downsmail.co.uk


Education | Special Feature Keep 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 understanding of the standards required. Don’t let that work go to waste;


think on your feet; it’s important, and leads you on to the next stage of your life, and that means 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 also worth knowing that those who don’t get their predicted grades can still get into university, if they want 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 university place to courses which still have spaces. “A Level results day is the most


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- dents who get the highest grades. “It doesn’t mean these students


are themost talented, enthusiastic or passionate…they just have the top marks. It’s important that you don’t let the system get you down


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


– 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 sug- gests:  Keep calm and carry on – re- member, this is just a bump in the road. Collect your thoughts, and re- member there is ALWAYS a differ- ent path to take.


 Research – Have a look for simi- lar courses to your chosen one, which might have lower entry re- quirements. If your heart is set on a particular university, look at their clearing pages now and register with 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 ex- perienced staff at your school or college who can help you. Be brave – Pick up the phone and call the universities you are inter- ested in. Ask lots of questions and don’t just take the first opportunity that comes your way. This is your opportunity to discover what is best for you.  Keep an openmind - Remember, if you don’t know what to do next, you can always give yourself some time to consider all your options. You could defer going to university until next year. Youmay decide you want to earn some money and get a job, or re-sit your exams, or per- haps consider a different degree or an apprenticeship instead.


Headmaster: Mr M Tomkins A Foundation School. NOR 1275 including a mixed Sixth Form of 348 (including 77 girls) A Boys Selective Grammar School (11 to 18)


Maidstone Grammar School Higher Education Fair


Wednesday 25th September 2019 5.00pm-7.30pm


We would like to invite students from Maidstone schools in Year 10, 11, 12 and 13 and their parents to attend our annual Higher Education Fair.


We will be hosting around 50 exhibitors at the event from many of the leading UK universities, plus some local colleges, apprenticeship providers, gap year and studying abroad organisations.


For more details and to book a free place, please register via our website link: https://www.mgs.kent.sch.uk/calendar-events/detail/119


Tel: 01622 752101 Email: school@mgs.kent.sch.uk Fax 01622 753680 Website: www.mgs.kent.sch.uk Maidstone Grammar School, Barton Road, Maidstone, Kent. ME15 7BT


Maidstone October 2019 21


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40