1.10pm)
Learn an introduction to issues, agendas and contexts relating to fashion and sustainability in a changing world. www.futurelearn.com/courses/fashion-andsustainability
(13) Thursday 21 March: World University Fair. (1pm)
(12) Tuesday 12 March: LIFE CHOICES (L6th) – Aston University presentation on ‘Degree Apprenticeships’.
6 week course developed by London College of Fashion (UAL) and fashion group Kering.
Legal Week: a - (14) Tuesday 26 March: Leicester Law School. (1pm) b - (15) Thursday 28 March: University of Law. (1pm) [Currently arranging forums on acting, copywriting & social enterprise.]
CAREERS FORUM (10) – WHY HARPER ADAMS UNIVERSITY?
CONGRATULATIONS
Thank you to Harri Williams (Harper Adams ambassador), who delivered a fine insight into life at the university. We are compiling an #18Before18 poster for Harper for Issue 11. Please note Harper Adams is opening a new veterinary school from 2020, in conjunction with Keele University.
Degree Apprenticeship News Rob Tyas has been offered a position with JCB – look forward to a fuller report on the application procedure and a Bablake Apprenticeships Hall of Fame in a forthcoming issue. Work Experience
L6th students Vedika Bedi (JLR) and Kogulan Vipulan (Arup) enjoyed placements last month, where they were able to gain much practical experience, and superb written references for submission to future employers et al.
THOUGHT OF THE FORTNIGHT
“In every year group, there is at least one student who will change the course of history!” Alan Bullock, Careers adviser and author
CONTACT BABLAKE CAREERS
Mr Mark Woodward Email: mgw@bablake.coventry.sch.uk Twitter: @bablakecareers FB: www.facebook.com/bablakecareers Website: www.2morrow-2day.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin/markwoodward Blog: http://bablakecareers.tumblr.com/ Spotify: http://www.spotify.com/18before18 Instagram: @bablakecareers Careers Circulars: http://issuu.com/bablake/stacks