Year 12 students visit the UCAS Discovery Exhibition at the University of Bedfordshire
Year 12 students explored a world of exciting opportunities available to them when they finish their studies at Brooke Weston Academy next year, while visiting the UCAS Discovery Exhibition in Bedford.
The UCAS Discovery Exhibition brings together experts to help students shortlist their options, all under one roof. Students had the opportunity to meet over 100 universities, colleges, and apprenticeship employers face-to-face to discuss different options and pathways available to them. They met with admissions staff, course leaders, current students, and job recruiters and were able to listen to live expert talks and get the latest advice and information on different career choices.
Jake Dunnill said, ‘For me the highlight of the event was being able to visit apprenticeship providers and speak with them. The opportunities on offer from Dyson are of particular interest to me as I want to go into engineering and their 5-year course will allow me to explore different areas of engineering before specialising in a specific one.’
Oviya Rameskumar said, ‘Speaking to a second year law student from Queen Mary University at UCAS Discovery has given me an insight into the structure of the law degree, which is very useful. I also want to explore the possibility of a degree-apprenticeship in law with BPE Solicitors LLP and this will be my next area to research.’
Dylan Smith said, ‘During the day I spoke to representatives from Loughborough, Sheffield, Bath, Southampton and Bristol university. This has given me the information I need regarding architecture and the possibility of applying for a course that provides a foundation year to give me a route into the field.’
Victoria Mann said, “It was really beneficial to see so many universities in one space alongside apprenticeship opportunities with employers collaborating with universities. A particular passion for me is dodgeball, and I will be taking part in a national competition in three weeks’ time. Obviously, this is really important to me and I would definitely like to continue when I move on to higher education, so being able to ask university representatives about extracurricular opportunities at UCAS Discovery will help me make an informed decision about my future.’
Post-16 Co-Curricular Coordinator, Mrs Hegarty said, ‘Attending the UCAS Discovery event is an absolutely essential part of our offer to Year 12. It acts as the catalyst for our students to fine tune their research into courses and universities they may wish to explore further through attending open days and making effective use of their summer holidays to develop their personal statements.
'This follows on from a recent session delivered by Jeff Chilton, Student Recruitment Widening Participation Officer for the University of Aberystwyth. Jeff prepared students for the forthcoming summer holidays and making the most of these through experiences that will allow students to make informed choices for their future and write engaging personal statements to support these applications.
'A particular highlight of the UCAS Discovery event this year was the return and expansion of the demonstration tent where students had the opportunity, not only to interact with the universities and admissions tutors, but also experience a flavour of the nature of the activities they may get to engage in as part of their field of expertise.’
