Today’s one of the most stressful dates for many learners. It may feel like a 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. There are plenty of healthcare fields outside medicine, where you can study to become a respected professional, combining patient care with science and technology. You could even move into medicine after studying something else…
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…
When you finally finish your GCSEs (or National 5s in Scotland) it’s time to celebrate – and enjoy a spot of relaxation. But it’s worth thinking about your next step and starting to prepare. Buy a diary Now you’re in sixth form or college you’ll have more work to do, deadlines to juggle and exam dates to remember. Get organised from day one and buy a diary to keep track of everything. Make sure you choose a school diary, otherwise…
A pioneering optical care course is opening career opportunities for Year 12 and 13 students. Aston University Sixth Form, in Birmingham, is the first college in the UK to have learners studying T Level optical care, says assistant principal Ruth Mercy. The two-year course, equivalent to an A Level, is designed for students who want to pursue a career in the sector. Ruth says: ‘It provides valuable insights into different optical roles, provides placements in optometry practices, visits and guest…
If you are in Year 13, it can feel like everyone is asking what you plan to do next. Where does your future lie? It feels like the pressure is on and you have to know what you want to do for the rest of your life. Don't worry. You have time to explore your options and there’s plenty of help and information out there. Finding the right career There’s lots of ways to find ideas and explore whether they…
It’s National Apprenticeship Week and there’s never been a better time to consider this way of training as a dispensing optician (DO). Level 6 apprenticeships, equivalent to a degree, were launched for the first time in September, allowing you to earn while you learn. DOs advise on, fit and supply the most appropriate spectacles after taking account of each person’s visual, lifestyle and vocational needs. They can take further training to fit contact lenses. The next group of learners will…
Orthoptists are the experts in diagnosing and treating defects in eye movement and problems with how the eyes work together, called binocular vision. This field offers a fascinating and rewarding career. Make a real difference Orthoptics lets you change lives every day. Imagine the dramatic impact of helping children see clearly for the first time, or fixing a patient’s double vision. Cutting-edge science If you’re fascinated by how the body and brain work together, orthoptics is for you. It combines…
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…
Optometrists are skilled health professionals, qualified to carry out sight tests, identify eye health problems, prescribe spectacles and contact lenses and even treat some eye conditions. 1. Make a difference Optometry is a rewarding career, where you can make a real difference to people’s lives. You’ll diagnose sight problems and identify health issues – you could even save someone’s sight. Getting the right prescription can be life-changing, helping young people succeed at school, older people stay independent and everyone in…