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Education |News Keep your career options open


SO, after two years’ hard work, you haven’t got the grades you were after? Stay calm…After all, much of


the study involved has been done, you also have a real understand- ing of the standards required. Don’t let thatwork go towaste;


think on your feet; it’s important, and leads you on to the next stage of your life, and thatmeans inde- pendence, direction and income! Many universities offer places


based on a student’s predicted grades, and these predictions are often not accurate. It’s alsoworth knowing that thosewho don’t get their predicted grades can still get into university, if theywant to. In 2018, more than 60,000 stu-


dents found university places through Clearing – a system which helps universities match students who don’t have a uni- versity place to courseswhich still have spaces. “ALevel results day is themost


important day of the year for tens of thousands of teenagers,” says former BBC World News editor Lisette Johnston.


“If you find yourself going


through Clearing, you are part of what can feel like a brutal, anti- quated system that is engaged in universities bidding for the stu- dentswho get the highest grades. “It doesn’tmean these students


are the most talented, enthusias- tic or passionate…they just have the topmarks. It’s important that you don’t let the system get you


Sutton Valence School svs.org.uk


down – keep positive and don’t let it put you off.” If you didn’t get the grades you


were predicted and you’re not sure what to do next Dr Johnston suggests:  Keep calm and carry on – re- member, this is just a bump in the road. Collect your thoughts, and remember there isALWAYS a dif- ferent path to take.


Research –Have a look for sim- ilar courses to your chosen one, whichmight have lower entry re- quirements. If your heart is set on a particular university, look at their clearing pages nowand reg- isterwith them.  Talk – There’s a lot of help out there. Resist your initial reaction to shut yourself away. Speak to your friends and parents, but also to experienced staff at your school or collegewho can help you.  Be brave – Pick up the phone and call the universities you are interested in.Ask lots of questions and don’t just take the first op- portunity that comes your way. This is your opportunity to dis- coverwhat is best for you.  Keep an open mind - Remem- ber, if you don’t knowwhat to do next, you can always give your- self some time to consider all your options. You could defer going to university until next year. You may decide you want to earn some money and get a job, or re- sit your exams, or perhaps con- sider a different degree or an apprenticeship instead.


60% A*-C (9-4) Three year average in


English and Maths (the Gold Standard)


Maplesden Noakes Don’t Settle for Second Best


One of the highest P8 Scores for Non-Selective Schools in the Maidstone Area


Open Evening Thursday 10th October 5-8pm


Open Mornings 14-16th October at 9am* By appointment only at www.maplesden.kent.sch.uk 01622 759036


Mornings Open Prep School


Friday 11th October 2019 Senior School


Saturday 28th September 2019 Book online now


Maidstone Weald September 2019 15


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