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How do you decide what topics to deliver in Personal Development sessions?

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How do you decide what topics to deliver in Personal Development sessions?

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We base our curriculum on recommendations provided by the PSH(C)E Association and CDI framework. These organisations are dedicated to ensuring high quality PSH(C)E education. Their frameworks provide valuable guidance on the key areas of personal, social, health, and careers education, ensuring that our curriculum aligns with nationally recognised standards and best practices.

We also prioritise feedback from students like yourself. Your input is invaluable in shaping the curriculum to address your specific needs, interests, and concerns. By incorporating student feedback, we can ensure that the content is relevant, engaging, and responsive to the realities of your lives. You can provide feedback through your PDT and learner voice meetings, and surveys over the year.

Finally, we also take into consideration feedback from parents and carers, as well as the local context, including cultural diversity, community challenges, and opportunities. This ensures that the curriculum is sensitive to the needs and values of our college community and reflects the realities of the world in which we live.

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Through your personal development lessons you will have access to unbiased, factual, and reliable information, empowering you to make informed decisions and consider diverse perspectives. In a world filled with conflicting narratives, the discussions and activities you do each week are essential for nurturing your intellectual curiosity, building your resilience, and developing your critical thinking skills.

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How do you deliver the Personal Development Curriculum?

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How do you deliver the Personal Development Curriculum?

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Your PDT will deliver each session as an engaging and interactive workshop that aims to develop your communication, team work, problem solving, resilience and empathy skills, which are all vital transferable skills you will need to develop in order to be successful in the workplace. They will also provide you with thought-provoking counter-narratives, offering alternative viewpoints to help you make sense of the rapidly changing world.

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Imagine you're on a journey, and you want to reach your destination smoothly and happily. Personal development is like having a map and some tools to help you along the way. It helps you make better decisions, handle challenges, and feel more confident and fulfilled. Plus, it sets you up for success in college, relationships and the future. These are essential topics you need to know about before you transition into adulthood. This means your attendance at personal development is vitally important as they are not covered in your other lessons.

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The aim of this page is to give you an overview of what to expect in your personal development sessions in year 1 and year 2. Scroll down and across to explore! There are links to resources for each session if you'd like to do some reading/watching/listening ahead of the week, however your PDT will also plan and prepare bespoke workshops which will have other resources - these are available to all students through the Personal Development Tutors SharePoint site.

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How can I contact my Personal Development Tutor?

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How can I contact my Personal Development Tutor?

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You can contact your PDT in a variety of ways. You will see your PDT at least once a week for your personal development session and speak to them then. Outside of this, they are based in G102 and have an open door policy, so you are always welcome to pop in to the office. You can also contact them via Microsoft Teams directly by searching for their name in the search bar. Alternatively, you can email or call them using the details below.

Millie Roberts millieroberts@callywith.ac.uk 01208 224110

Astrid Whitton astridw@callywith.ac.uk 01208 224237

Leanne Elson leanneelson@callywith.ac.uk 01208 224107

Bessie Layton bessiel@callywith.ac.uk 01208 224043

Becca Wallace beccawallace@callywith.ac.uk 01208 224106

Christine Iles christineiles@callywith.ac.uk 01208 224091

Claire Williams clairew@callywith.ac.uk 01208 224108

Kerrie Bramhall kerriebramhall@callywith.ac.uk 01208 224060

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What is the role of a Personal Development Tutor?

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What is the role of a Personal Development Tutor?

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All students are allocated a Personal Development Tutor (PDT). The role of the PDT is to have oversight of the student journey from enrolment day through to departure day. Your PDT will meet with you every week and deliver the personal development curriculum as well as ensuring you stay on track by monitoring your wellbeing, attendance and progress. They will be your first point of contact for any questions you may have and will also link in regularly with those around you to keep them up to date, for example parents/carers, support teams and subject teachers.

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Students will have regular meetings with their Personal Development Tutor (PDT) and will have contact with them at other times both in and outside the classroom.

Students cover a range of topics during weekly tutor time sessions to support them with their personal, social, health and educational development and in becoming well-rounded and resilient young adults.

Tutor time is a safe space in students' week where they can learn about, discuss, and explore important topics that they may not cover in their main programme of study.

Tutor time topics include student finance and personal finance, exam stress, apprenticeships and higher education, healthy relationships, body image and awareness, moving out of home, learning to drive, mental health, gender and sexuality and climate change to name a few.

Personal Development Tutors

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Students will have regular meetings with their Personal Development Tutor (PDT) and will have contact with them at other times both in and outside the classroom. Students cover a range of topics during weekly tutor time sessions to support them with their personal, social, health and educational development and in becoming well-rounded and resilient young adults.

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What is the 'Your Future, Your Way' project?

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What is the 'Your Future, Your Way' project?

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In year 2, during the autumn term, you will work on the 'Your Future, Your Way' project. In this project you will embark on an exciting and dynamic journey where YOU will take the lead for shaping your future. It is designed to empower you to explore and pursue your unique career goals and develop essential skills along the way, taking charge of your career development by honing- in on your unique interests, strengths, and aspirations. Whether it’s UCAS, apprenticeships, gap years, or more – the choice is yours!

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This session marks a significant milestone as we say our final goodbyes and reflect on our achievements together. As we bid farewell to this chapter of our lives, it's essential to take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate the successes we've accomplished along the way. From academic achievements to personal growth, each of us has made valuable contributions that have shaped our journey. As we part ways, let's also ensure that our future career plans are in place, taking proactive steps to pursue our passions and aspirations. While this may be the end of one journey, it marks the beginning of new opportunities and adventures. Let's embrace the future with optimism and determination, knowing that we are well-prepared to tackle whatever challenges come our way. Congratulations to each of you, and best wishes for your continued success!

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In this session, we'll be discussing important tips and strategies to ensure your safety while traveling abroad. We'll start by exploring how to choose a destination and plan your finances effectively, considering various types of holidays such as package deals, city breaks, and solo travel. You'll learn about the logistics of traveling, including booking flights and accommodation, as well as transportation options. We'll discuss essential travel documents like passports, visas, and emergency information, including managing medical conditions while abroad. Health and safety are paramount, so we'll cover topics such as travel insurance, vaccinations, and common travel scams to watch out for. Finally, we'll explore the enriching experience of immersing yourself in cultural traditions and cuisines while staying safe and respectful. By the end of this workshop, you'll feel more prepared and confident to embark on your next adventure while prioritizing your personal safety.

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It's a great, big world and we're so stoked that you're about to get out there and explore it!

No matter how much you've traveled in your home country there's something equally thrilling and terrifying about taking your first trip overseas. I've been globetrotting full-time for nearly 4 years to almost 60 countries -- and I've learned a thing or two along the way, including some top travel tips for first-time travelers.

Going somewhere completely new, different, and foreign is endlessly exciting but can also be a bit scary and confusing. But, it doesn't have to be! Follow these simple tips to get your logistics in order to ensure smooth sailing.

The most important of all tips for first-time international travelers? Avoid unnecessary stress by applying for a passport well before your expected departure. Don't book a flight or make any arrangements that can't be changed until you have that little book that opens doors around the globe in your hand. Some international flights require that you enter your passport number when booking or during online check-in, so it's best to just have it first before you start booking anything..

As of 2019, the application fee for U.S. passports is $145 for adults and $115 if you're under 16. If you've already gone ahead and started booking and paying for your trip you can pay an extra fee for your passport if you need it in a jiffy (the official term is "expedited"). Usually, you can receive an expedited passport within 2 weeks of your application.

Once your passport arrives, make paper and digital copies of the identification page. Give one to your parents to keep safe and keep another in your wallet. Take a photo on your phone and keep a quality digital copy on your Google Docs. Once you get your visa stamp, take a picture of that as well.

You'll need your passport more often than you might think -- not just during flights! Many hotels are required to take a scan of your passport identification page. Don't be alarmed by this, it's totally normal. Some may even hold your passport during your stay as collateral to ensure you pay for your accommodation but also to keep it safe from theft. (This isn't as common as it used to be before the days of online booking, but don't be surprised if it happens in some far-flung countries.)

While most countries technically do require that foreigners have their passport on them at all times this isn't the most advisable thing to do as there are pickpockets and bag snatchers all over the globe. This is where that paper copy you made comes in handy. Should you have any encounters with foreign law enforcement it's pretty standard to show them the picture of your passport and visa on your phone and then explain that the physical copy is back at your hotel -- just offer to go retrieve it if they need to see it.

Never keep your passport in an easy-to-access pocket on your bag. The absolute best place for your passport to be is in a safe at a hotel or in your locker at a hostel.

Perhaps you've been dreaming for a long time about seeing elephants in Thailand or visiting the pyramids in Egypt. Maybe you don't know where exactly, but you just know you need to go. If you're overwhelmed by all the incredible places you can see now that you have a passport then it may be hard to choose which destination to visit on your first international trip.

Here are some important things to ask yourself as you narrow down a literal world of choices:

Do you want to stay close to your home country or go far away? On your first trip, it's okay to start somewhere close and head further afield as you get more comfortable being an international globetrotting traveler.

Do you speak a foreign language? Or, are you comfortable traveling to a place where you don't speak the language? France was the first country I visited that wasn't an English or Spanish speaking country and I was completely overwhelmed by not being able to communicate.

Are you eager to make new friends and connecting with locals? If so, you may want to consider booking a guided tour -- that's a great way to connect with fellow travelers and many tours allow you opportunities to meet local guides too.

What are you looking forward to the most? Are you drawn towards beautiful buildings and architecture, eating delicious or unusual foods, relaxing on a beach, climbing a mountain, or do you just want to party? It might help to jot down a quick list in order to figure out 1-2 things that are the most appealing aspect of your first-time overseas.

What is your comfort level for traveling to countries that have a culture and lifestyle that differs greatly from yours? Will you feel uncomfortable around poverty, pollution, and crazy traffic? There's no shame in first visiting countries where you feel safe.

Once you've thought about these questions, hopefully, you can narrow down your choices to one or two countries, depending on how much time you've allocated for your first international trip. In case you're still unsure, a good recommendation for first-time travelers is to visit Western Europe or the United Kingdom. Most people speak English (even if it's not the national language), there are good transportation options (buses, trains, and airplanes), and lots of unique cultures to experience. Australia and New Zealand are equally easy, but slightly more adventurous destinations as they require long-haul flights and a bit more strategic planning as they're quite large and offer so many exciting things to do.

If you really want to go somewhere that's completely different from the States, consider a trip to some locations that are familiar and used to travelers such as Costa Rica or Thailand. I'm always amazed when I meet young travelers who are overseas for the first time in Morocco or India-two of my favorite countries -- but places I could not have handled when I was an inexperienced traveler at 19.

As you book your trip, make sure you check to see whether or not you'll need a visa to travel. A visa is a document issued by the country or countries you're visiting, which grants you permission to travel there for a certain number of days.

For most of Europe, the U.K., and many countries in Asia and Latin America, U.S. passport holders can travel without a visa or receive one on arrival. If you do need a visa though and you show up for your flight without it you won't be allowed to board the plane -- talk about major bummer and loss of your hard-earned money.

U.S. citizens can find out visa regulations by visiting the U.S. Department of State website and searching for their destination.

Gone are the days when you need to carry cash or travelers cheques ( what are those?!) to travel overseas. Now, thanks to the internet, it's much easier to manage and access money while traveling all over the world.

Check in with your bank to see if you need to set up a travel alert while you're abroad so your bank knows when and where you're traveling. You can also inquire about international fees, and whether they have partner banks in the destination that will help you save money on costly "foreign transaction" ATM fees. Or, you can avoid all of that by opening a free checking account with Charles Schwab or Ally. These are two banks that have no foreign transaction fees and reimburse ATM fees -- even while traveling!

Though your debit card will probably work everywhere on this first trip, it's important to have a good back-up plan. Try to take at least $100, a debit card, and a credit card with you on your first international trip. Always leave one card in your hotel room in case your wallet gets stolen -- this has happened to me way too many times. If your wallet gets stolen it's not the end of the world because you'll still have another way to access money!

Most international trips are going to require you to fly there, but for getting around your destination, consider other options such as buses or trains. Rio2Rome is a great tool for seeking all the route options from point A to point B and figuring out which mode of transportation will be quickest and cheapest.

Bus rides are usually the most cost-efficient and eco-friendly mode of transportation and also offer you the chance to take in the vistas and chat with locals. Some countries even have ride-sharing apps like BlaBlaCar which is common in Spain and Germany and can be more direct than a bus route.

Take a look at your options before booking your accommodation. While hotels are always a good option, don't forget to do research on hostel, guesthouse, and Airbnb options where you're traveling -- these offer you the chance to connect with other travelers and locals. Boutique hostels are becoming more common and are often times equipped with much nicer amenities than budget hotels.

Hostels tend to be more cost-friendly. I use Hostelz.com to compare prices for free between Hostelworld, Booking, Gomio, and other accommodation sites. Hostelz.com shows the price difference between each site and allows users to book directly through the site with the lowest fare. However, I prefer to make the actual reservation through Booking.com as there is no booking fee and usually reservations can be altered for free before the arrival date.

How far in advance should you start booking your trip? Unfortunately, with Covid still running its course, this is hard to tell. A recent survey found that contrary to past advice, booking close to your departure date will get you last-minute deals as airlines struggle to fill planes. Alternatively, survey results also concluded that the ideal time to book cheap flights to Europe was 180 days prior to departure.

If you're under 26 years old, you can get flight discounts just for being young! Look at flight search engines like StudentUniverse to nab a youth discount. No matter what, the best time to book is whenever you have the money and are ready to commit to your first international trip. Make sure you have exit flights for each country as many airlines won't let you board the aircraft on a one-way flight.

Although I've been traveling long-term I still always book accommodation in advance too. The idea of showing up in a place after a long day of travel without knowing where I'm sleeping makes me anxious -- but some people find this thrilling. At the very least, have a place to stay booked for your arrival day. Customs forms almost always require you to list where you'll be staying. Keep a business card from your accommodation on you in case your phone dies while you're out in case you have trouble making your way back.

As you start booking your first international trip, you may want to pack it all in. How many cities can you fit in one trip?! How much can you see in each day?! Take my advice: slow down, at least for the first day or two, to recover from the bane of every traveler: jet lag.

Recovering from a long-haul flight is challenging enough -- but when you add on a time change you're bound to be a bit jet lagged. It can take up to a week to adjust for every eight time zones you change. So, if you're flying from Los Angeles to London, you can expect several days where your brain and body are adjusting to the new time zone.

Fight the jet lag by getting plenty of rest before your trip and slightly adjusting your schedule -- think staying up an hour or two later -- to try to get your body prepped. Do the same with meal times. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after the flight.

Once you arrive, do your best to avoid naps, even when your body is screaming for one. Take a stroll around your neighborhood to get a sense of local life and relax in a cafe for a bit -- coffee really helps! No matter what, be sure to consider whether you need an extra day or two in your schedule to adjust. I'm guilty of breaking all of these rules every time I fly from Asia to the U.S. and back again.

Your first international trip may seem scary, but it's almost always scarier in your mind than it will ever be once you're traveling. Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind while abroad:

Pickpockets and petty theft: to avoid becoming a victim, always keep an eye on your belongings and hold your bag tight. A crossbody bag or fanny pack are by far the most effective way to deter pickpockets. Never carry a backpack on just one shoulder or leave your bag on the ground or on the back of a chair. Avoid putting cellphones or wallets in back pockets. If you're really concerned, money belts you can wear under your clothes and theft-proof wallets are also good options.

Stay in contact: You can register with the U.S. State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). That way, the local U.S. Embassy will know to get in touch with you in the case of a natural disaster, political unrest, or another emergency. If you are staying on a homestay or have a landlord, share these details with family back home so that they will have it should an emergency arise.

Travel insurance: any seasoned traveler knows that travel insurance is a must. Get one that covers both health and property. When you are traveling, you are susceptible to disease and other injuries. You'll hear horror stories of travelers who've been ill with malaria, staph infections, parasites, and more. From emergency evacuations to reimbursement for lost luggage, travel insurance can save you a lot of money in the unlikely event that something bad happens while you're abroad.

Above all, common sense: ask locals which areas of town or city neighborhoods you should avoid, travel with a buddy at night, don't drink too much, especially if you are alone or not in a group of people you trust, and meet new potential friends in public places, at least at first. If using a dating app, keep the date public. And always, always follow your gut if a person or situation gives you a bad feeling.

While you shouldn't focus on the things that could go wrong, being aware of your surroundings and taking simple steps to keep yourself safe will go a long way in enjoying your new adventure.

As your departure date gets closer, you may start to get more nervous as you get more excited -- this is your first time leaping out of the comfort and familiarity of your own country. That's kinda scary, but it eases with time, trust me. The benefits of travel and the thrill of experiencing a new place and new people far outweigh the stress of planning that first trip.

When you feel overwhelmed, just remember: every new destination involves some trial and error, even for seasoned travelers. Take any mishaps in stride and know that you're gaining valuable knowledge for the next time you board a flight. Have an amazing trip!

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8 Useful International Travel Tips for First-Time Travelers

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It's a great, big world and we're so stoked that you're about to get out there and explore it! No matter how much you've traveled in your home country there's something equally thrilling and terrifying about taking your first trip overseas.

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In this session, we'll delve into the critical issue of climate change and its far-reaching implications. We'll begin by distinguishing between climate and weather, exploring the greenhouse effect, and understanding the scientific basis of climate change, including the carbon cycle and global warming. You'll learn about the various impacts of climate change, from extreme weather events to rising sea levels and the loss of biodiversity, emphasizing the urgent need for action. We'll discuss the importance of renewable energies, mitigation, and adaptation strategies, including the Paris Agreement and the role of nations in combating climate change. Additionally, we'll explore the significance of individual and community actions, the economic impact of climate change, and the crucial role of government in addressing this global challenge. Get ready to deepen your understanding of climate change and explore ways to contribute to a sustainable future.

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Young People's Trust For the Environment

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The earth’s climate has seen many changes in its 4.55 billion years. Now many people believe that we must act fast to…

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In this session, we'll explore the fundamental principles of human rights and their global significance. We'll begin by delving into the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and its historical context, fostering cultural competence and global perspectives. You'll learn about the intersection of religion, ethics, and human rights, including discussions on religious freedom and challenging stereotypes and prejudice. We'll examine the influence of media and unconscious bias, as well as increasing LGBTQ+ awareness and understanding identities. With a focus on celebrating Pride Month and addressing anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination, we'll also explore women's rights, disability rights, and children's rights, emphasizing the importance of intersectionality and accessible design. Additionally, we'll discuss refugee and migrants' rights, the right to education, and the right to a healthy environment, empowering you to engage in volunteering and activism to uphold and protect human rights for all.

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Human rights are the fundamental rights and freedoms that belong to every single one of us, anywhere in the world. Human rights apply no matter where you are from, what you believe in, or how you choose to live your life.

Human rights can never be taken away, but they can sometimes be restricted - for example if a person breaks the law, or in the interests of national security. These rights and freedoms are based on values like dignity, fairness, equality, respect and independence. But human rights are not just abstract concepts - they are defined and protected by law.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights

After the horrors of the Second World War, a document was written specifically to outline and protect every single human being's basic rights. In 1948, the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights was established to do exactly that.

There are 30 rights and freedoms set out by the United Nations in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). They include the right to asylum, the right to freedom from torture, the right to free speech and the right to education.

No one can take these rights and freedoms away from us. They belong to everybody.

Seven decades on, and the rights they included continue to form the basis for all international human rights law.

The UDHR remains fundamental to Amnesty's work. It provides the bedrock of most of our campaigning, and it helps us to hold authorities to account when rights are abused.

Find out more about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The basics of human rights

Human rights have some key qualities, agreed by the international community.

They must be recognised as:

* Universal: they belong to every single person
* Inalienable: they cannot be taken away from us
* Indivisible and interdependent: governments should not be able to pick and choose which rights are respected.

Watch our video to find out why human rights are for everybody:

Why should you care about human rights?

Human rights are not just about the law. They are also about the decisions we make and situations we experience on a daily basis.

If we feel annoyed with something a politician does, most of us wouldn't think twice about talking about it with our friends online or in a pub. But when you do, you are exercising a human right - your right to free speech.

That's the thing about human rights. When they are being respected they go almost unnoticed. Most children in the UK don't wake up on a school day celebrating their ability to exercise their right to education. But those who have fled countries in which they were denied the right to go to school may well appreciate it that bit more.

Our human rights in the UK

In the United Kingdom our human rights are currently protected under the Human Rights Act 1998 - it sets out the fundamental rights and freedoms that everyone in the UK is entitled to.

From women fleeing domestic violence to disabled people seeking proper support, the Human Rights Act helps people to fight injustice and hold those in power to account. It places public authorities in the UK - including hospitals and social services - under an obligation to treat everyone with fairness, equality and dignity.

Steve's brother Michael was an experienced football supporter, when he died at Hillsborough the shock was huge. Steve has been fighting for justice for over 27 years. He used the Human Rights Act to expose the truth about what really happened:

The Human Rights Act is currently under threat as the UK government has pledged to scrap it a number of times. We must not let politicians turn universal freedoms into privileges for a chosen few, leaving people in the UK without access to justice if the authorities let them down.

Find out how you can help save the Human Rights Act.

Stand up against human rights abuses

We often take our human rights for granted, because they are based on principles that are intuitive - dignity, fairness, equality, respect and autonomy. More often than not, it is only when our rights are being violated that we stand up and take notice.

Unfortunately human rights abuses are rife - thousands of people across the world are denied a fair trial, tortured and imprisoned because of what they think or believe. Civilians are targeted at times of war. Children are forced to fight. Rape is used as a weapon.

That is why it's important that we do not take human rights for granted. And why it's important that they are protected under international law, so that we can hold states and people to account when they commit atrocities.

Become of a member of Amnesty to stand up for human rights today.

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Human rights are the fundamental rights and freedoms that belong to every single one of us, anywhere in the world. Human rights apply no matter where

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Week 40 - Understanding the political spectrum

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Week 40 - Understanding the political spectrum

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In this session, we'll delve into the complex world of politics and democracy. We'll start by defining left and right-wing ideologies and exploring the concept of political pluralism. We'll discuss the principles of democracy and the various forms it can take, including the history of voting rights and suffrage. You'll learn about election campaigns, electoral systems, and the responsibilities of voters. We'll also examine civic participation, community engagement, and the impact of fake news and misinformation on political discourse. Additionally, we'll explore political activism, advocacy, and the rise of youth political movements. With a focus on contemporary political issues and the role of social media in shaping political opinions, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the role of government and political parties in our society. Get ready to explore the dynamics of politics and democracy in today's world.

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You may have heard the terms 'left wing' and 'right wing' before - a politician might be accused of being 'too left wing', or a newspaper might be known as a 'right-wing publication'. Both of these terms refer to the political spectrum. It's something you'll come across fairly often, so this guide will help you to understand what it is and why it matters.

Think of the political spectrum as a scale with two opposite ends - the left and the right. Each end represents a group of principles, and those on the left tend to oppose those on the right. Most of these principles are about the best way to organise society in order for people to thrive.

It's useful to understand the political spectrum for three reasons:

It can help you to spot bias. If a newspaper, news channel, or news site is known as having a left-wing or right-wing bias, it's useful to keep that in mind when reading or watching their reports, as it might affect how they present certain people and events.

It can help you to reflect on your own bias. As you read through this guide, think about whether you lean more towards the left or right, and how this might impact your own views and interpretation of events.

It can help you to understand why a new policy or law is made. Very often, political parties will suggest policies that align with their place on the spectrum (for example, the Labour party in the UK will often suggest left-wing policies). These policies can then become law.

The terms 'left' and 'right' were first used in a political context during the French Revolution, when the people overthrew the French monarchy and took control of the government. Those on the left supported the revolution, whilst those on the right supported the monarchy. This idea of the left supporting change and the right supporting the status quo continues today, and it is a key part of their philosophies.

Right, ready to dive in? Here's a snapshot of some key principles, laws, political parties, and media outlets that are associated with the left and the right.

1. Government power vs individual liberty
The left

Those on the left strive for an equal society and believe that the government should play a large part in people's lives to help achieve this. This approach is sometimes referred to as big government.

Those on the left tend to support higher taxes on the rich, welfare for the poor, and government regulation (control) of business. This can also mean taking an interventionist approach towards economics, where the government will step in to prevent a recession (a period of economic decline). They can do this by taxing people highly during 'boom' times (when the economy is doing well) and then spending this money when the economy needs it.

The right

Those on the right strive to protect individual freedom and believe that the government should play a limited role in people's lives.

They tend to support lower taxes, and less business regulation, and believe that private sector competition leads to better services (for example, private healthcare firms competing with each other for patients, rather than public healthcare provided by the government).

2. Progressive vs conservative
The left
Those on the left tend to adopt a progressive view, meaning they often favour social change or reform. A typical example is supporting same-sex marriage.
The right
Those on the right tend to uphold more traditional views. A typical example is being in favour of the monarchy.
The left
National Health Service Act, 1946, UK

Made healthcare free on the basis of citizenship and need, rather than the payment of fees or insurance premiums.

Implemented by: The Labour Party

Principles: equal society, government intervention

Parental Leave Act, 1974, Sweden

Sweden became the first country in the world to introduce parental leave that could be split between two parents of a child.

Implemented by: The Social Democratic Party

Principles: progressive politics, social change

The right
Tax allowance for married couples, 2014, UK

Married couples get tax benefits such as reduced income tax, and the ability to pass money on to a spouse without incurring inheritance tax.

Implemented by: The Conservative party

Principles: tradition

Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, 2017, US

Reduced tax rates for businesses from 35% to 21%

Implemented by: The Republican party

Principles: laissez-faire economics, individual liberty

The left
The Labour party (UK), Green party (UK), Democratic party (US) and Socialist party (France) are often described as being left-wing.
The right
Right-wing parties include The Conservative party (UK), UKIP (UK), Republican party (US) and Law and Justice (Poland).
Worth knowing...
It's worth keeping in mind that the terms 'left' and 'right' are often used loosely and aren't always accurate. For example, many of the UK Labour party's policies place it in the centre of the political spectrum, or even slightly right of centre. The same is true in the US, where both the Democratic party and Republican party could be considered right wing. Likewise, a political party might become more left or right wing depending on its leader at the time. It's always worth checking out the party's actual manifesto before deciding who to vote for.
The left
The Guardian, The Huffington Post, The Daily Mirror, Mother Jones, and The Washington Post are often described as being left-wing.
The right
Right-wing outlets include The Times, The Daily Telegraph, The Daily Mail, The New York Post and Fox News.
The left
"From each according to his abilities; to each according to his needs." - Karl Marx
The right
"Man is not free unless government is limited." - Ronald Regan

It's not all black and white...
Not all principles, laws, political parties, or media outlets can be neatly classified as left or right wing, as most will use elements of both. Likewise, individual people, even those who describe themselves as being left-wing or right-wing, will often support one or two principles from the other end of the spectrum. This is a good thing - by avoiding strict labels and remaining open-minded, we can avoid having an over-simplified outlook and judge policies on their own merit.

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Understanding the political spectrum - Unifrog Blog

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In this session, we'll explore the exciting journey ahead as you prepare to leave college and transition to new opportunities. We'll discuss the importance of saying goodbye and leaving advice messages for future students, reflecting on your experiences and offering insights to help others. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to meet and network with other year 2 students from across the college who are going to the same university as you. Get ready to embrace the transition with confidence and excitement.

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Here are a couple of things you'll need to do before you head off.

So you're off to uni nice job, fresher!

For most people, the level of independence that university brings will be a whole new thing. There's plenty to think about before you set off so we've gathered some important info to help you get ready.

How do I prepare for moving into uni?

First of all, make sure you have everything you'll need for your halls and course. Check out our sister site The Student Room's list of what to take to uni.

Check information from your uni about what you can and can't take to your accommodation (e.g. mini-fridges and kettles).

Get a few basic life skills sorted - learn how to do laundry and master a handful of easy meals before you go to uni.

Find other students in your flat or university accommodation by checking out your specific university sub forum on The Student Room.

Connect with your university on social media. Doing so can make you feel a part of the community before arriving and it's a handy way to get important updates ahead of a busy Freshers Week.

Have a look at this guide to handling your first year of uni on our sister site The Student Room.

Sort out your health and medical supplies

Before you leave home, check your vaccine records - especially for measles, mumps and meningitis. See your doctor to get any boosters or missing ones.

Get your teeth checked before you arrive. The start of term isn't the best time to get a wisdom tooth removed...

Talk to your home doctor about contraception, especially if you're going to need repeat prescriptions.

Register with a local GP or the university medical centre and a dentist when you arrive.

Familiarise yourself with where the local A&E and drop-in health centres are in your university town.

If you suffer with long-term conditions such as diabetes or epilepsy, make sure your flatmates know where your medication is kept.

Catching a cold (known as Freshers' flu) is normal during the first few weeks at university. Get some sleep and take flu remedies - it's a virus so antibiotics won't help.​​​​​

Make sure you're financially prepared for these common start-of-term expenses

Moving van - renting a van can be expensive, and quotes will vary depending on how much you're taking and how far you're going. If you can't fit everything in your parents' car, book a van rental as early as possible.

Laptop - most universities have computer rooms, but they can be inconvenient to book and it's much easier to take your own. Most good laptops have a lifespan of around three years, so a new one now should last you the duration of your undergraduate course.

Extra furniture and utensils - when choosing your accommodation, read carefully what facilities and utensils will be provided. This way you can take your time researching the cheapest options for anything extra need to buy.

Freshers Week - you'll receive your student loan during your first week but it's a good idea to have some extra money aside.

Read more on The Student Room: 10 things students weren't expecting when they started uni
Managing your finances once you're at university

Reading lists

You'll most likely receive information about reading lists in your welcome pack once your uni place is confirmed.

You don't need to buy all of the required books - your uni will usually provide PDFs of relevant chapters.

If you do want a physical copy, you can find discounted or second hand books on Amazon, eBay, Abebooks, Alibris and Oxfam Online - but make sure you get the right edition.

How to make the most of Freshers Week

Most unis publish Freshers Week schedules on their websites or the Students' Union website a few weeks before - check this out early so you can plan what you'd like to go to.

There will be all sorts of activities for your course, plus introductory sessions for the library and IT - find out when these are and schedule them into your week.

You've probably heard about Freshers Fair - the big expo where societies get you to sign-up in exchange for a lot of freebies. It's definitely worth going, so you can ask any questions about any activities that interest you.

As for social activities, you'll be spoilt for choice! There'll be everything from end-of-week parties and club sessions to themed walks, cafe-crawls, bowling and cinema nights on offer - pick a few you're interested in so you don't burn yourself out.

Worried about navigating Freshers Week? Here are some tips from the community on our sister site The Student Room.

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There are plenty of things to remember before you head off to uni as a fresher.

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Week 37 - Higher Education: Navigating UCAS Clearing & Extra

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Week 37 - Higher Education: Navigating UCAS Clearing & Extra

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In this session, we'll guide you through the process of securing a university place through UCAS Clearing and Extra. You'll learn about the options available to you if you haven't received any offers or if your circumstances have changed. We'll discuss how to search for courses and universities with vacancies, as well as how to apply through the Clearing and Extra routes. You'll gain insight into making informed decisions and maximizing your chances of securing a place that aligns with your academic and career goals. By the end of this workshop, you'll feel confident and equipped to navigate UCAS Clearing and Extra effectively.

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If you've used all five choices on your application, and you're not holding any offers, you could still find a place using Extra - it's free!

Extra is another chance for you to gain a place at university or college, between 25 February and 4 July. If you used all five of your choices on your original application and you're not holding an offer, you'll be able to add another choice using Extra.

Who can use Extra?

If you included five choices on your application, have received decisions from all five, and weren't accepted, or if you declined the offers you received, you will be able to use Extra.

If you did not use all your choices in your initial application, you can just sign in to your application and add another choice, as long as it's before 30 June, and you've not accepted or declined any offers. Remember, if you originally only applied to one choice and want to add more, you'll be asked to pay the extra £4.50 application fee.

If you don't hold any offers after 5 July, you will be able to add an additional choice using Clearing.

How do you add more choices in Extra?

Find a course you want to apply to.

Use the filter 'Show courses with vacancies' in the UCAS search tool.

Contact the universities and colleges to check if they'll consider you.

Apply for the new course.

Add the details to your application.

If you're applying to a new subject, you may want to add a new personal statement to strengthen your application.

The university of college will consider your application - if after 21 days you don't hear, you can choose to either continue to wait or add a new choice.

If you receive an offer, reply and subject to meeting entry requirements you're in!

If you receive an offer but don't want to accept it, you can decline it.

If you're not offered a place you can search for other courses and add another Extra choice

For more details, take a look at our FAQs.

Tips when considering a choice

Think about related or alternative subjects, as the entry requirements may be different.

You can only apply to one course at a time, meaning you won't be able to have an insurance choice.

What happens next?

Once you have received the decision from the university or college, you just need to accept it on your application. If you accept the offer, you won't be able to apply to any more in Extra.

Make sure you reply to the offer by the date shown on your homepage, or your offer will be declined automatically.

If you decline the offer, or you don't get a decision within 21 days, you can add another choice. It might take universities and colleges longer than 21 days to reply - they have until midnight on 12 July to make their decisions, but it's up to you whether you want to wait or replace them with a different choice.

If you don't get the offer you want in Extra, don't worry - you can still use Clearing to add another choice.

FAQs

How will I know if I am eligible to use Extra?

You'll see the option to 'Add an Extra choice' on your application.

Will all the universities have places available in Extra for all their courses?

Not necessarily - each university or college decides which of its courses (if any) still has places available. They inform UCAS using an online system, and these courses display the information in our search tool.

How can I apply through Extra if the course I want isn't available?

If the course you want to apply for is listed as no longer accepting applications in our search tool, but the university is happy for you to apply, you should ask the university to open course vacancies. If they agree to do this, you'll be able to add the choice. UCAS can't do this on behalf of the universities.

I only made four choices because I applied for medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine or veterinary science courses, and I've been unsuccessful with all of them. How can I use Extra as I haven't used all five choices?

As you have not used five choices, you can't normally use Extra at this stage. However, if you've been unsuccessful at your four medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, or veterinary science choices, and you have seen a course available for application in the search tool for one of these subjects, contact the university to check if there are still places. If the university confirms there are vacancies, and they're willing to consider your application, call our Customer Experience Centre on 0371 468 0468 for advice.

​

Favourite

Once you've sent your application and received your welcome email, you can sign in at any time to see how it's progressing.

Favourite

Find out when you need to reply and about the different replies you can make.

Sponsored by University Of Northampton

Sponsored by Bangor University

UCAS article

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Not holding any offers? You might be able to apply for more with Extra!

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If you've used all five choices on your application, and you're not holding any offers, you could still find a place using Extra - it's free! Extra is another chance for you to gain a place at university or college, between 25 February and 4 July.

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In this session, we'll delve into the essential skills needed to navigate the digital world responsibly and critically. You'll learn about developing critical thinking in the digital age, with a focus on spotting bias, fact-checking tools, and verifying sources across social media, general media, and online platforms. We'll address the prevalence of fake news, misinformation, and hate speech, providing guidance on recognizing and reporting it while promoting positive online behavior. Cybersecurity is paramount, so we'll discuss strategies for filtering content, protecting against cyberstalking, harassment, phishing scams, and identity theft. By the end of this workshop, you'll feel more empowered to stay informed about online trends and engage with digital platforms safely and critically.

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Formed of inaccurate information and often deliberately published or shared in media outlets and social media, fake news can be a dangerous way of obtaining information. When sharing news, people often don't stop and think about whether the article could be fake and, in an age of instant internet access and social media platforms, news is shared to millions at the touch of a button. And therein lies the danger.

Although the Oxford English Dictionary only added the term 'fake news' to the dictionary in 2019, the use of the term has increased over the years, by 365% from 2016 to 2017 alone, the Guardian reports. 'Fake news' became popularised during Donald Trump's presidential election campaign in 2016, with Trump suggesting he created the term when, in fact, it has been around since the 19th century, according to the Oxford English Dictionary.

According to a poll conducted across countries in January 2020, 38% of people said they trust most news most of the time - a fall of four percentage points from 2019, and less than half said they trust the news they use themselves.

"Even before the coronavirus crisis hit, more than half of the global sample said they were concerned about what is true or false on the internet when it comes to news," the report, from the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism at the University of Oxford, states.

Richard Bowyer, Senior Lecturer in Journalism at the University of Derby, explains the very real danger fake news presents and the way it tarnishes the world of journalism. He says:

"Nowadays everyone is an editor and everyone can publish news - especially on social media."

Why do people share fake news online?

A study undertaken by Loughborough University's Online Civic Culture Centre in 2019 found that 42.8 percent of news sharers admit to sharing inaccurate or false news. The study also reported that "those who share news on social media are mainly motivated to inform others and express their feelings".

"People share fake news for a variety of reasons," says Richard. "They either believe it to be of interest to people or they try and portray the news as an opinion, but the main reason is to influence like-minded people in certain sections of the community. This often isn't news, it is opinion which appears to be factually correct, but it isn't.

"They want people to believe it is true. This can make sharing fake news dangerous as they want people to change the way they think."

However, the question still remains as to how much responsibility companies like Google, Facebook and Twitter should have when trying to target the spread of fake news. In 2016, Facebook launched its reporting and flagging tools after receiving an increasing amount of criticism regarding fake news being shared on its platform.

Google is also trying to play its part. After launching a $300 million programme to support journalism, the company revealed a new tool in March 2019 to help news outlets tag stories that present misinformation within them, part of its Google News Initiative.

Richard explains the difficulty companies have when trying to target fake news: "Companies such as Google and Facebook are trying hard to stamp out fake news, but they can't do it alone; everyone needs to play their part.

"Be careful where you choose to get your information from. If you develop a critical mindset it will help you to evaluate the story and decide whether you think it is true or not. Approach what you read with a heavy dose of cynicism.

"Your first standpoint should be, what are the facts in this story which can be proved to be true? Where are the sources of information and can they be trusted? Where was the article originally published? What sort of organisation is it? Who or what groups are sharing the story?

"The idea is that you start looking at the story with a critical eye, questioning its authenticity."

The 2019 UK general election is known by many for heightening the awareness of fake news. According to an Intuit Research/Norstat poll, around half of UK adults believed that political parties were spreading fake news in advance of the 12 December election.

The Conservative Party temporarily rebranded one of its Twitter accounts to "factcheckUK" during a live election debate in November 2019 and, despite receiving criticism, revived the branding to celebrate election victory.

The Conservatives, Labour and Liberal Democrats were also " accused of creating 'fake news' by presenting their election campaign materials as newspapers".

Full Fact is an independent fact checking charity in the UK, which aims to find, expose and counter the harm incorrect information has. "We knew it would be a difficult election," says Will Moy, Full Fact Chief Executive. "Despite calls from Full Fact, the Electoral Commission, the parliamentary Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee and many others to reform our dangerously out-of-date election laws, nothing was done in time. This election was left wide open to misinformation and abuse."

Fake news and the coronavirus pandemic

The outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic has brought another wave of fake news stories. Articles giving out advice on how to treat coronavirus have been shared across the globe and, in some cases, put lives at risk. From theories saying 5G masts are linked to coronavirus, and President Trump wondering whether drinking bleach could help cure the virus, the pandemic has been inundated with misinformation, with the NHS taking action to combat fake news online.

UNESCO is leading effects to counter the flood of fake news during the pandemic, as fears are mounting that it is putting lives in danger. Due to the scale of this problem, the World Health Organization has added a myth-busting section to its advice pages in an attempt to counter myths about the virus.

Not only is the sharing of misinformation potentially costly to people's health, but also their psychological wellbeing, according to Dr William Van Gordon, Associate Professor in Contemplative Psychology at the University of Derby. "In addition to unduly influencing a person's decision making, exposure to fake news can lead to false memories, as well as foster anxiety and a catastrophic outlook. It is a good idea to think critically about all news," he explains.

"Another useful strategy is to create some 'perceptual distance' between you and the news. This basically means psychologically stepping back, taking a few mindful breaths in and out, and then relating to the news simply as information."

In March 2020, it was announced that the UK government had specialist units working to tackle fake news around coronavirus. According to the government when it launched the crackdown, "up to 70 incidents a week, often false narratives containing multiple misleading claims" were being identified and resolved".

"A lot is being done to tackle fake news, especially from social media organisations such as Facebook and Twitter, but more can be done," says Richard. "Government has the opportunity to help by promoting news literacy and encouraging people to question what they are reading and to show them how to check content.

"I firmly believe that the news organisations which will flourish in the future will be the sites that are trusted, and the audience may well pay for quality, accurate information. The news industry also plays an invaluable role; the need for high quality journalism is greater than ever."

Five top tips on how to spot fake news

The key to stopping fake news is learning how to spot it. Here are some top tips from the experts, so next time you are reading a news story, stop and think before you share it:

Always consider whether the information has a named, reliable source

Develop a critical mindset when reading news stories

Think about what might be missing from the story. Fake news often leaves information out of the story

Double check whether quotes attributed to a particular person or group have been represented accurately

Look for fake images. If it is a fake news story it maybe includes a fake image or images that might not be relevant to the story. If you believe it is fake, check the image on Google reverse

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True or False? How much is fake news influencing our lives?

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Fake news has gathered momentum over the years but can be a dangerous way of obtaining information. We look at the influence fake news has had on the general public, its associated risks, and top tips for spotting it.

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Week 35 - Living Independently (part 3): Applying for accommodation

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Week 35 - Living Independently (part 3): Applying for accommodation

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In this this session, we'll guide you through the process of securing your accommodation and thriving in your new living environment. You'll learn about applying for student accommodation, including budgeting considerations against your student loan and weighing the pros and cons of halls versus private housing. We'll explore the different types of accommodation available and discuss campus visits, contracts, legal rights, and responsibilities. You'll gain insight into application processes, deposits, and guarantors, as well as the differences between on-campus and off-campus facilities. Living with others comes with its dynamics, so we'll cover topics like flatmate dynamics, conflict resolution, and personalizing your space. Additionally, we'll discuss tips for moving in, settling down, and making the most of orientation and welcome activities while staying safe during freshers. Get ready to embark on an exciting journey of independent living at university.

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Student News - News, information, and events for your student life.

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Moving out of your university halls is intimidating. You might have little to no support, especially if your family is thousands of miles away, and it may be your first time attempting a feat so big. At the end of my first year, I tried taking too many things back with me, which gave me some trouble at the airport. There are many things I wish I had done differently, and some things I'm proud of myself for figuring out. I've compiled my wisdom to prepare you now for this challenge, whether you're in your first year or have just graduated. Chances are you'll have to move a lot in your life, and these tips can apply to more than just your university hall.
#1: What will you actually need over the summer?
I already touched on this, but to drive the point home about how ridiculously clueless I was about packing to move out, I'd like you to know that I kept my puffer jacket with me. My winter puffer jacket. To take back with me. To a desert country where temperatures are above 40 degrees. Yeah, not much rational thinking done on my part. But, honestly, I wasn't doing much thinking at all. I packed my things in 2 days, rushed and with no rhyme or organizational reason. I kept toilet paper inside my handbags which I stuffed into a large stove pot. To succinctly put it, think very deeply about whether you'll use all of those shoe pairs or if you actually need to take that Cajun spice bottle back home. If you won't, box it up.
#2: Preparing for packing
Not only do you need to emotionally prepare (goodbyes, endings and leavings are hard!), but you should also take time to make sure:

[ ] My dishes, supplies, and other furniture are all clean

[ ] My clothes and bedding are all washed

[ ] Fragile or delicate items are protected

[ ] I have a place to keep my things

[ ] I have an arranged pick up or drop off time/location (or a flexible pick up and drop off time/location that is okay to be changed)

[ ] I have thrown away or donated anything I will no longer be using (old clothes, broken items, rubbish, etc)

[ ] You have a few days to pack peacefully.

#3: Where do I keep my things?
This depends on your situation! I keep my things at a very kind relatives garage, but if you don't have family in Manchester, consider taking it home with you to keep in your closet or under your bed. If your family don't live in the UK, that's probably difficult. You may need to arrange a storage facility to keep your boxes over the summer. Luckily there are multiple options which are recognized and have reasonable prices per week or month.
#4: Where on Earth do I get boxes?
I don't want to pay for boxes. I think that's a ridiculous expense and I'm against it. So, I try to source free boxes. Here is a list of where and where not to get free boxes:

From my experience, supermarkets are NOT that eager to give boxes away, and they've always said NO when I've asked.

Scout stores in the Arndale Centre that just had shipments. They are usually generous with their boxes. Every time I've asked they said YES, or to COME BACK when they've had another shipment (so maybe start looking ASAP). I've gotten great boxes from The Works and Wilko. Sometimes, boxes will be very banged up and torn up. Nothing some parcel tape from Poundland can't handle!

Your accommodation reception! I've asked the reception in 1 AM desperation and they've said YES! It obviously depends on where you live but no harm in asking. It may also depend on who you ask. Evening security guards may be more inclined to give boxes out than receptionists, from my experience.

The Student Union. Whenever I've asked, they've only had small boxes that wouldn't fit much, but its better than nothing, or ideal if you only need a small box.

Honestly, just ask employees in stores. The worst they can say is "No, how dare you ask and interrupt me in my shift?!" (They're much nicer than that).

If you use a storage company, they may give out boxes. Though, they will likely not be free.

Additional tip for duvets, sheets, pillows, blankets and comforter sets: invest in a mattress bag, or if you're determined to keep them in boxes, cover them in protective wrapping to keep them from catching box germs.

#5: How do I actually pack?
Here are some general tips:

If you have big pots and pans, try storing things inside them to save space outside the box.

Don't just throw all you notebooks, textbooks and other books into one box. Distribute heavy and light items through boxes so that you don't have one box that's five times heavier than all the others and one that's as light as a pillow (because it only has pillows in it).

Protect posters, flyers, and paper decor inside notebooks or folders.

Rolling clothes makes them more compact to store.

Watch TikTok and YouTube videos about packing hacks and tricks.

#6: If you think you've used enough tape, no you haven't
Things fall apart. Tape a few different places. Make sure you don't miss any slightly open corners. This one was self explanatory. I recommend stocking up on at least 2 rolls of parcel tape to be prepared.

That's a brief guide on how to achieve my most dreaded part of university (yes, more than exams). I hope this helps you today or even years from now. Remember, packing is a never-ending responsibility, so best learn some good habits now!

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A Guide to Moving Out (AKA How to Survive Arguably the Worst Part of Student Living) - Student News

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Moving out of your university halls is intimidating. You might have little to no support, especially if your family is thousands of miles away, and it may be your first time attempting a feat so big.

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Week 34 - Preparing for exams and final projects (part 2)

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Week 34 - Preparing for exams and final projects (part 2)

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In this workshop we'll explore practical techniques to help you prepare for exam(s) and final deadline(s) while maintaining your wellbeing. You'll learn about the importance of time management, revision planning, including active revision methods such as spaced repetition and peer teaching. We'll discuss strategies for managing exam stress, including visualization, breathing exercises, and mindfulness techniques. Balancing revision and wellbeing is crucial, so we'll cover topics like making a schedule, prioritizing nutrition and health, and understanding perfectionism to set realistic goals and embrace mistakes as part of the learning process. Additionally, we'll delve into time management strategies and how to leverage technology to enhance your revision experience. By the end of this workshop, you'll feel better equipped to tackle your workload with confidence while taking care of your mental and physical health.

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What’s Your Definition of Success? | The Success Series

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Week 30 - Young People and the Law (part 4)

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Week 30 - Young People and the Law (part 4)

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In this session, we'll delve into important topics surrounding substance use, harm reduction, and staying safe in social settings. We'll discuss the differences between problematic and recreational use, as well as the legal consequences of driving under the influence. We'll also think about drugs and alcohol from the perspective of a 'night out' and getting home safely. You'll learn about alternative transport plans, including how to recognize and prevent drink spiking, and ways to access support if needed. We'll explore addiction, de-stigmatizing it, and recovery resources available. Additionally, we'll cover practical tips for getting home safely, such as planning ahead, designated drivers, and utilizing public transport. With a focus on situational awareness, conflict resolution, and self-defence, as well as the legal implications of knife crime, this workshop aims to equip you with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions and stay safe in various situations.

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10 Best Apps To Help You Feel Safe When Walking Home Alone At Night

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It's so important to feel safe when walking home alone at night. There are plenty of safety apps for students and we've listed 10 of the best for you to try.

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Week 29 - Young People and the Law (part 3)

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Week 29 - Young People and the Law (part 3)

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More than ever before, young people are seamlessly living their lives on and offline. Although many of us are well-skilled at navigating the online world day-to-day, it's hard to stay up to date with the latest risks. In this session, we'll explore the law in the context of the online world, including the intersection of technology, ethics, and legal responsibility in the digital age. You'll gain insights into the dark web and its distinctions from the surface web, along with discussions on anonymity, privacy, and the implications of engaging in illegal activities online. We'll delve into the realm of artificial intelligence, examining ethical considerations, automation's impact on the job market, biases in decision-making, and the workings of social media algorithms. We'll also address practical concerns such as piracy, illegal streaming, and downloading, emphasizing the importance of understanding risks and consequences, as well as exploring legal and alternative options. Moreover, we'll touch on safeguarding your online presence through privacy settings, employment vetting, and managing your digital footprint, all while enhancing your awareness of cybersecurity threats such as phishing scams, hacking, and identity theft. By the end of this workshop, you'll be better equipped to navigate the digital landscape responsibly and protect yourself legally and digitally as a young adult.

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Please see our , latest resource The Dark Web Explained in collaboration with The Children's Society and Marie Collins Foundation.

The internet has changed in many ways since it first became publicly accessible in the 1990s, and one of the most controversial developments is the growth of the so-called 'Dark Web.'

Adults may be concerned about young people visiting the 'Dark Web', especially as press reports often link them with dangerous or illegal online activity. However, there are some positive aspects to them - like everything online, problems do not come from the technology itself, but instead are caused by the ways in which people use it.

Being aware of the basic facts about these parts of the internet can help you give realistic and honest support to young people if you are concerned they are using them.

Here's a short explainer on the 'Dark Web', how it can be accessed and what are the risks.

The 'Open Web', 'Deep Web' and 'Dark Web': definitions

The 'Open Web'

This is the publicly visible part of the internet that most of us use each day, and is accessed through search engines such as Google or Bing.

The 'Deep Web'

This is the part of the internet which is generally hidden from public view. It can't be access via the usual search engines and is reached in other, less widely-known ways.

The majority of the 'Deep Web' is made up of databases which can be accessed securely over the 'Open Web'. For example, databases associated with hotel bookings, online purchases, medical records, banking and others. The content can only be read by authorised people (such as employees) and is protected using passwords.

The 'Dark Web'

When most people go online, they do so via a computer or device that has an IP (Internet Protocol) address - a unique online identity.

An IP address enables networks to send the right information to the right place - for example, making sure an email reaches its destination. An individual's internet activity can be tracked and monitored using their IP address.

The 'Dark Web' uses complex systems that anonymise a user's true IP address, making it very difficult to work out which websites a device has visited. It is generally accessed using dedicated software, the best known is called Tor (The Onion Router).

Around 2.5 million people use Tor every day. Tor itself is not the 'Dark Web' but instead is a way in which to browse both the Open and Dark Web without anyone being able to identify the user or track their activity.

How does Tor work?

Tor provides anonymising software which can be accessed via a search engine and then downloaded free of charge.

Tor wraps the sender's message in layers of encryption - rather like the layers of an onion, which is how the system got its name.

Searches or messages sent via the Tor browser do not go directly to their intended destination. Instead, they are relayed through "nodes," which are other computers operated by Tor users. At each node, a layer of encryption is taken off and the message is then sent on to the next. Each node knows the identity of the previous node and the one that comes next, but does not know the others in the chain. Therefore it's extremely difficult to track a message's entire journey or to work out where it started and who sent it.

Why do people use the 'Dark Web'?

There are three main reasons why people may use the 'Dark Web':

1. Anonymisation

People may have many reasons for protecting their online identity. In some cases, this is because they would be in danger if their identity became known - for example in countries where the government forbids a free press or where there is political censorship.

Others may use it to reduce their risk of falling victim to crime, such as people who have been cyberstalked or who are concerned about the security of online banking.

Tor is mainly used for people to browse the open web anonymously, a very small percentage of its traffic relates to Hidden Services (below).

2. Accessing 'Hidden Services'

A Hidden Service (also known as an 'onion service') is one where not only the user, but also the website itself, have their anonymity protected by Tor. This means that the IP address of the site cannot be identified, meaning that information about its host, location or content is hidden. Hidden Services are sometimes called "onion addresses" because the website name often ends .onion.

Tor itself is not a Hidden Service, but the sites it hosts are. Hidden Services can be used legitimately, for example for whistleblowing or to allow members of the public to share sensitive information such as knowledge about crimes without the risk of reprisals. However it is generally believed that the majority of Hidden Services contain illicit material. They often require registration (username, password etc) and some have 'VIP' sections, accessible only by an invite from the administrators or through an application made by the member and approved by the administrators.

3. Illegal activity.

The Dark Web may be used by people wishing to carry out illegal activities online, such as selling weapons or drugs. These kinds of operations, and the websites offering them, are often referred to as Hidden Services (above).

Is it legal?

Using Tor or visiting the Dark Web are not unlawful in themselves. It is of course illegal to carry out illegal acts anonymously, such as accessing child abuse images, promoting terrorism, or selling illegal items such as weapons.

What are the risks?

In many ways, the risks of the 'Dark Web' are the same as those that may be encountered in the 'Open Web'. Young people in both environments may access pornography, indecent images of children, or sites selling drugs and weapons.

Young people are also at risk of exploitation and abuse by sex offenders who use all parts of the internet to target victims. However, there is evidence to show that offenders are more likely to interact with victims on the 'Open Web' than on the 'Dark Web'. The Dark Web is more commonly used by sex offenders to openly discuss 'tactics' to exploit young people and share material generated as a result of their offending. It is also harder for law enforcement to investigate online abuse that takes place in the anonymous parts of the internet.

I've just discovered that a young person is using Tor. What should I do?

It's important to keep a sense of perspective. There are many positive reasons for using Tor, and they do not automatically mean that a young person is doing anything dangerous or illegal.

Having open and honest conversations is crucial to helping young people develop safer behaviours online. Explain that there is a lot of illegal content in the Dark Web, and that you do not want them to be exposed to this. Explore their motivations for wanting to use Tor and discuss all options together - if, for example, their motivation is to increase their internet privacy there may be other routes they could take that you both find more agreeable.

Many young people are concerned with political matters such as the freedom of the press. Schools may wish to use discussions of high-profile cases such as Wikileaks to bring this into the open, which allows young people to ask questions and voice their opinions in a safe, supportive environment.

There are also some practical steps that can be taken to give young people some of the security they may feel the Dark Web offers:

Encourage young people to use privacy filters on social media, think critically about what they share online, and control who is on their friends and contacts lists. The things we share online, and who we share them with, has an impact on our privacy, as well as aspects such as our internet search history. Use the Thinkuknow website to explore strategies they can use to help them to stay safe online, as well as tips on managing their online lives.

Discuss the use of VPNs (Virtual Private Networks). People who are concerned about their privacy and security may use a VPN as they see this as a way of providing an additional layer of security to their online activities. When using a VPN, your information is securely encrypted and your computer will interact with the web as if you're connected elsewhere.

Make sure they know where to go if they come across something that worries them or makes them feel uncomfortable in any online environment. Help them to understand how they can report to CEOP if they are concerned about sexual abuse and exploitation online, and encourage them to come to you or another adult they trust if they are concerned about anything online.

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The Dark Web: what is it and why do people use it?

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Adults may be concerned about young people visiting the 'Dark Web', especially as press reports often link them with dangerous or illegal online activity. Here's a short explainer on the 'Dark Web', how it can be accessed and what are the risks to children and young people.

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Week 28 - Financial Literacy (part 3): Student Finance

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Week 28 - Financial Literacy (part 3): Student Finance

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Find out about the ins and outs of financing your higher education journey. You'll gain a comprehensive understanding of the components of student loans, including tuition fees and maintenance loans, and learn how to apply for them, including the required information and evidence. We'll explore the connection between student finance and UCAS, along with navigating the student loan portal and key deadlines to keep in mind. Additionally, we'll discuss repayment mechanisms, thresholds, and rates, helping you grasp how student loans are paid back and comparing them to bank loans. We'll also touch on post-graduate funding options, myth-busting common misconceptions, and exploring additional financial support such as DSA, dependents grants, wider grants, scholarships, and bursaries. By the end of this workshop, you'll feel confident and informed about managing your finances throughout your higher education journey.

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Martin Lewis: Student Loans Decoded - Part 01 - How much does it cost to go to university

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We're half way through the year already! There is literally a matter of weeks left before the end of year exams and final project deadlines. This week you will attend a one to one with your personal development tutor to review your progress so far and reflect on the areas of development you'd like to focus on over the coming weeks. When you aren't in your one-to-one, watch the video above and reflect on your own mindset when it comes to your career and personal development.

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The Mindset Doctor: The Secret Man Behind The World's Top Performers | E215

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We're half way through the year already! There is literally a matter of weeks left before the end of year exams and final project deadlines. This week you will attend a one to one with your personal development tutor to review your progress so far and reflect on the areas of development you'd like to focus on over the coming weeks. When you aren't in your one-to-one, use this time to watch the video above and reflect on whether any of the advice resonates with you and how you can apply it to your career and personal development.

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Welcome to Living Independently Part 2! In this workshop, we'll delve into the practical and emotional aspects of moving away from home and embracing independence. You'll learn strategies for emotional preparedness, dealing with homesickness, and building a support network to navigate the challenges of change and transition. We'll cover basic housekeeping skills such as cleaning, organizing, and shopping, along with practical tips for laundry and even a fun bed-making or t-shirt folding competition. You'll gain insights into navigating public transport, reading maps and schedules, and managing personal safety in your new environment. We'll also discuss the importance of self-care and wellbeing, balancing part-time work with your studies, and meeting new people to build meaningful connections. By the end of this workshop, you'll feel better equipped to confidently choose where to live and thrive independently.

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No matter how excited you are to start university, it's natural to feel a bit homesick sometimes. We've got some great tips on what to do when you're missing home.
Moving away for university is a big transition, whether you've come from the other side of the world or half an hour down the road. If you're suffering from homesickness, just remember you're definitely not the only one.

Feeling homesick is really normal, especially in the first few months of university. Those around you are probably feeling the burn too, but are just keeping schtum.

To give you a helping hand, we've put together our top tips for getting over homesickness, so you can concentrate on making the most of your uni years.

What to do when you're feeling homesick

Here are the best ways to handle homesickness:

Let yourself be homesick for a bit

This is perhaps the most important message of all, so we've put it right at the top of the list.

Feeling homesick isn't a weakness, nor is it something to beat yourself up about. Missing home is something that affects most students. And you'll only make the situation worse if you think of it as something to feel guilty about.

Let yourself be homesick for a bit. A good cry is good for the soul! But put a time limit on your wallowing.

Give yourself 24 hours, and then pick up a phone and ask your new mates if they fancy a coffee. You could also try these relaxing self-care ideas.

Go out and keep yourself busy

It might be tempting to treat your room as your own little safe haven, but spending lots of time inside will only make the homesickness that much worse.

Isolating yourself will make your feelings more intense, as you'll spend even more time thinking about what you miss from home.

Try to keep yourself busy by organising day trips, studying at the library rather than in your room, getting a part-time job or even trying out some extracurricular activities.

Getting a part-time job will also look great on your CV.

Bring home comforts to university

Whether it's your favourite teddy bear or a rag of a blanket that your nan gave you when you were seven, we all have objects that cheer us up when we're not feeling our best. Whatever your comfort things are, make sure you bring them to university with you.

This is particularly important if you're studying abroad or you're on a gap year. Home comforts can massively help with feelings of homesickness while travelling.

And don't be worried about getting stick for having cuddly toys in your uni bedroom. The chances are, your flatmates have theirs hidden away somewhere too.

Keep in touch with home (but not too much!)

Whether it's a phone call, a WhatsApp group chat or a letter in the post, keeping in touch with your friends and family is important. It will help you feel more involved with what's going on back home.

However, keeping in touch too much can actually make you feel the distance more. The trick is to not let it get to the stage where you're communicating with people back home more than you are with people at uni.

Remember, your friends and family will still be waiting for you back home during the holidays. Try to focus on the here and now at uni.

You can go back and visit any time. But, try not to go too close to the start of term, as it could make your homesickness worse.

Stay off social media

Similarly to our previous point, constantly checking the social media pages of your friends from home will do more harm than good. As will looking through photos of your bestie's banging 18th birthday on your own Instagram account.

Limit your time on social media and turn off notifications on your phone. That way, you're not distracted by memories from home when you do find yourself perking up. Choose IRL over IG!

Explore your new surroundings

One of the main reasons we feel homesick is often to do with being in unfamiliar surroundings. That's why it's a great idea to set aside some time to explore your uni town or city so you'll feel more at home.

In fact, not getting to know their uni city better is one of the biggest regrets we've heard previous students cite when they graduate.

Go for walks, do some sightseeing, do voluntary work within the local community or just get to grips with what's available on your uni campus. You're only around for a few years, so now's the time to make the most of it.

Don't compare yourself to other people

One of the biggest myths about university is that every day is a wild party, where you'll enjoy minimal responsibilities and get drunk most nights of the week.

It's easy to look at everyone else's Instagram and TikTok accounts and think you're not having as much fun as they are, or that you're doing something wrong. But don't forget that social media just shows a superficial snapshot of what people's lives are actually like.

Try not to compare your uni experience to others, and don't expect every single day to be the best one of your life.

Plan one nice thing for yourself a day

Staying positive can be a lot easier said than done. But making a concerted effort to carry a positive attitude around with you will help you to combat homesickness in a major way.

Plan things into your day that you enjoy doing and can look forward to. This could be socialising with friends or a nice hot bath and an episode of your favourite show.

Staying positive also makes you a pleasure to be around, so you'll probably find it much easier to make new friends (which also helps to keep homesickness at bay).

That said, if you are struggling, don't feel as though you can't tell people you're unhappy. Friends and professional organisations are always on hand to help.

Ask for help

The jump from school to university can be tough to get your head around at first, and there's no shame in asking for help. If you're having any issues with your course (or anything else for that matter) don't suffer in silence.

If you're feeling homesick, worrying about your studies or your finances will only make things worse. It's best to take steps to sort any issues out or get support as soon as they arise.

As well as approaching your lecturers directly, you'll also find that universities have counselling services available, which you can use if you need mental health support.

Exercise

When you're feeling down, it can be tempting to lie on the sofa watching romcoms while crying into a massive tub of Ben and Jerry's. However, doing this will likely make you feel worse.

Keeping healthy (and fighting off that freshers' flu) will keep you feeling much more positive about life.

Check out our list of low-cost fitness ideas if you need some inspiration on how to keep fit and happy on a budget.

Remember there's always help out there. If you're struggling with your mental health, there are services available at your university that are free to access.

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10 tips on how to deal with homesickness at university. Students feel homesick all the time so here are some things you can do if you're missing home.

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In this workshop, we'll delve deeper into mastering essential financial skills to navigate the complexities of modern money management. You'll gain a solid understanding of financial systems, from creating and tracking budgets to distinguishing between needs and wants. We'll explore saving strategies, including the importance of emergency funds and setting long and short-term goals. Additionally, we'll discuss the fundamentals of investing, types of investments, and managing risks and rewards. You'll learn about credit scores, building and maintaining them, as well as the basics of credit cards and managing debt responsibly. We'll also cover practical topics such as buying a car on finance, phone contracts, and online banking safety. By the end of this workshop, you'll be equipped with the knowledge and tools to make informed financial decisions, manage your spending habits, and assert your consumer rights effectively.

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Want to know how to make a budget, but at the same time, you don't really care? You've come to the right place.

We all know making a budget is A Wise Thing To Do™. It's also pretty boring... but as luck would have it, not very difficult. By taking a bit of time to assess your income, expenses, and financial goals, you can pave the way for a more secure financial future. To make this journey even smoother, consider leveraging the expertise of top-rated financial services. These services can provide valuable insights, personalized advice, and effective strategies to optimize your budgeting efforts. When exploring options, a reliable resource for finding top-rated financial services is https://thecreditreview.com. This platform offers comprehensive reviews and insights, helping you make informed decisions about financial services that align with your unique needs and goals. Embracing the combination of a well-thought-out budget and expert financial guidance can transform the often mundane task of budgeting into a powerful tool for achieving your financial aspirations. Here's The Mix's ultra-quick guide to budgeting, so you can go back to whatever you were doing before (unless that was spending money you don't have).

Step one: How much money do you have?

By which we mean, how much money comes into your account each month?

Find out by whacking open your payslip or checking your bank account online on payday. Or, if you're a student, work out how much student loan you get and when. Write this number big at the top - add glitter-glue and stickers if you really want.

Step two: How much money ABSOLUTELY HAS TO leave your account each month?

Deduct from your sparkly grand-total, the money that you have to spend. Usually on those boring-but-essential things like shelter and food. Outgoings most of us have are:

Rent

Bills, including council tax, mobile, electricity, water and internet

Food - work out how much you roughly spend a week and then multiply it by four

Travel to work/college

Student loan/credit card repayments

Step three: Plan for unexpected costs

When you're budgeting, it's always worth adding an extra 10% to your essential outgoings just in case you get a sudden kick in the financial butt. For instance, what if your car breaks down? Or it's your mate's birthday? What if some kind of technical glitch means your bank doesn't transfer your pay cheque to your account?

It's extremely important to have this 10% cushion - otherwise you risk being suddenly catapulted into a world of debt you haven't planned for.

Yep, I'm good at this. They call me Budget Planner...son.

Step four: Work out what you have left

This figure is your 'disposable income'. But try not to dispose of it too quickly! £70 a week might seem a lot to start with, but once you've bought a round after work on Tuesday and a magazine and coffee on Wednesday, you're already down to £55 and it's not even the weekend yet.

Sometimes it helps you get a sense of how much you have by feeling the actual cash in your hand - one tip is to take out your weekly budget at the start of the week. You'll then soon get used to how much money you really have. Safety first, though. Best not to walk around with all of it on you at once!

I hate maths. Can I get someone to sort a budget out for me?

Yes. There are lots of online tools to help you break down your spending. Here are some we'd recommend:
Students can pop in details of their income and UCAS will generate a handy budget for them with this calculator.

Or head here to check out the Money Advice Service's more intense budget planner, it takes around 20 minutes and will really help you get a hold on your ingoings and outgoings.

If you need further support on this, give us a call on 0808 808 4994. We're unable to give specific money advice but can guide you to the best places for expert support.
Watch our video on how to make a budget:

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How To Make A Budget | Free Budget Planner Advice | The Mix

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Learn how to make a budget and how to use a budget planner with The Mix. We're here to offer free advice on how to help you get the most out of the money you earn.

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In this workshop, we'll dive into essential topics to help you navigate the world of personal finance with confidence. You'll learn how to decipher payslips and understand deductions, including taxes, national insurance, and student loan repayments. We'll explore the importance of pension planning and income tax bands, along with strategies for managing salaries and living costs effectively. Additionally, we'll discuss student finance repayment plans, average debt, and the importance of creating a budget and emergency fund. We'll also cover setting financial goals, negotiating job offers, and understanding career advancement and earning potential. By linking career paths and courses to financial considerations, you'll gain valuable insights into making informed decisions about your future. Get ready to take control of your finances and pave the way towards financial success.

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Your cookie preferences In order to provide you with the best possible experience on the LifeSkills website we use cookies and similar technology to collect data from your device and browser while you are here. Collecting this data helps us to personalise content for you, understand how you use the website, allow access to social media features and deliver personalised service and advert message content.

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In this session, we'll cover everything you need to know about finding and maintaining a place to live. From exploring the pros and cons of renting versus buying, to understanding deposits and hidden costs, we'll help you navigate the complexities of housing. You'll learn essential budgeting skills to ensure affordability and uncover how to find housing through agencies and online tools. We'll also discuss housing rights, tenants' rights, and landlord responsibilities, empowering you to make informed decisions and protect your rights. Additionally, we'll touch on the importance of credit scores, saving for a down payment, and different types of properties available. As we explore sustainable living options and ways to reduce environmental impact, we'll also consider how housing choices intersect with career paths and salary considerations. Get ready to embark on your journey towards finding the perfect place to call home

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Martin Lewis Shares His Advice on Mortgages | Good Morning Britain

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Welcome to our workshop on Eating Healthily on a Budget! In this session, we'll explore practical strategies to help you maintain a nutritious diet without breaking the bank. You'll learn meal planning basics and the art of cooking in batches to save time and money. We'll share tips for smart shopping, including how to identify healthy and affordable ingredients. You'll discover budget-friendly recipes and healthy snacking options to keep you energized throughout the day. We'll also delve into understanding macros and introduce you to the concept of creating your own recipe book. Plus, we'll cover essential cooking skills to help you feel confident in the kitchen. Get ready to embark on a journey towards healthier eating habits that are both delicious and budget-friendly.

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Eating healthy on a tight budget: 6 top tips

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Senior Dietitian, Victoria Taylor, shares how to eat healthily without breaking the bank.

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In this session, we'll equip you with essential tools and insights to support yourself and others through challenging times. You'll learn to recognize signs of distress, practice active listening, and provide empathetic emotional support. We'll cover suicide prevention skills, understanding warning signs, and crisis management techniques. Additionally, we'll delve into stress awareness, identifying stressors, and coping mechanisms to promote self-care. Tackling loneliness, building connections, and reaching out for support will also be explored. You'll gain knowledge on accessing mental health support as an adult, living independently, or at university. Lastly, we'll highlight the power of self-expression and creativity in managing mental health, empowering you to navigate life's ups and downs with resilience and strength.

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Dive into the various types of offers you may receive through the UCAS application process, helping you understand the different conditions attached to each offer. We'll discuss strategies for effectively responding to your choices, whether it's accepting, declining, or deferring an offer. You'll gain insights into the concept of firm versus insurance choices, empowering you to make informed decisions about your university preferences and backup options. Additionally, we'll explore how to navigate situations where you've received multiple offers, providing guidance on how to evaluate each offer based on factors such as course content, location, and personal preferences. By the end of this workshop, you'll feel confident and equipped to navigate the UCAS offers process and make decisions that align with your academic and career aspiration

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These mean you've already met the entry requirements, so the place is yours if you want it! But first check the offer to see if there's anything else you need to do.

Check the offer carefully. Even if you've already got your qualifications and have met the academic requirements, you might still need to get a DBS or PVG check, provide proof of your results, or meet some financial/medical requirements. If it's not clear, contact the uni or college.

Remember, by accepting an unconditional offer, you are committing to go to that uni or college, so you can't make an insurance choice.

If you change your mind, you can decline your place and apply using Clearing.

If you're taking exams but have been made an unconditional offer, your results won't affect whether or not you get accepted. But, although your place won't be dependent on your grades, taking your exams is really important to prepare you for uni or college and could impact your future employment.

Some graduate employers take A levels and other qualifications into account when reviewing job applications, so it's important you take this into consideration when preparing for your exams.

Your consumer rights

You should have received specific information from your chosen universities to help you make an informed decision. They're required to make this available to you under consumer protection legislation - find out about the information you should receive.

Unsuccessful or withdrawn choices

A withdrawn application means a course choice has been withdrawn by either you or the university/college.

The reason will show up in on your application - maybe you didn't respond to emails/letters they sent, or missed an interview.

An unsuccessful application means they've decided not to offer you a place on the course.

Sometimes they'll give a reason, either with their decision or at a later date. If not, you can contact them to ask if they'll discuss the reason with you.

Don't worry if you don't get any offers though - you might be able to add extra choices now, or look for course availability later on.

Adding an Extra choice

You might be able to add another choice through our Extra service if you've received decisions from all five universities or colleges and weren't accepted, or if you declined the offers you received. Extra is a free service - available for you to apply to one course at a time between 25 February and 4 July. If Extra is available to you, it'll show up as an option when you sign in to track your application.
Find out more about Extra
UCAS student discounts

Make your money go further with our student discounts! From offers on fashion brands to big savings on tech, we've got you covered.

All you need is the discount code for the offer you want to save cash on. And keep checking back - we'll be adding more exclusive offers soon...
Get your student discounts now!

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These mean you've already met the entry requirements, so the place is yours if you want it! But first check the offer to see if there's anything else you need to do. Check the offer carefully.

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Week 15 - What makes an employer good to work for?

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Week 15 - What makes an employer good to work for?

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Throughout this session, we'll explore the key factors that make an employer a great fit for you. We'll delve into the concept of employer values versus personal values, helping you understand the importance of alignment between your own beliefs and those of your prospective employer. You'll gain insights into the various company benefits offered by different employers, from healthcare and retirement plans to professional development opportunities and flexible work arrangements. We'll also demystify how annual leave and time off policies work, ensuring you're equipped to navigate these aspects of employment effectively. Additionally, we'll discuss effective strategies for conducting company research, empowering you to gather valuable insights into potential employers and make informed decisions about your career. By the end of this workshop, you'll have the tools and knowledge needed to determine what you truly want in an employer and take proactive steps towards finding the perfect fit for your career goals and aspirations.

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The CIPD Good Work Index provides an annual snapshot of job quality in the UK, giving insight to drive improvement to working lives.

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You can't pour from an empty cup. In this session, we'll explore the crucial aspects of maintaining a healthy balance between your personal life and professional commitments. You'll gain a deeper understanding of your employment rights, empowering you to navigate the workplace with confidence and assertiveness and not be overworked. We'll delve into the significance of acknowledging the importance of work-life balance, discussing practical strategies for prioritizing self-care and maintaining overall well-being. Additionally, we'll shed light on the signs of burnout and emotional fatigue, equipping you with the knowledge to recognize and address these challenges proactively. Whether you're juggling school, part-time employment, or extracurricular activities, this workshop aims to provide you with valuable insights and tools to manage your responsibilities effectively while prioritizing your health and happiness.

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Working arrangements also affect peoples' experiences of burnout and could be a contributing or mitigating factor to burnout, depending on the individual. 30% of those working from a fixed location (i.e., based at the same office/working location) cited this as a contributing factor, compared with 34% of field-based workers, 16% of home workers and just 17% of hybrid or agile workers. Meanwhile, 30% of workers said that being mandated back to working in an office or fixed location said this had caused them stress which may have contributed to burnout.

Here are some recommendations for how to avoid burnout due to your working arrangements:

Structure your day: If you work from home, you can think of your workday in the same way as if you were going to the office. Try to have a dedicated workspace, ideally a quiet place away from others and distractions. Try to get up in plenty of time to get ready for work. Make sure you have everything you need there for your working day. Plan your start, break, lunch, and end times. Sticking to an end time can be as important as a start time. We all need to recharge our batteries.

Make sure to have a break: No matter your working arrangements, breaks are important to refresh yourself and they can help you be more productive. Taking a five-minute break away from your screen each hour can improve your wellbeing and improve your concentration. Don't feel that you have to be at your screen all the time to prove you're working. You can use some of these breaks to incorporate mindfulness techniques into your daily routine, such as meditation or deep breathing exercises.

Set boundaries: Clearly define work hours and avoid regularly working beyond them. Turn off work phones and put devices out of sight outside of working hours. When faced with excessive workload or unrealistic deadlines, ascertain if there is flexibility around delivery times and what further support would be helpful to alleviate pressure and stress. When working from home, if you live with others, it might be difficult to separate home and work life. It's important to set boundaries about when and where you do and don't work. You can have a discussion and agree on things together. You could write down your work schedule for the week and put it up in a place where all household members can see it. It is important to have clear home and work time.

Stay in contact: Working from home doesn't mean you should silently concentrate on your work all day. You can still talk to colleagues by audio or video call. It's good for everyone's wellbeing and it is good to check in with others. Book in regular contact with your manager and other colleagues.

Manage your time: Time management in your job can influence your wellbeing and mental health. If you manage your time well, you can feel relaxed and in control and achieve the goals you want. But if you manage it poorly you can get stressed and be less productive. When you have a lot of things to do at work, it can be hard to decide what to do and when to do it.

Decide what you want to achieve:

Assess each task

Make a plan

Be flexible

Think about the four Ds when managing your workload: Ditch (does this task need to be done?), defer (could it be done at a later date?), delegate (could someone else complete it?), and do.

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Mental Health UK's Burnout Report 2024 reveals that 9 in 10 adults in the UK experiencing high or extreme stress in the past year and 1 in 5 needing to take time off work due to poor mental health caused by pressure or stress,

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Week 13 - Interview basics: Online and in-person

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Week 13 - Interview basics: Online and in-person

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Throughout this session, we'll be diving into the ins and outs of both online and in-person interviews, helping you feel confident and prepared for any scenario. You'll learn what to expect during each type of interview and gain valuable insights into how to best prepare yourself beforehand. We'll cover common interview questions and provide you with effective strategies for crafting thoughtful and impactful answers that showcase your skills and experience. Whether you're gearing up for your first job interview or looking to sharpen your interviewing skills, this workshop will equip you with the knowledge and confidence needed to ace any interview. Get ready to take your interview game to the next level and land that dream opportunity.

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Calm your interview nerves with this advice on the best ways to prepare for an interview, example interview questions, tips on interview technique, practice psychometric tests, and help with phone and video interviews.

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Got an interview coming up? Take a look at our advice to make sure you are fully prepared.

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Week 12 - How to network and enterprising

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Week 12 - How to network and enterprising

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Throughout this session, we'll dive into the essential skills and strategies needed to thrive in the world of networking and entrepreneurship. You'll learn how to effectively map your skills to potential career paths, identifying opportunities that align with your passions and strengths. We'll explore the art of preparing for networking events, from crafting your 'elevator' pitch to mastering the art of selling yourself and your ideas in a concise and compelling manner. Additionally, we'll delve into proven conversation and communication strategies for meeting new people, building meaningful connections, and leaving a lasting impression. Whether you're seeking to expand your professional network, explore entrepreneurial ventures, or simply enhance your communication skills, this workshop will equip you with the tools and confidence needed to succeed. Get ready to unlock new opportunities and make valuable connections that can propel you towards your goals.

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Episode 1 How to be Enterprising & Entrepreneurial

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Week 11 - Personal branding & CV writing

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Week 11 - Personal branding & CV writing

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Welcome to our workshop on Personal Branding & CV Writing! In this session, we'll explore the power of personal branding and how it can shape your professional journey. You'll learn the importance of understanding your unique strengths, values, and aspirations, and how to effectively communicate them to potential employers. We'll dive into the process of creating a comprehensive CV that highlights your skills, experiences, and achievements in a way that grabs the attention of recruiters. Additionally, we'll discuss strategies for navigating online recruitment platforms, maximizing your visibility, and standing out in a competitive job market. Whether you're just starting to build your professional profile or looking to refine your existing one, this workshop will provide you with the tools and insights needed to craft a compelling personal brand and land your dream opportunities. Get ready to take charge of your career and make a lasting impression on employers

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5 Steps to Building a Personal Brand You Feel Good About | The Way We Work, a TED series

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Week 10 - Developing public speaking skills

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Week 10 - Developing public speaking skills

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According to Anxiety UK, public speaking is the third most common phobia in the UK, yet it is a vital skill in many job sectors. In extreme cases, the fear of public speaking can sometimes impact on a person's confidence to take on new opportunities, for example a job promotion at work.

In this session, we'll be diving into the art of effective communication and presentation delivery. You'll learn valuable techniques on how to deliver a compelling presentation that captivates your audience and leaves a lasting impression. We'll explore various communication styles, helping you to understand your own strengths and preferences while also adapting to different situations and audiences. Additionally, we'll touch upon important aspects such as body language, vocal projection, and overcoming stage fright. Whether you're preparing for a school presentation, a job interview, or simply aiming to become a more confident speaker, this workshop will equip you with the skills and confidence needed to excel in any public speaking scenario. Get ready to unleash your inner communicator and leave a mark with your words

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The public speaking lesson you never had | DK . | TEDxNelson

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Attend a one to one with your personal development tutor to review your start to the second year. These are great opportunities to 'take a breather' and reflect on how far you've come and where you need to focus next. When you aren't in your one to one, you'll be working independently on the YFYW brief.

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Jordan Peterson: How To Become The Person You’ve Always Wanted To Be | E113

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Attend a one to one with your personal development tutor to review your start to the second year. These are great opportunities to 'take a breather' and reflect on how far you've come and where you need to focus next. When you aren't in your one to one, you'll be working independently on the YFYW brief.

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Peter Jones talks: What tools do you need for success?

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Over the course of our session, we'll delve into the significance of lifelong CPD and its profound impact on your career development journey. You'll gain insight into how engaging in CPD activities can open doors to exciting opportunities for growth and advancement in your chosen field. We'll also discuss the importance of record-keeping in documenting your CPD journey, helping you to track your progress and demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and improvement. Get ready to explore the world of CPD and unlock the keys to maximizing your potential and achieving your professional goals.

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MOOCs are a great way to learn something new, boost your knowledge, and impress on your applications. But what are MOOCs and how can you get the best out of them? This guide sets out everything you need to know about MOOCs.

MOOC stands for Massive Open Online Course. MOOCs are taught by universities across the world and cover a huge range of topics. They can help you get to grips with a new subject, and they look super impressive to teachers, colleges, apprenticeships, universities, and future employers.
Why take one?
There are four main reasons to take a MOOC:

They can introduce you to new topics. If you have a niche hobby or field of interest, it might be hard to find related learning opportunities at school. MOOCs give you the chance to study all kinds of subjects at different levels.

They give you a flavour. Studying for a MOOC can help you decide if a specific field of study is right for you. It's a way to test the waters, and see for sure if you are interested in the subject.

They're impressive. Taking the initiative to complete an online course shows that you're a dedicated student and that you're an independent learner who is happy to go the extra mile.

They can boost your skills. Whether it's learning a language, exploring cryptography, or brushing up on Python, completing a MOOC will help you learn something new that you can bring to the workplace or your studies.

How much do they cost?

One of the most appealing aspects of MOOCs is that they're often free to study. Some more advanced courses might charge a fee, and in some instances you have to pay to take the final course test and to receive a certificate of completion, but you don't always need a certificate to prove you've taken the course. You'll normally get email confirmation that you completed the course and you can use this in applications in place of a certificate.

You also don't need the extras to write about taking a MOOC on your Personal Statement or job application, and - of course - you'll still have learnt what was in the course!

Unifrog's MOOC shortlisting tool lists the normal costs for extras and certificates for each MOOC provider.
What can I take a MOOC in?
You can take MOOCs on the search for extraterrestrial life, on sustainable fashion, on how to learn, on healing, on veganism - the list is endless and you don't need any prior interest to sign up, so you can try out as many new things as you want to!

Be sure to keep a record of every MOOC you take and the top three things you learnt from it in your Activities tool so you can use them later on.

How do I show off a MOOC?

If you want to mention having done a MOOC in your Personal Statement, or in an interview, just saying you've done it is not enough. You need to be able to talk or write about what you learnt, how it developed your skills or knowledge, what you read or researched as a result, or any new interests it helped you develop. Whatever you do, make sure you come across as an active learner rather than someone who signs up for a course and just watches the screen until it's over.
Where do I choose a MOOC?
MOOCs are generally created by universities and are accessed through providers like FutureLearn and Coursera. Unifrog's MOOCs shortlisting tool will help you filter and search through thousands of courses to find the best one for you.

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Find out why these online courses can be so beneficial

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Week 4 - Entrepeneurship and self-employment

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Week 4 - Entrepeneurship and self-employment

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In this session, we'll explore exciting opportunities to help you forge your own path as a business owner. We'll begin by discussing the potential of self-employment and entrepreneurship as viable career pathways for you to consider. Then, we'll delve into the practical aspects of launching your venture, from generating ideas to crafting a solid business plan. You'll also gain insights into navigating the landscape of funding and support available to new businesses, including various funding options and mentorship programs. Finally, we'll explore different types of business models to help you identify the best fit for your vision and goals. Get ready to unleash your entrepreneurial spirit and embark on an exciting exploration of building your own path to success.

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Listen to How To Start A Business Podcasts on Spotify. Learn how to start a business from some of the world's brightest entrepreneurs.

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Last year we looked at what an apprenticeship is and compared them with other career pathways, such as higher education. In this session, go one step further by exploring real-time labour market information and apprenticeship vacancies you could progress onto after college. Your PDT will be with you every step of the way to help you make a strong application.

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Interested in an apprenticeship? Find out what you need to know, from entry requirements to salary and get inspiration from other apprentices. From UCAS.

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The summer term is a distant memory away. In this session, refresh your memory about the UCAS application process and start firming up your choices and completing your personal statement.

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1. Apply online

The UCAS Hub is designed to help your child explore all their post-18 options in one central place. They can research subjects there and find courses in the search tool, where they can check entry requirements and application deadlines. They need to register and apply in the UCAS Hub.

2. Wait to hear back

Universities or colleges will decide whether to make your child an offer. It'll be:

unconditional - if they've already met the entry requirements

conditional - if the offer's based on exam results

3. Reply to offers

Once all the decisions are in, your child has to reply to their offers by a specific deadline.

Select a firm choice - this is the first choice.

If the firm choice is conditional, your child can select an insurance choice too, if they want - this is a back-up.

Decline any other offers.

4. Find out if they've got a place

Your child will see in their application if their place is confirmed.

If the firm choice is unconditional, the place is theirs.

If the place is conditional, the university or college will update your child's status when they have their exam results, or other evidence they've met the conditions.

If they don't meet the conditions they may be unsuccessful - in this case, they can use Clearing to apply for more courses.

If your child changes their mind and no longer wants their firm choice, they can use the 'decline my place' button in their application to use Clearing to find another place. More about declining a place.

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The key dates you need for 2024 entry applications, to help your child keep their application on track.

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Week 1 - Destinations Day & launch of 'Your Future, Your Way' project

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Week 1 - Destinations Day & launch of 'Your Future, Your Way' project

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Start your final year of college in style by attending our annual 'Destinations Day'. Choose to attend talks from over 30 guest speakers from a variety of sectors to hear first hand from industry experts about how to develop your career plan. Alongside this, begin working on the 'Your Future, Your Way' - a personal development project for all year 2 students aimed at turning your career goals into a realistic plan and developing essential employability skills along the way.

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Take part in a fun end of term quiz to recap key topics and learning points covered this term.

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Well done, you finally made it! There is no better way to help you make an informed decision about your next step than experiencing the workplace for yourself. Spend the next 5 days immersing yourself in the work placement of your choice and reflecting on your future goals. We can't wait to hear all about it!

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Simon Sinek on How Reflection Informs Personal Growth

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It's time! Next week you'll be embarking on your work experience placement and for many of you this may be the first time you will experience a work place. This session aims to help you prepare for what to expect. Learn about dress codes, communication, transport, job roles, health and safety, and more.

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From making contacts and getting noticed to simply figuring out what you don't want to do, my experience has shown me that work placements and internships are invaluable.

That said, to really get the most out of work experience, you'll need to be proactive. Here are ten top tips to make sure your work experience is time well spent. For more career tips, find out how to boost your job prospects once you're at university.

Make a good first impression

First impressions really do count. Make sure you turn up on time, are suitably dressed (if in doubt, better to go smarter), and are raring to go. If you show you're friendly, reliable, and competent from the get-go, chances are more opportunities will come your way.

Get to know people

Greet everyone you meet with a smile and try and introduce yourself to everybody you'll be working with. Don't be afraid to ask people about their roles and how they got to where they are now - they'll be flattered!

Be organised

While you'll have guidance during your internship, you can't expect to be spoon-fed the whole time. Listen carefully to instructions and note down important meetings, dates, and deadlines to help manage your time effectively.

Get involved

It might sound obvious, but the more you get stuck in, the more experience you'll gain. Be enthusiastic about any task - big or small - and use your initiative to go above and beyond what's asked of you.

Ask questions

There's no shame in asking for clarification if you're not sure what you're doing - in fact, employers will respect that you have the guts to ask. But be resourceful - think twice about asking a question that could be answered with a quick Google search.

Make suggestions

If you think you've got a valuable comment to add, don't be afraid to speak up. Employers love people with ideas, and your contribution - whether your idea is taken up or not - will be appreciated.

Offer to help

When you speak to people, ask after their current projects and emphasise that you'd like to get involved. Showing you're approachable and keen will ensure they think of you when they need an extra pair of hands.

Make notes

Jot down any useful information about particular tasks you've worked on and skills you've picked up. That way you'll have a record of everything you need to take away from your time there - handy for future job applications!

Ask for feedback

Try and gather informal feedback from your supervisor as you go along, rather than just waiting for a report at the end - it gives you a chance to improve throughout your time there, and shows that you care that you're doing a good job.

Reflect on your work experience

It's important to be honest with yourself when reflecting on your internship. If you didn't particularly enjoy it, it doesn't mean it's been a massive waste of your time. Even if the only thing you take away from the experience is knowing you don't want to work in that industry, it's been useful!

Start climbing the job ladder. Check out our how-to guides to CVs, cover letters and job interviews.

Anna Pitts, University of Sussex student and journalist for Graduate Recruitment Bureau (GRB), a recruitment consultancy placing students and graduates into work experience placements, internships and graduate jobs.

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Ten ways to get the most out of work experience

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Work experience is more than just something to stick on your CV. As student blogger Anna writes, it's a great opportunity to prepare yourself for the working world - as long as you get stuck in.

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This comprehensive session aims to equip you with the knowledge and skills to navigate the exciting summer months responsibly. Key topics include beach safety, festival safety, drugs and alcohol, basic first aid, getting home safely and more.

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From choosing the right tent and coping with the toilets, to advice on alcohol and other drugs; this is the place to find all the information to make your festival one to remember.

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Anyone can start a business. In this session learn about entrepreneurship, how to start a business, key entrepreneurial traits and success stories. Improve your understanding of business models, start up strategies, marketing, brand awareness and more.

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18-Year-Old Entrepreneur WOWS Dragons | Dragons' Den - BBC

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Spend time working independently on your UCAS application with support from your PDT.

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Explore the exciting world of gap years. Learn about all kinds of gap years, including working to save, volunteering, travelling and working abroad, how to choose a destination, cultural immersion, working visa, volunteering and more. Reflect on the skills and opportunities that could improve your employability and how to plan a productive gap year.

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Following on from your previous higher education session, this week your PDT will help you register with UCAS so you can officially start your application. Learn how to navigate your UCAS dashboard, decide where to go and what to study, and more. If you are unsure if you want to study higher education, our advice is to complete an application anyway in order to give yourself the option next year.

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Many of you will be learning to drive during your time at college. In this session you will discuss all aspects of road safety, including driving, cycling and pedestrian safety. Key topics covered range from essential theory test study tips, vehicle maintenance and breakdown preparedness, distracted driver awareness and common offences, through to financially running a vehicle and carbon footprint awareness.

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Op Snap: Just some of the dangerous driving captured on camera in Devon & Cornwall in 2021

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Young people are now living their lives seamlessly on and offline whilst managing many conflicting pressures. There are many positive and exciting opportunities online, but also risks and challenges. It's important you know how to be safe and healthy, and how to manage your on and offline lives in a positive way. In this session, explore how to be resilient online by discussing a range of online environments, including gambling, gaming, social media and more.

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The Social Dilemma | Official Trailer | Netflix

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Week 34 - Preparing for exams and final projects

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Week 34 - Preparing for exams and final projects

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It's normal to feel stressed or worried about exams or final projects. Stress is your body's natural response to pressure. While it can help you feel motivated to get things done, sometimes it can feel hard to manage. In this session, find out about what to expect on the day of your exam(s) or deadline(s), effective strategies for managing academic stress, and essential study skills to help you prepare.

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Here are our tips for reducing stress during exam season. We hope they'll make you feel calmer than a sloth wearing sunglasses and sipping a smoothie whilst meditating on a beach, listening to whale sounds. Trust us, this sloth is caaaaaalm.

Revise little and often It can be overwhelming trying to tackle all your revision at once, so plan ahead and break your revision up into small, more manageable chunks. We suggest creating a revision timetable and making sure you plan time for fun things like seeing friends and chilling out.

Work on the subjects you are worried about Ask your teachers questions about the topics you struggle with the most. This will help you fill the gaps in your knowledge and allow you to focus on the things you find most difficult. It can be hard to focus when you find a topic hard, so why not break your revision up into twenty or thirty minute sessions with a ten minute break in between? We've got a guide on how to do this .

Exercise is a great way to de-stress Doing something fun that helps you stay healthy is a great way to boost your endorphins. This will help reduce your stress levels too. If you want to know more about how exercise can help you revise, we've got a guide for that .

Check in with your mates Revising can be very lonely, so chatting with friends either face-to-face, over the phone or on a video call, will help boost your mood. You can chat about revision, or just have a good old natter about how you're feeling. Catching up with friends can be a big stress-reliever!

Talk to someone you trust If you're struggling with stress, it's important to talk to someone you trust, like a parent, carer, teacher or GP. Reaching out to someone when you feel worried can help take a weight off your shoulders and can help steer you in the right direction to receive help. Sometimes you need to remember that it's not always about the grade you get in your exams. It's about trying your hardest and doing the best you can.

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5 tips to help you relieve stress in the run-up to exams

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Here are our tips for reducing stress during exam season. We hope they'll make you feel calmer than a sloth wearing sunglasses and sipping a smoothie whilst meditating on a beach, listening to whale sounds. Trust us, this sloth is caaaaaalm.

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Take part in a fun end of term quiz to recap key topics and learning points covered this term.

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Week 30 - Preparing for the world of work

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Week 30 - Preparing for the world of work

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It's a competitive world out there. Spend time quality time creating, refining and enhancing your CV with guidance from your PDT. Reflect on what stands you apart and your transferable skills, learn about recruitment from the perspective of an employer and what they are looking for, find out how to prepare for an interview and more.

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James Smith: How To Create The Life You’ve Always Wanted | E120

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Week 29 - Young people and the law (part 2)

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Week 29 - Young people and the law (part 2)

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Following on from the health and wellbeing sessions covered earlier, explore the topic of drugs and alcohol from the perspective of the law, health and wellbeing.

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Find out everything you need to know about drugs, their effects and the law. Talk to Frank for facts, support and advice on drugs and alcohol today. | FRANK

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Week 28 - Young people and the law (part 1)

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Week 28 - Young people and the law (part 1)

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Breakdown myths and misunderstandings about the criminal justice system in the UK and learn about common youth offences, legal rights, socioeconomic factors, impact of offences on future opportunities and restorative justice strategies.

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In the early 1980s, a couple of researchers wrote an article in The Atlantic that would have far reaching consequences. The article introduced a new idea about crime and policing. It was called Broken Windows. The idea was simple: A broken window is a sign of a neglected community, and a neglected community is a place where crime can thrive. The researchers said, if police fixed the small problems that created visible signs of disorder, the big ones would disappear. Today, we explore how ideas sometimes get away from those who invented them.. And then are taken to places that were never intended.

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Attend a one to one with your personal development tutor to review your start to college. When you aren't in your one-to-one, spend time researching and organising your work experience placement and/or completing a range of online (CPD) courses to enhance your employability.

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In visiting sixth form leaders on an almost a daily basis, I often allude to MOOCs and the potential benefits to their students. I get a mixed response, with the majority saying, "What's a MOOC?" and, "What does it stand for again?!"

For those that didn't know, MOOC stands for Massive Open Online Course.

MASSIVE because literally thousands worldwide can be participating at the same time. FutureLearn had 440,000 participants from over 150 countries for their 'Understanding IELTS: Techniques for English Language Tests' from the British Council.

OPEN because they are generally free and you don't have to be a student at the university offering the MOOC. Anyone with internet access can get started. But they usually don't allow you to re-use their material off their sites.

ONLINE because the internet is all you need, and you can download some or even use an app with some providers like Coursera. You can stop and start them anytime and go at your own pace.

COURSE because they have a beginning and an end unlike some educational resources where you pick and choose classes. However some can be chosen from a library of available courses and are self-paced, others have start and end dates.

The big question is, can they be used successfully in UK education?
When MOOCs first came onto the education scene in 2012 there was an initial burst of excitement, some speculating that MOOCs were, "the future of education". A report by the DfE in June 2014 entitled 'MOOCS: Opportunities for their use in compulsory-age education', had some interesting conclusions.

In its section, 'Specific identified needs / challenges', here are a few statements:

It can be hard to satisfactorily stretch gifted & talented students

It can be difficult for teachers to properly support the research process in relation to the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

It can be difficult for widening participation programmes to reach students and convey understanding of higher education student life, requirements, opportunities etc.

Students (especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds) often need preparation for higher education courses, but Foundation courses are expensive both financially and in terms of time

There may be better ways to deliver professional development courses for teacher

The report included the results of a teacher survey, which were also interesting - here's my pick of them:

"Surely schools already prepare pupils for the transition to Higher Education."

"The only alternative I know of is a face-to face course, which I have taught. This, however, means that students take an extra year or number of months to do this course."

"Timing of this would have to be very carefully managed as young people have a lot of pressure with exams and UCAS applications as it is, without feeling more pressure to complete even more work."

"I would imagine all this stuff is easy to access on internet. I'm not sure "a course" is required for the majority of Uni applicants."

"We have one to one strategies to address this in Year 13."

"Much needed. Many students find university life challenging and drop out."

"With students already accepted they are most likely to have an interest/level of engagement already making these great ways to 'reach' students."

And finally the report concluded (and I don't think I could have said this better myself):

MOOCs, as an emerging component of the teaching toolkit, should be a component of teacher training. All teacher-trainees should experience a MOOC. This would not require very much in terms of development; there are many subject-specific MOOCs to choose from, including many that are short.

Teachers should be encouraged to experience a MOOC as part of CPD. There are many MOOCs in the US and Europe that are focused on teacher development and the acquisition or sharpening of classroom skills, planning skills, content development skills etc. The vast majority of these are free at the point of use.

Best practice and successes should be upheld and celebrated. The overwhelming majority of MOOC deployments are not looking to replace or undermine teachers, but to increase their effectiveness.

Convinced yet? Interestingly, UCAS announced in February 2016, that it had partnered with FutureLearn to release 2 courses:
There are two free courses - Smart Choices: Broadening your horizons and Smart Advice: Broadening your students' horizons. Each takes two weeks to complete, and are intended to help learners understand the full breadth of courses available to them, and to make sure advisers and parents have the most comprehensive and up-to-date information.

Leeds University have also released a collection of bite-sized 2 week MOOCs aimed at 16-19 year olds. And the University of Southampton's course, Developing your Research Project, supports students with their EPQ, and builds on skills such as critical thinking and independent learning.

Julia Stiglitz, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Coursera, the world's larges MOOCs platform, said recently:

"We see our platform, and the wider world of MOOCs, being used in a number of unexpected but exciting ways. We have seen high school teachers using MOOCs in an after-school model; we have seen MOOC-like tools for first year teachers to help them get hold of their classroom; we have seen lots of requests to use MOOC content in a blended learning mode, and research is underway to understand the impact of MOOCs in these settings."

What do you need to know before you throw yourself, and your students, into the world of MOOCs? Here are a few important points:
1. The minimum age is 13, like Facebook. It's important to be aware that participants come into contact with potentially thousands of other students of all ages worldwide. There are less likely to be courses suitable for under 16's unless they are gifted and talented.

2. Duration of courses is an issue, mostly for 16-19 ages, as a high percentage sign up and start but don't finish. 2 week courses are best, with no more than 1-2 hours per week. FutureLearn has a collection for Going to University.

Improving UCAS application forms and interviews (universities are well aware of these courses; many have invested substantially in creating them)

Getting a view on subjects they may wish to study in future

Getting access to new ideas, topics and resources outside of their current scope

Feeling more comfortable for the transition to University

Improving learning techniques and styles, such as flipping the classroom

Having courses set as summer work; bridging gaps that currently exist between GCSE and A Level, Years 12 and 13, A Level and University

Check out Unifrog's MOOCs tool on the student side of Unifrog here. Not yet a partner with us but want to know more? Request a demo here. Finally, what are some of the benefits for UK education?
3. There are very few that offer formal qualifications such as UCAS points. However, most have a form of certificate that proves they participated in the course. Some have a University branded certificate. These usually cost about £30.

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John Hillis, Unifrog Account Manager, shares his thoughts on the importance of MOOCs.In visiting sixth form leaders on an almost a daily basis, I often allude to MOOCs and the potential benefits to their students.

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Attend a one to one with your personal development tutor to review your start to college. When you aren't in your one-to-one, spend time researching and organising your work experience placement and/or completing a range of online (CPD) courses to enhance your employability.

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Taking up a placement (aka work experience, or WEX) can be a life-changing process for students, helping to shape their future pathways.
Placements give students a glimpse of what their day-to-day lives might look like when they leave school. At the same time, they inspire and motivate them to explore their next steps.

Research from the Education and Employers Taskforce shows that when students have multiple encounters with employers whilst at school, they are 86% less likely to become NEET (not in education, employment, or training) once they have left.

And, once they start working, they're more likely to get more out of it if they've made that initial contact with employers at school. The Education and Employers Taskforce also found that students who have four or more meaningful encounters with employers can earn 22% more during their career.

Teachers and careers advisers are seeing the benefits; Unifrog's Placement tool, for example, has facilitated over 80,000 placements in the first year of its launch. This includes over 12,000 placements for students from disadvantaged backgrounds (students in Index of Multiple Deprivation deciles 1-3).

So why else are placements so important for students to take up?

How do placements benefit students?

1. Grow their skills and confidence
2. Strengthen students' applications
Placements are a quick and powerful way for students to build on the skills they've learned inside and outside of the classroom. They might be playing a part in a team, where they'll need to pick up a task quickly and use their initiative. They could be learning how to use new software, or helping to organise an event or series of calendar appointments.

Placements also grow students' confidence, helping them to quickly adapt to working with new people and in new environments.

3. Prepare them for the world of work

On Unifrog's Placements tool, students complete a reflection form after their placement, where they'll think about what they've learned and what they're most proud of. This will help them recognise and name the skills they've learned - and instil pride and confidence in their next steps.

4. Help students figure out their next steps
By taking part in placements, students not only gain the skills and knowledge to catapult them into work - through the experience alone, they'll make better applications.

5. Get them-and you!-networking
A CV or application that includes evidence of a work placement is impressive, as it shows the student's commitment to growth and learning. And if they can show how it's relevant to their future career, it will also show dedication to their next step.

What is the Placements tool?

On the Placements tool, employers leave a review where they can feed back on things like a student's communication, teamwork, strongest skill, and what they could work on to be even better in their next workplace. Students can read this afterwards and use these insights to strengthen their applications.

On a placement, a student may be working with people of ages and backgrounds they've never connected with before. They'll get a sense of what's expected at work, from turning up on time and communicating promptly, to what's appropriate to wear and what a longer day than they're used to might look like.

Students start the Placements tool process by completing the student initial form - this is their responsibility. This then kick starts the process for the employer to complete their first form, but if they don't hear back, students are expected to follow up - getting them quickly familiar with professional communication styles.

Maybe your student took up work experience in a cafe and realised they love customer service. Or maybe they worked on a construction site and discovered the noise wasn't for them. Placements help your students figure out what they like and dislike in a work environment - drastically reducing their chances of becoming NEET, as mentioned above.

Request a demo here (we'll then set up a meeting with you), or

Call us on +4420 3372 5991 or email us at info@unifrog.org

By completing their reflection form, students are showing you whether the placement was a positive experience for them and how it shaped their next steps. You can then use this to direct your careers provision - for example, if they didn't enjoy their experience, you might want to try out Unifrog's Work environments quiz to help direct your students' focus to environments they prefer. Or if they did, you could start to use Unifrog's Careers library to help students research roles in that sector.

Once your students have completed their placements, encourage them to follow up with their placement lead to say thanks and express interest in future opportunities if they enjoyed it. This way, they've made a professional connection, and they've had more practice at sending a professional email. This will give them more confidence to reach out to other employers when the time comes.

Once you've started using the Placements tool, you'll be able to access all your placements contacts on your Manage page. Here, you can filter by whether the employer would consider doing a placement again, and download all of their contact details to share with your next cohort of placement students.

Unifrog's Placements tool puts all things work experience in one place, providing an easy tracking process for students, employers, parents, and teachers.

The tool is a series of forms that are easy for teachers, students, and employers to complete. Once one form is completed, this triggers the process for the next one to be sent, saving you hours of admin and email chasing.

You'll have an overview of the whole process - making it easier to demonstrate this aspect of your careers provision in an Ofsted inspection. Want to know more?

We're hosting a World of Work Conference in Birmingham on Thursday 19 October for teachers and advisers to get familiar with work experience, apprenticeships, and Unifrog's Placements tool. Book your place here.

To learn more about the Placements tool, you can check out our FAQs here, or if you're already a Unifrog partner, check out this guide on the tool (you'll need to login). Reach out to your Area Manager if you'd like to find out more.

If you don't work with us already, you can:

We'd love to hear your questions!

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How work experience benefits students - and how Unifrog's Placements tool can help

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Taking up a placement (aka work experience, or WEX) can be a life-changing process for students, helping to shape their future pathways.Placements give students a glimpse of what their day-to-day lives might look like when they leave school.

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Start to explore the exciting world of higher education, including the types of degrees available to you, how to choose a course, where to live, how finance and accommodation works, how to apply and more.

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Tips and advice to help you decide what subject, course type, and provider is right for you. Learn about studying overseas, Apprenticeships and Conservatoires.

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There has been a rapid growth in apprenticeship opportunities and young people are viewing them as viable career options now more than ever. Did you know that degree apprentices can be offered starting salaries of up to £30k in some areas? In this session, explore apprenticeships in more detail and discover the broad range of opportunities available in all sectors. Learn what to expect as an apprentice, hear some alumni stories, and find out more about how to apply.

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Changing your mind? Alternatives to uni: Degree apprenticeships and gap years

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Explore how society and social media can influence our perception of what is 'normal' and the associated physical and emotional health risks to look a certain way. Learn about the risks of steroids, cosmetics as well as the law around tattooing and piercing.

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Bigorexia: Never Buff Enough | BBC Newsbeat

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A session focussed on common health-related questions and worries and dispelling common misconceptions held by young people. Key topics include skin care and acne, puberty, body image, specific male and female health such as pelvic health care, and more.

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From spots and allergies to dyslexia and thrush, we have the information you need to keep your body healthy.

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Encouraging students to think broadly about health and wellbeing and the impact everyday choices can have on overall physical and mental health. Key topics covered include diet, nutrition, exercise, sugar awareness, energy drinks, dental health, hydration, vaping, smoking and more.

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Consumption of energy drinks by young people is on the rise. Specialist Paediatric Eating Disorder Dietitian, Annabel Gipp, looks at the possible reasons for this and the associated effects on adolescent health.
Energy drinks appear frequently in headlines and news stories, mostly in a negative light. A Google search reveals some of these headlines such as 'The life threatening impacts of energy drinks' and 'Teen dies after ONE can of energy drink'. However, these drinks are becoming increasingly popular with young people. So are these products really that dangerous? And if they are, why are they so widely available to young people?

What are energy drinks?

An energy drink derives its energy from glucose but can also include added ingredients to help 'boost energy' including caffeine, taurine and ginseng and typically contain a minimum of 150mg/L of caffeine (1,2 see references under this article). 'Zero' or 'Diet' versions of energy drinks are also available, using sweeteners to reduce the calorie content, but maintaining high levels of caffeine and other stimulants. In 2014, Red Bull was the most popular energy drink occupying 25% of the market value, followed by own-brand products at 12%, Monster at 10% and Relentless at 5% (3).

Energy drinks are marketed to improve concentration and to reduce tiredness, through providing energy, caffeine, and other ingredients which aid with fatigue or with energy metabolism, including vitamins and flavourings.

Consumption

Whilst the overall consumption of soft drinks has fallen in recent years, energy drinks have increased consistently since 2006, with a 155% increase in sales. This equates to 600 million litres sold in 2014 and those aged 10-14 years are expected to increase consumption by 11% from 2014-2019 (2). In the UK, increased energy drink consumption can be linked with being male, an older adolescent, having special educational needs and being eligible for free school meals (4).

A systematic review also concluded that males are more likely to consume higher amounts of energy drinks than girls, while girls who skip breakfast are more likely to then rely on energy drinks later in the day. In addition, if a child is either underweight or obese, they are more likely to consume energy drinks (5).

The mounting body of evidence demonstrates that the consumption of energy drinks is detrimental to both the physical and mental wellbeing of young people, as well as encouraging other risky behaviours such as alcohol use

Physical effects of high enery drink intake

Physical effects from over-consumption of energy drinks are mostly related to caffeine. Increased caffeine consumption in children and adolescents results in increased blood pressure, sleep disturbances, headaches and stomach aches. Selfreported injury due to hyperactivity has also been reported.

Adolescence is also the time of maximum bone deposition and caffeine interferes with the absorption of calcium in the small intestine and so may lead to reduced calcium deposition in bones. This may also be as a result of energy drinks being consumed instead of calcium-containing drinks such as milk (6).

There have also been reported differences seen to ECG traces for adults after energy drink consumption. Whilst caffeine has been found to have no ill effects on cardiac output, one study from the American Heart Association found that consumption of energy drinks showed a significant prolongation of the QTc interval in adults. This elongation of the QTc interval can be a sign of increased risk for fatal arrhythmias, and for individuals who may have underlying cardiac problems, this may be dangerous (7).

Mental effects

In addition to physical effects, mental health effects due to consumption of energy drinks can include sensation-seeking behaviour, self-destructive behaviour, insomnia, problems with behavioural regulation and poor lifestyle behaviours, such as poor diet and consumption of fast food. The use of energy drinks in adolescents may also be affecting future food and drinks choices in young people due to alterations in the developing reward and addiction centre of the brain and the addiction due to the high caffeine content (6,8).

The consumption of energy drinks in young people is also linked with the consumption of alcohol due to their use as mixers for spirits. One study found young people used the energy drinks as a 'pick me up' and it made parties more 'fun' (9). The EFSA found that in adolescents, 53% of energy drinks are consumed with alcohol. Those who consumed energy drinks mixed with alcohol were more likely to report binge-drinking behaviours, illicit drug use, and drink driving (10).

Energy drinks are also potentially playing a role in the obesity crisis and as a tool to help keep weight low in young people with eating disorders. Sugar-sweetened beverage consumption is linked with diabetes, dental decay and increased BMI in young people (11). In addition, a link between energy drink use and sedentary behaviour has been noted (12). Conversely, for the eating disorder population, low sugar versions of energy drinks may form a way of boosting energy through caffeine and stimulants plus promote loose stools and supress appetite. Young people with eating disorders are at a higher risk of cardiac arrhythmias due to their low weight, so the use of these products may be particularly worrying (6).

Whilst the detrimental effects of energy drinks are clearly wide-reaching, there has been relatively low numbers of toxicity reported in emergency departments. Data collected from the Australian NSW Poison Information Centre logged 297 calls over a seven year period relating to energy drink consumption in young people, increasing from 12 in 2004 to 65 in 2010. Symptoms ranged from gastrointestinal upset and hyperactivity to hallucinations, seizures and cardiac ischaemia. 128 people required hospitalisation in this study (13). There appears to be little information collected on this topic by the UK-based poison centres, although this data is routinely collected in Australia and the USA, hence the need to extrapolate Australian data.

Why do young people consume these drinks?

The reason that young people choose energy drinks is hard to pinpoint. Advertising and brand loyalty play a large part in the desire to consume these products and young people report that they see these products being advertised on television, on the internet, through sports sponsorships, video games and in shops, despite pledges from advertisers to reduce this (5). Taste and the need for an 'energy boost' may also be a reason to consume energy drinks. Parental consumption seems to also be a driver for adolescent use.

There is no current limitation on the sale of these products to young people. The British Soft Drinks Association says that high-caffeine products are not recommended for young people, although this is not currently backed by law like tobacco or alcohol in the UK. Countries such as Sweden and Lithuania have bans in place for the sale of high-caffeine drinks to under 18s. Other countries introduced a tax on these high-caffeine products which reported to reduce consumption, and generated income for 'Get Healthy' programmmes (1).

With the government expecting to introduce a levy on products with more the 5g and 8g of sugar per 100ml in 2018, it is predicted that the consumption of sugar sweetened beverages will fall (14). However, it is not clear what effect this might have on energy drink consumption, although, it is reported that young people do already find energy drinks expensive (5).

What should nutrition professionals be advising?

This leaves the question of - what is our responsibility as health professionals? The British Medical Journal states that health professionals should be advising and educating patients, the public and industry on the potential harmful effects of energy drinks, especially when being mixed with alcohol (8). Seifert et al go further to say that the use of energy drinks should be included in standard health screening for young people, especially in at-risk populations such as those with high-risk behaviours and certain health conditions e.g. heart problems, anorexia nervosa or anxiety (6).

As nutritional professionals, it may fall to dietitians and our skills in nutritional education and communication to educate that energy drink consumption, at present, appears to have more negative than positive outcomes (15). Due to the heterogeneity of the products that are currently available on the market, it is very difficult to advise which products may be safer than others, indicating that energy drinks should potentially be avoided altogether in preference for other options such as fruit juice, water or milk for young people (8).

Making educated choices

The mounting body of evidence demonstrates that the consumption of energy drinks is detrimental to both the physical and mental wellbeing of young people, as well as encouraging other risky behaviours such as alcohol use.

There is currently little legislation restricting the sale of these products to young people, and understanding about their effects is minimal. As healthcare professionals, it is our duty to ensure that evidence-based information and education is available to allow parents and young people to make educated choices regarding energy drinks.

More information

In relation to this article you may find the following BDA policy statement useful, Interventions which reduce the consumption of energy from sugary drinks in children (January 2015).

References:

1. Visram, S. & Hashem, K. Energy drinks: what's the evidence? (2016) Food Research Collaboration Policy Brief

2. British Soft Drinks Association. Leading the Way. Annual Report2016 (2016). London

3. Mintel. Sports and Energy Drink- UK- July 2014 (2014) Mintel Group Ltd. London

4. Richards, G. & Smith, A.P. Breakfast and energy drink consumption: breakfast omission in isolation or in combination with frequent energy drink use, is associated with stress, anxiety and depression cross-sectionally, but not at 6-month follow up. (2016 Front Psychol; 7:106

5. Visram, S. et al. Consumption of energy drinks by children and young people: a rapid review examining evidence of physical effects and consumer attitudes. (2016). BMJ Open; 6: e010380

6. Seifert, S. M. et al. Health effects of energy dinks on children, adolescents and young adults. (2011).
Paediatrics; 127: 511-528

7. Fletcher, E. A. et al. Randomised controlled trial of high-volume energy drink versus caffeine consumption on ECG and hemodynamic parameters. (2017) J
Am Heart Assoc; 6: e004448

8. Arria, A. M. & O'Brien, M. C. The "high" risk of energy drinks. (2011) JAMA; 305: 600-601

9. Jones, S. C. 'You wouldn't know it had alcohol in it until you read the can': adolescents and alcohol-energy drinks. (2011) Australas Market J; 19: 189-95

10. EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies. Scientific opinion on the safety of caffeine. (2015). EFSA Journal; 13: 4102

11. SACN. Carbohydrates and Health (2015) London

12. Al-Hazzaa, H. M. et al. Association of dietary habits with levels of physical activity and screen time among adolescents living in Saudi Arabia. (2014) J Hum Nutr Diet; 27: 204-213

13. Gunja, N & Brown J. A. Energy drinks: health risks and toxicity (2012) MJA; 196: 46-49

14. Oxford Economics. The economic impact of the soft drinks levy. (2016) Oxford

15. Schneider, M. B. & Benjamin, H. J. Sports drinks and energy drinks for children and adolescents: are they appropriate? (2011) Paediatrics;
127: 1182-1189

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Consumption of energy drinks by young people - What is the evidence?

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A session based in psychoeducation helping you understand the science behind common issues impacting young people's emotional wellbeing, such as sleep and exam stress. Learn more about the mental health spectrum, spotting the signs of issues of mental health issues, where to go for support and how to help others.

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Is youth mental health getting better or worse?

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There’s growing concern about the mental health of children and young people in the UK. But is it really getting worse, and what are the factors affecting it?

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Take part in a fun end of term quiz to recap key topics and learning points covered this term.

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Explore the concept of exploitation and how young people can be taken advantage of, including radicalisation, risks associated with public gaming sites and forums, meeting new people online, as well as financial exploitation and county lines. Also learn about spotting the signs and what to do if you are concerned so you can keep others in your community safe.

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Former youth worker explores reality of child exploitation in debut film County Lines

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Week 14 - Relationships & Sex Education (part 3)

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Week 14 - Relationships & Sex Education (part 3)

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Explore common misconceptions around consent and the law and including ways to give and receive consent as well as factors that can impact consent. Learn about how to keep promote your sexual health as well as thinking more broadly about your future relationship and sexual health in terms of parenthood, fertility and more.

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All the latest content about Sexual health from the BBC.

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Week 13 - Relationships & Sex Education (part 2)

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Week 13 - Relationships & Sex Education (part 2)

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Did you know that, according to Ofsted (2021), 90% of young people have experienced some form of sexual harassment? In this session, discuss and explore some of the most common online issues in the context of relationships and young people, including sexting, sexual harassment, revenge porn and online dating. Be prepared to challenge attitudes and perceptions and to leave with an open mind!

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Week 12 - Relationships & Sex Education (part 1)

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Week 12 - Relationships & Sex Education (part 1)

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Explore the dynamics of healthy and unhealthy relationships, debate real-world relationship scenarios, explore the impact of misogyny within our society and learn about how to safely end relationships and effective conflict resolution strategies.

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Women's Aid is the national charity working to end
abuse against women and children.

We want you to be empowered to talk about what
relationship abuse is and what is healthy and unhealthy in
your relationships.

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We believe love shouldn't feel bad, and that everyone has a right to be safe and happy.

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Understand the impact of bullying and what you can do to be a supportive ally and bystander in your community. Take part in exciting and unique activities that develop team building and peer support.

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Essential support for under 25s

If you're experiencing bullying, or if you have been accused of bullying behaviour, you're not alone and we can help. This page has lots of information on what bullying is, how to cope and how you can find non-judgemental support.

Worried about bullying? Reach out for support

When you're being bullied or if you think you might be bullying someone, reaching out for support can feel scary or overwhelming. But we're here to tell you that you don't have to cope with bullying alone, there are plenty of places you can find support and asking for help is the first step towards solving the problem and feeling safer. Here are a few tips for reaching out when you're worried about bullying:

Try speaking with your parents or carers about what has been happening. If you're daunted by the idea of telling them in person then you could write it down in a letter, or send them a Whatsapp or text.

Your school has a duty to support you and every school has an anti-bullying policy, which outlines your school's approach to bullying, so if you speak to a teacher or school staff they will take it seriously and help you with the next steps.

Does your school have a Pastoral Lead or School Nurse/ Guidance Counsellor who you could speak to? Remember, they're there to support you no matter what you may be going through or feeling.

If the bullying behaviour is happening in the workplace, get advice from your trade union, from human resources or health and safety officers at work.

If you are experiencing bullying at university, you might want to speak to your campus counsellor, seminar tutor, SU representative, or any staff member you are comfortable talking to.

The team at The Mix are there to offer free, non-judgemental and confidential advice on any issue that you're facing. Contact our helpline, crisis text line or visit our hub to get support and information about how to cope with bullying, join their online group chat. Alternatively, you can sign up for up to eight sessions of free counselling.

What is cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place in any online space and can also be referred to as online bullying, or sometimes trolling. Cyberbullying might take place on social media, or perhaps on an online community space, within an online gaming platform or on a dating app. Cyberbullying can have a huge impact on someone's life and should be taken just as seriously as other forms of bullying.

Some examples of cyberbullying

Getting nasty or threatening texts or emails

People posting abusive messages to you on chatrooms, on your social networks, or using instant messaging services

Having private videos or pictures of yourself posted online, or sent on to other people

Someone taking on your identity online to deliberately mess with your life

A hate site or a hate group being set up about you

Being prank called

You can find out more about cyberbullying here .

What would you say to someone being bullied?

Bullying can be distressing and it can make life feel really difficult, but it's not your fault and you deserve support. Watch our video, created with Molang, to hear our message of hope for anyone who is experiencing bullying. One kind word can make a huge difference to someone who is being bullied.

What is bullying?

Bullying is usually repeated behaviour, designed to inflict emotional or physical pain. Bullying isn't always obvious to everyone around you. It can happen in many different spaces - at school, online, at work, at home, or at university. You can be bullied by your friends, someone in your family, someone you know, or sometimes by people you have never met.

Some examples of bullying behaviour:

Being called names

Punching, biting, kicking, or other physical violence

Being excluded from conversations or social events

Having your possessions stolen

Being blamed for things you didn't do

Being sent hurtful messages

Upsetting rumours being started about you

If you are experiencing any form of bullying or if you have been accused of bullying behaviour, you deserve support. Speak to our team today to take the first step towards finding help.

How can I support a friend who is being bullied?

If you're worried about a friend, the best approach is to gently let them know that you are concerned about their wellbeing. Be sensitive and pick a time when you won't be interrupted. Listen to what they say and support their wishes. If they are being bullied, remind them that help is available and that having told you is the first step towards getting help.

Face bullying together

Identify when and where the bullying is happening and make sure you - or someone else - is accompanying them at these times.

Stick up for your friend if you see them being bullied.

Encourage them to report the bullying to someone else (you could offer to go with them).

Keep offering your support, even after the bullying stops.

How can I find support for bullying at school?

If you're struggling with bullying, speaking out can be really hard, but the first step is speaking out to find help and support. Speak to a teacher you trust, or perhaps another staff member, such as a teaching assistant or a nurse. The school has a duty of care to support your wellbeing and to take your concerns seriously.

It would also be helpful to tell your parents or carers what's going on so they can support you too. If you can't find the support you need at school then there are lots of other ways to find support. Read this article to find out more .

Where else can I find support for bullying?

Get in touch with the team at The Mix who are there to offer free, non-judgemental and confidential advice on bullying and any other issue. Contact our helpline or crisis text line to get support and information about how to cope with bullying, join our online group chat or sign up for up to eight sessions of free counselling.

You can also find support and friendship from other young people who are going through the same thing you are by joining The Mix's online discussion boards .

The Mix. Registered charity number: 1048995

Welcome to The Mix, a support service for young people. There are loads of ways you can get support from us, including our articles, videos, helpline, counselling, forums, apps and more. To find which service suits your needs use the drop down menu below.

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Bullying Support and Information | Let's Beat Bullying Together | The Mix

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If you've been accused of bullying or you're being bullied, you're not alone. Get support and helpful tips for how to cope with bullying.

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Explore your understanding about what shapes us and the communities we live in and how society is influenced by shared values. Reflect on how our individual and shared values can shape our behaviours and choices through life.

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Build your Life with your Values |  Simon Sinek | Ted 2015

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Attend a one to one with your personal development tutor to review your start to college. When you aren't in your one-to-one, spend time researching and organising your work experience placement.

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Confidence, courses, careers | The Prince's Trust

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The Prince's Trust helps people aged 11 to 30 to build confidence, get a job or launch a business. Start something today.

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Attend a one to one with your personal development tutor to review your start to college. When you aren't in your one-to-one, spend time researching and organising your work experience placement.

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Work experience helps you learn about the industries you're interested in, and gives you meaty things to write about in future applications. For some sectors - education, for example - admissions and recruiting staff will 100% expect to see relevant work experience when you apply. This guide will help you find and be successful on work experience.
Finding placements
Thinking of ideas for work experience can be a challenge, and if you don't live in an urban area, it can feel like there are very limited options. Rather than trying to find the 'perfect' opportunity, look for a placement that ticks as many boxes as possible.

Instead of focusing on one specific job role, consider the wider career industry. For example, it may not be possible to shadow an anaesthetist, but you could explore other roles in the healthcare industry like working in a dental practice, nursing home, or GP clinic. These will all give you relevant experience that you can still learn from and reflect on in your applications. For ideas on work placements specific to each industry, take a look at our Get on the ladder series of Know-how guides.

You could also think about the transferable skills that are relevant across industries to help you find a placement. For example, it's unlikely that you'll be able to find work experience as an air steward, but you could reach out to customer services departments as the staff will use very similar skills in their day to day jobs.

Or you can think about experiences that are relevant to the school subject that is most related to the job or industry you'd like to go into.

For example:

History and classics: museums, archive offices, National Trust sites, and archaeological digs

Art and design: galleries, workshops, branding departments, and architectural firms

Drama and performing arts: talent agencies, local theatres, local events spaces, and drama departments in schools

English and modern languages: foreign language classes, translating companies, local newspapers and radio stations, broadcasting companies, libraries, publishing houses, advertising agencies, blogs, and local councils

Physics, astronomy, chemistry, and engineering: water works, research and development departments at a local factory, energy/oil/gas companies, local pharmacies, local airports or aerodromes, local astronomy observation centres, automobile and aviation manufacturers, and science museums

Medical sciences and human biology: pharmaceutical companies, dental practices, nursing homes, local hospitals, GP or walk in clinics, opticians, chiropractors, and podiatrists

Computer sciences: app development companies, IT security companies, programming companies, tech start-ups, and school IT departments

Maths: finance departments, accounting firms, insurance firms, tax firms, HR departments, and banks

All subjects: primary schools, local blogs and magazines, local societies or study groups, supermarkets, department stores, libraries, and local councils

Finding contacts and how to message them
When organising work experience, try to be realistic. You are unlikely to be allowed access into the head office of a national organisation with no prior experience. Look for local businesses or people with whom you already have a connection - like the parent/carer of a fellow pupil, a family member, a friend, etc.

If you don't have any contacts, or aren't sure where to start, speak to your careers officer or adviser at school; they may be able to suggest organisations where pupils from your school have previously worked and made such a good impression that they're keen to have another student.

Once you've decided where you want to work and have a contact, you actually need to contact them. Don't rely on a parent or your school to contact them for you! You need to show that you can be confident and professional, even if you are nervous!

The days or dates on which you would like to complete your work experience - make sure to give them plenty of time; you can't ask for your experience to start tomorrow!

Why you would like to complete your experience at this organisation- what do you want to learn? What do you want to experience? Some research would help here - maybe they have great customer reviews or are among the top ranked businesses locally? Maybe they have created a new way of doing something and you want to learn how managed this?

What you can offer them - that's right: you can't get something for nothing, so bowl them over with your skills and how your time with them will benefit them, even if that is admin support or helping out busy employees with their workload

Write either a formal email or letter - even if you know the person you are contacting - and have someone else read it before you send it to check it for errors. Make sure you include:

Remember to use an appropriate email address if you have chosen to write an email over a letter. If you don't want to create a new account, your school email address is a good alternative.

You should include a copy of your CV with your email/letter to offer more detail. You can actually build your CV directly on Unifrog and get lots of help and guidance as you write - click here to get started.

Logistics ahead of time

Put the dates in your phone so you don't forget when you're meant to be in

Make sure you know how you will get to and from the placement each day

Send an email a week before you start to double check they know you're coming!

Check any finer details you're not sure about like what you need to wear, where to go on your first day, and who to ask for at reception if there is one. Be aware that some placements require extra preparation that you need to be responsible for - for example, a copy of your ID documents, a DBS check, etc.

If you need some specific examples of CVs to gain work experience placements, check out these:

Exactly what the company does (imagine it's your first day on your placement and someone asks you what the company does - it looks great if you have a good answer already!)

Their aims, values and founding story to give you some background information

The purpose of the department you'll be working in.

Not sure what to expect on work experience? Check out our guide
What do you want to get out of the placement?
Asking questions during the placement 'Work experience: busting myths'

What made you want to work in this field?

What is the best part of your day?

What is your biggest challenge in this role?

Was there a particular reason you chose this organisation? How does it compare to other places you have worked in?

What route did you take into this profession?

Do you have any advice for someone wishing to enter this field?

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Starting your placement
Once you've been accepted, get the logistics organised!

Work experience is about learning new things, so you don't need to know everything before you arrive. You should, however, do some research (e.g. looking at their site, talking to people, following their socials), to find out:

Fill in the Unifrog placements journal
Have a think about what you want to get out of the placement. Do you want to make sure you observe people doing specific roles? Or impress people so that later you might land a full-time role with the company? Is this placement a stepping-stone to help you get another placement?

You should also have some questions prepared - not only will this help you get the most out of your work experience, but it will also show the employees you are shadowing or working with that you really want to be there. Think about exactly what you want to learn from this experience and who you want to talk to.

You might ask, for example:

If you work through the placements journal (link below) you'll cover some basic questions, but think about what you yourself really want to know.

What did you enjoy about your work experience?

What did you not enjoy as much and how could it have been better?

What skills have you developed?

What do you want to learn more about?

How has your understanding of the profession/industry changed or developed?

How does your experience affect your plans for the future?

Looking for advice on being work-ready? Check out our series on being professional in the workplace.
Make a good impression by arriving on-time and dressing appropriately. Be friendly and polite to everyone you meet and remember to thank anyone who offers their time or assistance.

Complete any task you are given willingly and to the best of your ability. If you can show you are a committed and professional individual, you may be invited back for more work experience or possibly even a future job.

Even if you are a naturally shy person, be brave and try to talk to the employees you are working with, and the ones you aren't! You have all your questions to ask - make sure you get your answers! You can also use any interesting conversation you have as material for a discussion in an interview or in your future personal statement or applications. You might also find that someone you speak to is a valuable contact for the future - again, be brave and ask if they're happy for you to contact them in the future. Networking is so important and that person you stay in contact with could be a future colleague or employer!

You should also keep a record of your experiences. Ask your school if they have a work experience journal you can use, or commit to jotting down 3-5 key things you learned everyday - try to avoid listing your duties and focus on learning points or interesting things you've found out. Noting down all your findings and observations will give you useful material for your applications for jobs, apprenticeships, or university.

Start using this journal in advance of the placement to record important stuff like what you need to wear, and then continue using it during the placement to work through useful activities like interviewing people at the employer.

When you're done, remember to upload it to your Locker.

Even if you didn't enjoy your work experience, always send a polite thank you email to your main contact and/or the person you spent the most time with. You never know when those contacts might come in handy in the future, and other students at your school may be able to take advantage of your good manners next year when they need to find a placement.

Reflect on what you learned during your placement using the notes you made about what you learnt (e.g. using the placement journal) and save it somewhere online so you can find it again - you could use your Unifrog locker for this.

If you're stuck on what to reflect on, try and answer the following questions:

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For students: a guide to placements/work experience

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Students: how to find it and how to be successful on it

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Why the secret to success is setting the right goals | John Doerr | TED

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Week 2 - Understanding the job market/sectors

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Week 2 - Understanding the job market/sectors

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#240 - How Find a Career Path You're Passionate About

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Listen to this episode from Love, Happiness and Success with Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby on Spotify. Do you feel stuck in a job you don't love? Or like you're moving down a path to nowhere? In this episode of the Love, Happiness and Success podcast, I am interviewing career counseling expert, Megan R.

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Meet your new peer group and learn more about what to expect and where college can take you.