Student & ParentPortal

21Nov

Meden College Pathways

Welcome to Meden College Pathways

At Meden College, we are dedicated to providing our students with personalised educational experiences that cater to their individual interests and career aspirations. We offer four distinct pathways, each designed to offer tailored support and unique opportunities to help our students succeed. Explore our pathways and discover the benefits each can offer to your educational journey.

UNIVERSITY PATHWAY

Our University Pathway is designed for students aiming to pursue higher education.

This pathway offers:

Personalised university application support: Guidance through the application process, including personal statement workshops and interview preparation.
Advanced academic courses: Access to a range of A-level subjects to prepare you for university-level study.
University visits and fairs: Opportunities to visit top universities and attend higher education fairs to explore your options.

Research projects: Engage in extended projects to develop research skills and enhance your university applications.

USEFUL LINKS

UCAS for parents, guardians and carers

Guide for 2025 link - https://www.ucas.com/discover/advice-parents-guardians-and-carers/parent-guardian-and-carer-guide

Target Careers Publications

TARGET careers - Parent guide to Professional Careers
TARGET careers - Guide to your future http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/5c0c21a6#/5c0c21a6/1
TARGET careers - Construction, Engineering & Property http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/421ce32d#/421ce32d/2

Student Finance Guidance - Please use the following links help you with your application:

https://university.which.co.uk/advice/advice-for-parents/parents-what-you-need-to-know-about-student-finance

https://www.gov.uk/student-finance

2024/2025 - applications open now

Disabled Student Allowance

If a student has a disability they might be able to get extra financial help while at uni or college.

Find out more about Disabled Student Allowances (DSA) and how they can help.

https://www.ucas.com/student-finance-england/disabled-students-allowance#whats-available

https://www.gov.uk/disabled-students-allowances-dsas

University Bursaries and Scholarships

You could get a university scholarship or bursary, you will need to do your own research on these i.e. Unifrog and the individual University website search engines. The link below gives you lots of hints and tips too.

https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/university-tuition-fees/other-financial-support/university-bursaries-and-scholarships

The Times Top 100 graduate employers

Digital guide https://digital.top100graduateemployers.com/view/942670559/

The Guardian - best UK universities 2024 - rankings

Interactive guide here https://www.theguardian.com/education/ng-interactive/2023/sep/09/the-guardian-university-guide-2024-the-rankings

Graduate Careers Live

Broadcast live from a TV-studio in central London, Graduate Careers Live! provides the latest information, advice and guidance for Year 13 students and their parents on how to make the most of university – or one of the increasing number of degree apprenticeships – in order to prepare for a successful graduate career in the future.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VDDH-pPPQQ

APPRENTICESHIP PATHWAY

What is an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a paid job where the employee learns and gains valuable experiences. Alongside on-the-job training, apprentices spend at least 20% of their working hours completing classroom-based learning with a college, university or training provider which leads to a nationally recognised qualification.

An apprenticeship includes:

paid employment with holiday leave
hands-on-experience in a sector/role of interest
at least 20% off-the-job training
formal assessment which leads to a nationally recognised qualification

What are the different levels in apprenticeships?

Apprenticeships have equivalent educational levels.

Some apprenticeships may also give you an additional qualification, such as a diploma or an industry accredited qualification e.g. a professional qualification from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).

The Apprenticeship Pathway is ideal for students who wish to enter the workforce directly after college with hands-on experience. Benefits include:

Apprenticeship matching: Assistance in finding and securing apprenticeships in your field of interest.

Industry connections: Networking opportunities with local businesses and industry leaders.

Practical skills training: Gain practical skills and experience through work placements and vocational courses.

Supportive mentoring: Regular mentoring sessions to support your development and career planning.

WHAT DOES THE APPRENTICESHIP PATHWAY LOOK LIKE AT MEDEN COLLEGE?

Our apprenticeship pathway runs alongside our UCAS pathway. Students are asked to select either the UCAS or apprenticeships pathway, or can choose to follow both until they decide on their next steps. Below is a list of topic headings that students will work through as part of our pathway – giving them a holistic view of apprenticeships and the benefits to them. We use the Sixth Form apprenticeship activity pack to supplement the understanding gained in lessons.

What is an apprenticeship?
Higher and Degree apprenticeships – what are they?
What are the benefits of an apprenticeship?
What apprenticeships are available?
How to find an apprenticeship?
Is an apprenticeship right for me?
How to choose an apprenticeship?
How to find an apprenticeship? (continued).
How to apply for an apprenticeship?
What to do on your first day?

Click here for a student Apprenticeship Guide

WHERE ELSE CAN I FIND INFORMATION ON APPRENTICESHIPS?

Government apprenticeships website – potential employees list their apprenticeships here: https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/

Prospects – student friendly guide to work experience and apprenticeships: https://www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs-and-work-experience/apprenticeships

UCAS – particularly useful for higher and degree apprenticeships: https://www.ucas.com/apprenticeships

Rate my apprenticeship – gives ratings to apprenticeship providers: https://www.ratemyapprenticeship.co.uk/

Amazing apprenticeships – guides for students and parents, as well as apprenticeship job listings: https://amazingapprenticeships.com/

National apprenticeship events – lists all apprenticeship events in the UK: https://nationalapprenticeshipevents.co.uk/post-006/

The Apprenticeship Guide – experiences from current and former apprentices are shared here: https://apprenticeshipguide.co.uk/

STEM PATHWAY

Our STEM Pathway is tailored for students passionate about Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

Highlights include:

Specialised STEM courses: Access to a range of courses in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

STEM trips: Participate in extra trips and opportunities outside of the classroom.

Industry partnerships: Work with industry partners on real-world projects and gain insights from professionals in STEM fields.

SOCIAL SCIENCES PATHWAY

The Social Science Pathway is perfect for students interested in subjects such as Psychology, Sociology and Criminology.

Key benefits are:

Diverse course options: Study a range of social science subjects to prepare for university or careers in social sciences.

Field trips and conferences: Attend relevant field trips and conferences to enhance your learning experience.

Research opportunities: Engage in research projects that tackle real-world social issues.

Career workshops: Participate in workshops with different professions, such as police, social workers and NHS mental health professionals.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information about any of our pathways or to discuss which option might be best for you, please contact the Head of College, Mrs Smith on hsmith@medenschool.co.uk

We look forward to helping you achieve your educational and career goals at Meden College.