Book a workshop

Our range of free 30 to 60-minute workshops are delivered by our experienced team; they’re suitable for classes of up to 30 students and can be customised to suit your needs.

 

 

Here’s an outline of the workshops we offer, which cover the four main topics of Apprenticeships, Student Finance, University Life and Age 16+ Options. To book one or more, please use the form below.


Apprenticeships

What are apprenticeships?
For students in Years 9-11
This session explores the benefits of apprenticeships and helps students to gain an understanding of what an apprenticeship is, the different levels, entry requirements and assessment. 

Higher and degree-level apprenticeships
For students in Years 12-13
This session offers a recap on the benefits and different levels of apprenticeships before exploring Higher and Degree levels further. In addition to exploring the differences and similarities between university and apprenticeships, pupils will engage in activities to further their higher education knowledge and discover more about the apprenticeship recruitment process. 


Student Finance

How much does university really cost?
For students in Years 9-11
This session dispels the myths around the cost of studying at university and introduces the student loan system. To give students an idea of budgeting and living like a university student, pupils will take part in a higher and lower game and a budget vs brand shopping task. Students will discover the 3 golden rules for repaying their student loans and practice applying them to specific salary examples. 

University Student Finance
For students in Years 12-13
This session aims to give an insight into budgeting as a university student. Pupils will take part in a game where they must prioritise their money as they would if they were at university. We’ll discuss other sources of income, including finding scholarships, bursaries, and grants. Students will discover the 3 golden rules for repaying their student loans and practice applying them to specific salary examples. 

University life

Why go to university?
For students in Years 9-11
This session encourages students to think about their next steps and introduces them to the benefits of university. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the different aspects of student life and explore the differences between a school and university education. 

Making university choices
For students in Years 11-13
This session recaps the benefits of going to university. This session is designed to support students to develop an understanding of different university choices (courses, campuses, types of degree) and how to research them. Students will learn more about the University application process.   

UCAS
For students in Years 12-13
This session introduces participants to the information available on the UCAS website and it’s search functions to help with their research and application process. Students will learn more about making an application and what will happen after results day.   

University Personal statements
For students in Years 12-13
This session provides impartial advice on preparing and structuring a personal statement, tips and tricks, common mistakes to avoid, and helpful resources. 


Age 16+ options

Post-16 options
For students in Years 10-11
This is an informative session on the different options after Year 11 including Sixth Form, College, T-Levels and Apprenticeships. Students will explore these options in more depth by taking part in a matching up activity, looking at different Sixth Forms and Colleges in Essex using our interactive map, making a start on their personal statement and looking at next steps for post-18 options. 

Academic Skills

Revision Techniques
For students in Years 9-13
This session is split over two 1-hour sessions on separate days. Session one will look at memory techniques to help students to be more effective with their revision. Attendees will learn the concept of chunking information and practise using mind maps and the memory palace technique for recalling information. In session two, students will learn how to use the Cornell method for note taking, how best to organise their revision and general exam advice. 

Parent/Carer/Guardian

Student Finance
For parents/carers/guardians of students in Years 12-13
This session is split over two 1-hour sessions on separate days. Session one will look at memory techniques to help students to be more effective with their revision. Attendees will learn the concept of chunking information and practise using mind maps and the memory palace technique for recalling information. In session two, students will learn how to use the Cornell method for note taking, how best to organise their revision and general exam advice. 

Adult Learners

Making University Choices
For students studying an Access Course
This session recaps the benefits of going to university and provides adult-learner specific information, such as about the Adult Learner Loan, going to university with a family, and being a mature student. We will explore the different types of Higher Education Institutions and courses, explore institutions and courses in Essex and the surrounding areas, and support for mature students and those with families. This will provide students with the tools to start making their university course choices.

Intro to University Applications

Personal Statements
This session provides a comprehensive overview of the UCAS personal statement, helping students to approach their first drafts with confidence. Students will leave understanding the purpose of the personal statement, how to structure it, the common mistakes to avoid, and top tips for writing it. Using lots of examples to guide them, students will use the accompanying worksheet to begin drafting their own examples. This session will include hints and tips that are relevant to adult learners on Access to HE courses who will have a slightly different approach to the content they include in their personal statements. Please note this session is liable to change once UCAS updates to the personal statement for 2025 entry take effect.

Teaching Staff

Supporting Students With Their University Applications
For Teachers of Y12/13 Students

A virtual session supporting staff to feel confident about the UCAS personal statement writing process and content. In the session we will outline the most recent changes to UCAS personal statement requirements and what this means to you as teachers. You’ll find tips and tricks on what universities are looking for in a student’s personal statement, and common mistakes that students make. This session is also suitable for adult learners.
References for UCAS Applications
For Teachers of Y12/13 Students
A virtual session that will give you the tools and confidence to write references for your students. The session will outline the most recent changes to the UCAS reference writing process and provide some best practice guidelines that will help you be confident in the quality of your references and manage what can be a time-consuming process.

 

To book a workshop please complete the form via this link.