Year 11 meet an ambassador from the University of Kent
University guidance can be like buses, when you want one visitor, two arrive at the same time…
While one guest was talking to the Sixth Form about the UK’s newest university, the London Interdisciplinary School, Jonathan Stebbing from the University of Kent addressed Year 11 on the subject of “Why go to University?” He spoke about the advantages and disadvantages of campus and city universities and how to choose both the university and course that you would like to study of the 37,000 courses available in the UK. He outlined the idea of a sandwich course with a year in industry or abroad, and how the confidence and skills that develop over time at university can really change an individual’s outlook. He spoke about the extras at university such as, clubs and societies both competitive and for leisure and the life-long friendships that are often forged, before moving on to student finance and how a loan is really a tax that is outweighed by the increased earning potential, not to mention job security that graduates enjoy.
Jonathan briefly mentioned widening participation at all UK universities, which means that they are increasingly taking students from non-selective schools rather than from independents and grammars, which gives Wye students a distinct advantage.
Jonathan will return to Wye School in January to speak to Sixth Formers, so if Year 11 students have any questions they can either pass them to him via Dr Marks, or speak to him when he is next in School.
To help with university choices UKC has open days for potential students and parents/carers at which it discusses all of the above and more. Their next is on 20 November and they publicise future events on their website: https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/visit
We are very grateful to Jonathan for his time and advice and look forward to continuing our relationship with UKC in the very near future.
STOP PRESS…..Mr Steadwood and Dr Marks are arranging for some of their science lecturers to come in to Wye and for a visit to them when they have completely opened up again.
__________________________________________________________________________________
A nice quote from Jonathan in an email after the presentation
“Hi John
Just wanted to drop you a quick line to once again say thank you for having me down to speak with your students this morning, it was great to finally meet you in person and I had a brilliant time at the school! It feels like you have a really lovely sense of community over there and I very much look forwarding to working with you again in the near future. “