Dear Parent Carer or Guardian

Please see below a number of important events organised by the Careers Department that Year 1 students will be participating in during March and April.

At this stage in their college journey, we are encouraging students to keep an open mind about their options beyond their final sixth form year with us. We also want them to take the initiative in attending events (sign up for activities) that will provide insights and help them make informed decisions about their future. Please encourage them to open emails from me and also to attend tutorial time where help is given to sign up for these following events.

Events for Students

Apprenticeship Fair, 11 March

Confirmed to attend this annual event are Rampion Wind Farm, Ministry of Justice, the NHS, Sussex Police, Network Rail and many more. Students do not need to sign up, but please remind them to come to the Hall at any point between 11.30am -1.30pm. If they want to know anything about apprenticeships, this is the event to attend...

UK Higher Education and Apprenticeship Fair at AMEX Stadium, 20 March

Students can miss lessons to attend. Externally run event for Year 1 students to start their research. I have sent students the sign-up link. They would need to register to get their free 'eticket' (& keep it on their mobile).

University of Sheffield Talk, 15 April

Visiting the College to talk about applying to competitive Universities and how to make the most of a UCAS Fair. I will be sending students a Google Form sign up sheet - please ask them to look out for this if they are interested in applying to Russell Group/competitive universities.

UCAS Discovery Fair - Brighton Centre, 16 April

We have reserved 450 free 'etickets' - tickets are offered on a first come, first served basis. Students will receive help to create their UCAS Hub and interested students can register for a ticket during tutorial time. They need to join as a 'group booking' and our specific college code is UCASBKN1320568. This code is reserved for Varndean Sixth Form College students only.

Event specific to Parents, Carers & Guardians only

University Information Evening, 24 March

This event is designed to help parents confidently support their young learner through the university application process. Hear about the support Year 1 students receive at Varndean, learn about Student Finance from one of our local universities, with optional talks on the Art Foundation course, and for parents of students on the ASPIRE programme, a talk on applying to competitive universities including Oxbridge.

Please note this event is for parents, carers & guardians only, as the information will be covered with students during their tutorial sessions. Further details to follow next week.

If you have any questions about any of the above, please email me and I will respond as quickly as I can.

Yours sincerely

Cordelia Dobbie, Careers Manager

cvd@varndean.ac.uk