You did all the work, you’ve taken a break… now results day is approaching. What are your options if things don’t go as well as you hoped after GCSEs, A Levels, BTECs, Nationals, Highers or T Levels? Key dates 5 August – SQA Highers and Nationals 14 August – A Levels 14 August – T Levels 14 August – BTEC Nationals 19 August – IGSCE (International GCSE) 21 August – BTEC First/Tech 12 August – GCSE If your results are…
If you’re at school in Scotland, in S3 or S4, you need to think about choosing your Highers. Most people study four or five subjects in S5 – and you can go on to take Advanced Highers in S6. You will often need at least five National 5 qualifications (Nat 5s) at grades A–C to go on to Highers but this varies depending on your school or college. You can study Highers over one or two years, and will usually…
If you struggle with revision, then try some of these tips and tricks. They could make all the difference! Get started If you put things off, the Pomodoro method can help. Set a timer for 25 minutes – even the most reluctant procrastinator can usually manage such a short period. Then take a five minute break. Start another 25 minute session. If you do four of these in a row, each time followed by a break, you can then have…
Your exam results can be key to your next steps at sixth form or college – or your chances of getting a job. But if you don’t get the grades you wanted, there are alternatives for you to consider. Just missed your grades? If you are not far off what was needed for your chosen subject you may be able to study it if your college has some flexibility. Go in on enrolment day and talk to them, with someone…
Today's one of the most stressful dates for many students. It may feel like disaster if you don’t get the grades for your chosen course, but there are options. Universities still want you – more than 50,000 students find their places through Clearing every year. Many more choose apprenticeships, internships, gap years, or go straight into work. How Clearing works Universities fill spaces that are still available after results day via Clearing, matching students with places. This year the system…
Are you ready to choose your subjects for sixth form? Whether you are staying at school or moving to a sixth form college there are lots of options open to you. It can seem overwhelming – but don’t panic - here are tips to help you. First, you might want to think about the sort of job you would like to do. Look on a careers website like Careers in Eyecare and explore careers you might like and what you…
The government in England is planning to reduce the number of top A level grades this year. Ministers want to return to pre-pandemic statistics, the proportion awarded in 2019. Scotland and Wales are moving more slowly. It may be bad news for some students, parents and schools. But if you miss out, there are still plenty of options for a rewarding career in eyecare. Whether you are into science and technology, fashion or engaging with people, there’s a great future…
Have you survived your GCSEs, or nationals in Scotland? It can be a nerve-wracking time. Here are some tips to help. When will I find out? Results day for National Qualifications in Scotland is on Tuesday 8 August and GCSE results for England, Wales and Northern Ireland (and some Scottish schools) is on Thursday 24 August. Well done! Congratulate yourself. Whether you get the results you expected or not, that's OK. Try to celebrate what you have achieved – you…
If you are awaiting exam results in a state of trepidation, read this article from newly qualified dispensing optician Matthew. We covered a day in his life as a student DO - now he is ready for his first fully qualified role! Well done Matthew, it's inspiring to read your story. On the Thursday morning, 11 August 2022, around 1am I ran upstairs and woke my wife up. She was confused until she heard my words; “I passed! I bl**dy…
A level results day can be a fraught time as you’ve pinned your hopes and next steps on getting the grades you need for a particular course at a particular university. But if things don’t work out how you hoped, there are alternatives for you to consider. Just missed your grades – you may still find that your first choice is possible as the university may decide to offer the place to you anyway via a ‘changed course offer’ meaning…