Education Supplement 2020

NEWBURY NEWS EDUCATION SUPPLEMENT

Thursday, September 3, 2020 34

Newbury Weekly News

Peter Symonds College

PETER Symonds College is a fantastic place to study where students enjoy being part of a vibrant, exciting community. By offering an unrivalled programme of subjects, enrichment opportunities and award-winning specialist support the college gives all its students the opportunity to excel. In January 2020 Peter Symonds was once again rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted, a grade the college has now maintained for an incredible 15 years. Peter Symonds College has a great reputation for academic excellence. In 2019 the pass rate for A-level was 98 per cent, with more than a third of the grades awarded being at A* or A (34 per cent), and the proportion of the very highest grades (A*, A, B) an impressive 62 per cent. The pass rate for vocational courses was a superb 100 per cent, with 80 per cent of grades awarded at universities, including Oxbridge and Russell Group universities; successful employment or apprenticeships at leading companies; and many of the college’s music students have secured places at some of the country’s top conservatoires and music colleges. Students also make significantly better than expected progress on both A-level and vocational courses, based on the GCSEs they start with. The Ofsted report drew attention to the high level of support students receive, highlighting Distinction or above. Students go on to top

Newbury College

IT’S not too late to own your future at Newbury College. The summer of 2020 has been like no other. With the chaos of sudden lockdowns, extended furloughs and confusing exam results, you may be thinking about the future and what will happen next. The good news is that it’s not too late to enrol on a career-focused programme at Newbury College. Future-proof education Newbury College has been offering a career-based curriculum for over 70 years, led by employers to give you the best opportunities to gain the qualifications and skills you need, for the career you want. The college prepares students for the workplace of tomorrow, creating a fully immersive learning environment that blends hands-on, technical learning with underpinning knowledge and professional work-related activity.

Looking to progress in your career? In partnership with University Centre Newbury, Newbury College provides the widest range of career-focused programmes for adults in the local area. Subjects range from accountancy and business to electrical installation and engineering, starting at basic levels and progressing up to postgraduate degree. Part-time courses can fit around your existing work and other commitments. An apprenticeship could even provide you with the opportunity to earn while you learn – at any age.

Careers, not courses Career-focused education for those who want a more hands-on approach than the traditional academic route. Newbury College works in partnership with local businesses to plan and deliver a curriculum that supports the local economy and job market. This ensures that your qualifications, skills and knowledge will be what employers are looking for. Just finished year 11? Full-time study programmes at Newbury College are assessed in a variety of ways, rather than through the traditional essay and exam methods. This can be beneficial if you prefer to be assessed differently and demon- strate your skills in other ways. BTEC and T Level qualifications offer UCAS points, just like A-levels, and provide pathways in meaningful employment or progress onto higher education, either at university or the new University Centre Newbury.

maintain a remarkable enrichment offer of over 140 activities to give all our students an opportunity to stretch them- selves, learn something new and develop a current skill or take some time to relax and have fun. “It’s about providing a balanced, well-rounded education and great to see the benefits of this programme recognised by the inspectors.” Open Evenings for 2020 entry will take place on Tuesday, October 20, Wednesday, October 21, and Thursday, October 22 – please keep an eye on the website for further details. www.psc.ac.uk

drop-in workshops and one-to- one sessions, and recognised that students with high needs received sensitive and comprehensive support making them “as well prepared for progression to university or work as their peers”. The college is proud of the support available to all students and won the Sixth Form Colleges Association Annual Award for Student Support in summer 2018. The college’s enrichment programme of more than 140 extra-curricular activities was also highly praised by inspectors. Principal Sara Russell said: “We have worked hard to develop and

It’s not too late to enrol If you would like to speak to someone about the

opportunities available this September or how Newbury College can support your future, visit www.newbury-college.ac.uk/late

IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO ENROL CAREER-FOCUSED QUALIFICATIONS FOR SCHOOL LEAVERS AND ADULTS The future may be feeling uncertain, but we are here to support whatever it brings, whether that’s a new career or the next step in education. We’ve been working to adapt to home-based learning during this time, future- proofing the delivery of a wide range of study methods from full-time programmes and apprenticeships to professional qualifications, online learning and business training. Explore exciting, career-focused subjects, including engineering, computing, digital, health and social care, leadership and management, public services and many more. ENROL NOW! ACHIEVE YOUR DEGREE LOCALLY University Centre Newbury (UCN) is expanding the higher education, training and development opportunities for the community and businesses within West Berkshire. „ Study up to degree and postgraduate level with nationally recognised qualifications from our university partners and awarding bodies. „ Save on expensive tuition fees* and the cost of relocation. „ Get the support you need to fast-track your career progression with hands-on, vocational learning developed in partnership with employers. newbury college

peter symonds college

open evenings

5.00–8.30pm tues 20, weds 21, & thur 22 oct 2020

for 2021 entry

01962 857555 admissions@psc.ac.uk www.psc.ac.uk

Please visit psc.ac.uk for all the latest developments and updates.

Peter Symonds College Owens Road

FIND OUT MORE UCN.AC.UK

Winchester SO22 6RX

*When studied as part of an apprenticeship.

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