Last week, after their exams, our Lower Sixth students explored their future pathways during Higher Education Week.
The week is designed to start conversations, broaden horizons and support informed-decision making about life after A Levels, whether that’s further study at university in the UK or abroad, the world of work through an apprenticeship or an alternative route such as a gap year or work experience. The Sixth Form and Futures team offered practical advice on writing personal statements, completing university applications and student finance but what really brought the week to life was the return of some of our recent alumni, who came back to share honest insights about their chosen pathways and to offer advice.
Key highlights of the week included:
As well as an introduction to Unifrog, the platform we use to help students manage their university applications and practical advice on completing a UCAS application, our alumni played an important role in supporting Lower Sixth students with their personal statements.
Students were offered tailored sessions for pursuing MDV, Law or Oxbridge routes, and as recent school leavers, our alumni were able to provide first-hand guidance on what makes a strong application and how to stand out in a competitive process. Their relatable perspective adds real value and helps students approach this important task with greater confidence.
In this informal session led by Head of Futures Mr Aldridge, Kaiyan Kataria who is currently undertaking an Audit Degree apprenticeship at KPMG spoke about his experiences, including the application process and what daily life looks like. Following Kaiyan’s talk, Lower Sixth student Ruby said, “The ratio between work and university experience really surprised me, as I hadn’t realised how much time is spent working before attending university sessions. It helped me fully understand the importance of getting hands-on experience within the field.”
Students had the opportunity to hear from Lucy Bullock, currently a Division 1 international student athlete at San Diego State University, majoring in Psychology with a minor in Counselling and Social Change. Lucy shared her insights into international applications, student life overseas, and the opportunities available beyond the UK.
Lower Sixth student Arya shared, “The talk really opened my eyes to all the different opportunities overseas that are unique compared to the UK, which has made it very appealing. I feel that one of the biggest benefits is the independence you gain from being in an unfamiliar environment. It allows you to experience new things and learn a lot about yourself.”
Rosie added, “This talk reinforced my view that studying overseas is a great opportunity for personal growth and learning. It also changed my perspective by showing me how much studying abroad can improve independence, confidence, and communication skills. The biggest benefits are experiencing a different culture, meeting people from diverse backgrounds, gaining a broader perspective on the world, and diversifying your CV. Having international study experience can help you stand out to universities and employers by showing flexibility, independence, and a willingness to take on new challenges.”
If you are a a former student and are interested in getting involved in next year’s Higher Education Week, please contact the Alumni and Development team: alumni@trinity.croydon.sch.uk
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