The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is a standalone qualification, designed to develop students beyond the usual Level 3 course and to prepare you for university or your future career. It's worth half an A-level. You choose your own topic and title, with guidance from teachers. This is an independent project, a chance to really dig deeply into an area that interests you. What is an EPQ? The EPQ can be: a dissertation – a 5,000 to 6,000-word piece of writing…
You’ve finished your A Levels, Highers or BTECs and are nervously waiting to find out how you did. It’s worth looking into your options now so you can hit the ground running if the big day doesn’t go the way you hope. Results day is the most stressful date 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…
If you are in the lower sixth or your first year at college, tutors and parents may be asking you what you plan to do next. It feels like the pressure is on and you have to have a plan for the rest of your life ... but don't worry. There are lots of options available to you and you have time to choose what you'd like to do. The number of apprentices is rising. An apprenticeship is a great…
Ophthalmic and vision science is a little-known career, but one that offers you a great future. These specialists assess the structure and function of the eye and the visual system. They are experts in disorders of vision, eye diseases and the visual pathway. This is a great choice for many reasons. Our top six are: 1. Combine science and technology with people skills You need to be able to help and reassure patients and work with the wider, multidisciplinary healthcare…
If you are doing your GCSEs, you also have to think about what next. Do you want to go to a sixth form college or stay at your school if it offers a sixth form? You could also look at apprenticeships. In this article we look at how to take your next steps when applying for sixth form colleges. Sixth form colleges offer several open days. If you are in year 10 you may get the chance to do a…
If you’re at school in Scotland, and in S3 or S4, you might be thinking about choosing your Highers. You normally need to study towards four or five Highers in S5 – and may then go on to take Advanced Highers in S6. Scottish Higher qualifications (known as Highers) are subject-based qualifications. After taking Highers, you can go on to university, further study, training, or work. You can study for your Highers over one to two years, and will usually…
If you want to do a degree in medicine, ophthalmic dispensing or optometry, and you have been offered a place, make sure that you apply for student finance too. New students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan - for your fees - and a Maintenance Loan - for your living costs. https://youtu.be/I-ohAdv5CiY Here are some useful links for students in England: Find out what type of funding is available and if you can get any extra help Get an…
In Northern Ireland, students can apply for: Help with tuition fee costs Help with the costs of living Some students in various circumstances, such as students with a disability or long-term health condition, can et additional funding, or to help pay additional costs for childcare. Visit Student Finance NI to explore what might be available to you and apply. In Scotland, the Student Awards Agency Scotland is responsible for student finance. If you live in Scotland and you are going…
There’s a host of resources to help children and young people learn about all aspects of vision and eyecare. Here are some of our top picks.
If you are coming up to the time when you need to choose your GCSEs, you can feel under pressure. Don't panic: instead, read on for some tips to help you. When choosing your subjects, you could pick subjects you are good at or those you enjoy. You might want to do subjects your friends are doing, or ones where you like the teacher. These are all good reasons to pick a subject, but they are not the only things…