Key Stage 4 - Aimhigher West Midlands

During year 10 many learners will be settling into their chosen subjects, following their exams curriculum. This year is when many undertake valuable work experience too. Mentors working with year 10 learners will likely find a need to start helping them set a direction, looking at how attitudes can influence success, and how work experience can be so necessary and valuable.

The following table can be used as a guide to help you plan your mentoring sessions. The resources and activities found here will help guide you through addressing the above issues as well as other pertinent areas for this year group. It is strongly advised you familiarise yourself with these online resources.

Topic/Theme	Description	Online LEP Resource
What does HE mean to me?	The aim here is to create an opportunity for learners to discuss how they feel about higher education. Online LEP resources – Activities addresses many key concerns or misconceptions about university or college life, and also enables learners to focus on the social and non-academic benefits. Check with the school on applications and arrangements for Masterclasses and Subject Enrichment Programmes organised by Aimhigher and higher education providers.	Aimhigher Teacher’s Pack – What is HE Really Like? – Activity 2 has printable worksheets.
Why do it?	Here learners identify the wider benefits of higher education, the aim is to help them identify places they can find out answers to questions they may have. Online LEP resources – Are encouraged to conduct preparatory research on the internet. Encourage learners to speak to friends and/or family about any concerning issues.	Aimhigher Teacher’s Pack – What is HE Really Like? – Activity 5 has printable worksheets.
True or false?	Here learners can explore the possible misconceptions or prejudices about higher education. Online LEP resources – Activities investigate whether ten relevant statements are true or false. Encourage learners not to make assumptions without having all the facts.	Aimhigher Teacher’s Pack – What is HE Really Like? – Activity 6: task 1 only (Note: activity 6, task 2 will be covered in what’s stopping me? below). The UniFest Summer School programme is published in January each year. Check with your school to make sure they know about the programme and if they agree, help your students to consider applying.
Richer pickings	Learners may find it beneficial to research the long-term benefits of higher education. Online LEP resources – Activity compares the incomes of two young people, one who went straight from school to work, and one who entered the same career sector having been to university. This resource can be backed up by looking at job websites and newspaper adverts. Check with the school on the opportunities that exist for learners to visit HEIs for campus tours and for subject-specific activities.	Aimhigher Teacher’s Pack – Finances – Activity 20 has printable worksheets.
What’s stopping me?	The focus here is on the possible barriers to higher education progression. Online LEP resources- Activities explore money worries, not wishing to change location, not knowing how to apply etc., and how these might be overcome. Investigate and discuss the opportunities that are being provided for study skills workshops and extra revision sessions, and encourage the learners to attend as appropriate.	Aimhigher Teacher’s Pack – What is HE Really Like? – Activity 6: task 2 for an interesting lesson plan – however please note – the financial details task 2, teachers notes 6b will need updating using facts and figures from this website.
Financial help	Here the learner explores the practical implications of moving into higher education. It is important to stress that money doesn’t have to be a barrier to learning. Online LEP resources – Activities and comprehensive information for both learners and parents/carers. Encourage learners to involve their parents/carers in their preparation for HE. Many HEIs have sections on their websites which focus on parents’ guides to HE.	Money Saving Expert – especially good to encourage learners to look at with parents/carers. Gov.uk – Finance.
Are you up for the job?	The aim of this session is to encourage learners to think about the different types of jobs. Online LEP resources – Activity looks at one organisation, the job roles and the qualifications needed for each position. Encourage learners understanding that higher levels of qualifications lead to higher-level jobs, and the benefits that these jobs offer.	Aimhigher Teacher’s Pack – Finances – Finances Activity 21 : good printable worksheets and teacher notes.
Routes into higher education	This session is designed to show that there are more ways into higher education than just A-levels. Online LEP resources – Printable handouts with notes and online information sites exploring alternative routes through the Diplomas, and Apprenticeship programmes. Share personal examples, or examples of people you know who have not taken the traditional route into higher education via A levels.	Aimhigher Teacher’s Pack – Courses and Qualifications – Activity 16 : printable handouts and teacher notes.
Help!	The session should encourage learners to think about where they can find help about higher education. Online LEP resources – discover online information services and relevant activity. Check with the school if they subscribe to careers sites such as E-Clip, Fast Tomato or Kudos.	National Careers Service Open Days
Work experience	Here, encourage learners to consider the types and benefits of work experience. Online LEP resources – Sites with advice on how to organise a work placement, and some tips for making the most of the experience and also help from a self esteem activity. Stress to your learner that Positive Attitude is a must.	Bright Knowledge – see Career Pathways, work experience and internships for guidance and tips for making a success of work experience.
Finding a career that’s right for you.	This session has a focus on identifying activities learners enjoy both inside and outside of school, and researching the careers that match up with them. Online LEP resources – Activity enables learners to explore the type of career that would suit them best via questionnaire and activities. It’s a good idea to introduce learners to other resources detailed, to help with career planning.	The Who Cares Trust – for an online quiz with results of career suggestions.
Exploring Apprenticeships	Here there is an opportunity to extend the learner’s knowledge of Apprenticeships.	National Apprenticeship Service Gov.uk – for information on apprenticeships.
Learning and qualifications	Here learners can find out about the key issues surrounding learning and qualifications. Online LEP resources – plenty of activities to examine each different type of qualification, with sections on AS/A-levels, NVQs, HNCs and HNDs, Foundation Degrees and Honours Degrees. Activities also explore learning styles. These activities lend themselves to be carried out in small groups – learners may then be encouraged to discuss differences.	BBC key skills archive – have a look around this site, there are plenty of appropriate activities here. Gov.uk – for background info to course. Brain Boxx – – online questionnaire to reveal which of the 4 learning styles are used. HEfCE – background info on higher education courses types.
Choices at 16: what’s right for you?	The emphasis here is on the need to keep learning beyond sixteen, either full-time at school or college, or through work-based training. Online LEP resources – Sites to help learners research some of the learning opportunities described in their local area. Whilst generic national sites are useful, take time to research local opportunities so you are prepared to help the learners find this information for themselves.	UCAS progress – Many schools and colleges use this system to allow student to search for and apply for post-16 study and training. Some schools only use the search facility while some use the apply facility as well. Check what your school does.

Exit Strategy

Key Stage 4: Year 11 Learner Engagement Plan

Year 11 learners have much to prepare for during this year. Not only do they have exam pressures, they also need to make decisions about their time after compulsory education. In addition many year 11 learners are mindful of the requirement to become more independent. Mentors will likely be involved in assisting learners to hone revision/study skills, explore progression options and careers. It may also be useful to explore independence issues such as budgeting or securing part time employment.

The following table can be used as a guide to help you plan your sessions. You will find comprehensive resources and internet links to compliment this information here. It is strongly advised you familiarise yourself with these online resources.

Topic/Theme	Description	Online LEP Resource
What do you already know about Higher Education?	Learners can take the opportunity, either on an individual or group basis, to idea-storm all the knowledge they already have about HE. Online LEP resources – Activities are designed to familiarise learners with some of the jargon related to HE. Check with the school on applications and arrangements for HE Masterclasses and Subject Enrichment Programmes.	Aimhigher Teacher’s Pack – What is HE and What Is It Really Like ? Activity 4 : How much do you know?
Where will I be in ten years’ time?	The aim of this session is to encourage learners to think about the future and how this may affect the choices they make at this stage. Online LEP resources – Activities and worksheets have some very good inspirational ideas, some will need prep work before using with learners. Help learners realise the steps needed to get to where they would like to be.	Aimhigher Teacher’s Pack – Courses and Qualifications – Activity 12: ‘where will I be in 10 years’ time?’ NOTE: lesson plan and worksheets – will need some prep work. Leaving Home – lesson plan and worksheets – will need some prep work.
Typical student!	The aim during this session is to address stereotypes and to look not only at the reasons people might have for going to university, but also to explore what might put some people off going. Online LEP resources – Comprehensive activities to address the above issues.	Aimhigher Teacher’s Pack – What is HE and What Is It Really Like? Activity 3 : ‘typical student’. Activity 10 : ‘Straight from the horses mouth’.
Name that job!	This session will help learners recognise the range of different careers open to them. Online LEP resources. The learner ( or you) will need to log in to the final website to be able to take the study interest questionnaire, linking interests with HE courses/job. Check with the school on the opportunities that exist for learners to visit higher education institutions for campus tours and for subject-specific activities.	Aimhigher Teacher’s Pack – Courses and Qualifications – Activity 13 : ‘Name that Job’ Careers Box – for online videos of careers. Also try the link to the ‘Skills Explorer’ to match skills with potential careers. UK Course Finder – for an online study interest questionnaire.
Ways into a career	Encourage learners to consider how qualifications impact on career choices. Online LEP resources – Activities’ addressing ways into careers. Are there opportunities for study skills workshops and extra revision sessions within school? If so, encourage the learners to attend as appropriate.	Aimhigher Teacher’s Pack – Courses and Qualifications – Activity 14 : ‘Ways into a career’ Total Professions – have a look at this site for info on where learners could be signposted – including apprenticeships and career specific organisations.
Choices at 16: what’s right for you?	The emphasis here is on the need to keep learning beyond sixteen, either full-time at school or college, or through work-based training. Online LEP resources – Sites to help learners research some of the learning opportunities described in their local area. Whilst generic national sites are useful, take time to research local opportunities so you are prepared to help the learners find this information for themselves.	UCAS progress – Many schools and colleges use this system to allow student to search for and apply for post-16 study and training. Some schools only use the search facility while some use the apply facility as well. Check what your school does.
Routes into Higher Education	The aim is to raise awareness of the variety of routes into HE, and the range of HE options from which to choose. Online LEP resources – Explores alternative qualifications for entry into higher education and outlines the core features of the Foundation Degree. Encourage learners to involve their parents in their preparation for HE. Many HEIs have sections on their websites which focus on parents’ guides to HE.	Higher Learning – for detailed info on foundation degrees and work-based HE learning. UCAS Parents Guide to Uni – use the menu on the left hand side to navigate the sections for parents.
Which course?	Explore with learners the extensive range of courses available. Online LEP resources – Highlight the need to consider types of qualifications and the style of studying that is best suited to the learner. Also Study Interest Questionnaire. Check the opportunities available at local HEIs for learners to become involved in The Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programme, and liaise with the school and HEI Coordinators.	Higher Learning – for alternative courses. UK Course Finder – for online ‘study interest quiz’ need to log in. STEM Subjects
Auditing my skills	Focuses on helping learners to identify the study skills needed to succeed in HE. Online LEP resources – Study skills audit. You could also discuss thoughts on the qualities graduate employers look for in potential employees.	Skills Audit – use these tables to work with the learner to develop. What do graduates do? – for a comprehensive pdf document but pages 2 and 3 most relevant here.
Developing revision skills	Here, the session can cover a range of skills related to revision and examinations. Online LEP resources – Activities include looking at note taking, analysis, memory techniques and the development of a preferred learning style. There is also an opportunity to produce a revision timetable. Hindsight is a wonderful thing, share your experiences with learners, impressing the benefits of being organised and putting the work in.	Brain Boxx – Revision.
Learning styles	The aim here is to help learners to discover their preferred learning style and how to use that knowledge to their advantage. Online LEP resources – Help identify learning styles of the learner and how they might best use this style to study and learn more effectively. This session could be run in small groups to encourage discussion.	BBC – Learning Styles.
Making decisions	Highlights how we need and use information in order to make informed decisions. Online LEP resources – Explores how we use levels of information to help us make our decisions and relates this to options for further and higher education. You may want to share your experience of making choices and if you were happy with the amount of information you gathered at the time.	Career Guide Making Decisions – for an interesting activity idea exploring how we use levels of information to help us make our decisions. Will need some preparation work.
Graduate Market Trends	Find out what happens to graduates after they leave higher education. Online LEP resources – Information and activities on where graduates are employed, undertaking what kind of job. You may want to encourage your learner to think about finding a summer job.	Prospects – labour market info. Higher Education Careers Service Unit – what do graduates do?.
Budgeting – Budget battles	The aim here is to explore basic budgeting. Online LEP resources – Some fun and printable resources. How about asking learners to help you put together your budget!	Money Saving Expert – Financial Education tab, Teen Cash Class – downloadable resources. Barclays Money Skills – Key Stage 4 printable Resource Pack, Activity 3: Budget battles. Gov.uk – 16 – 19 Bursary info.
Understanding personal finances/banking	Money matters are important, use this session to help learners gain a good background to understanding about finances. Online LEP resources – Lots of activities which help develop good money management skills help in everyday life. Impress how keeping control of finance is important whilst within higher education too.	Money Sense for Schools – an interactive online programme. Money Saving Expert – Financial Education tab, Teen Cash Class – downloadable resources.
Higher Education funding	Focus on the financial issues that students and their families need to consider. Online LEP resources – Information on fees, loans, grants, bursaries and scholarships. Share info of the current financial support your university offers to new students.	Money Saving Expert – for 20 key facts about student finance( great signpost for parents/carers and learners together ) and also excellent printable guides for parents/carers, learners and teachers. You may want to dip into the ‘current students’ section here too. Student Finance

Topic/Theme

Description

Online LEP Resource

What do you already know about Higher Education?

Learners can take the opportunity, either on an individual or group basis, to idea-storm all the knowledge they already have about HE.

Online LEP resources – Activities are designed to familiarise learners with some of the jargon related to HE.

Check with the school on applications and arrangements for HE Masterclasses and Subject Enrichment Programmes.

Aimhigher Teacher’s Pack – What is HE and What Is It Really Like ? Activity 4 : How much do you know?

Where will I be in ten years’ time?

The aim of this session is to encourage learners to think about the future and how this may affect the choices they make at this stage.

Online LEP resources – Activities and worksheets have some very good inspirational ideas, some will need prep work before using with learners.

Help learners realise the steps needed to get to where they would like to be.

Aimhigher Teacher’s Pack – Courses and Qualifications – Activity 12: ‘where will I be in 10 years’ time?’ NOTE: lesson plan and worksheets – will need some prep work.

Leaving Home – lesson plan and worksheets – will need some prep work.

Typical student!

The aim during this session is to address stereotypes and to look not only at the reasons people might have for going to university, but also to explore what might put some people off going.

Online LEP resources – Comprehensive activities to address the above issues.

Aimhigher Teacher’s Pack – What is HE and What Is It Really Like? Activity 3 : ‘typical student’. Activity 10 : ‘Straight from the horses mouth’.

Name that job!

This session will help learners recognise the range of different careers open to them.

Online LEP resources. The learner ( or you) will need to log in to the final website to be able to take the study interest questionnaire, linking interests with HE courses/job.

Check with the school on the opportunities that exist for learners to visit higher education institutions for campus tours and for subject-specific activities.

Aimhigher Teacher’s Pack – Courses and Qualifications – Activity 13 : ‘Name that Job’

Careers Box – for online videos of careers. Also try the link to the ‘Skills Explorer’ to match skills with potential careers.

UK Course Finder – for an online study interest questionnaire.

Ways into a career

Encourage learners to consider how qualifications impact on career choices.

Online LEP resources – Activities’ addressing ways into careers.

Are there opportunities for study skills workshops and extra revision sessions within school? If so, encourage the learners to attend as appropriate.

Aimhigher Teacher’s Pack – Courses and Qualifications – Activity 14 : ‘Ways into a career’

Total Professions – have a look at this site for info on where learners could be signposted – including apprenticeships and career specific organisations.

Choices at 16: what’s right for you?

The emphasis here is on the need to keep learning beyond sixteen, either full-time at school or college, or through work-based training.

Online LEP resources – Sites to help learners research some of the learning opportunities described in their local area.

Whilst generic national sites are useful, take time to research local opportunities so you are prepared to help the learners find this information for themselves.

UCAS progress – Many schools and colleges use this system to allow student to search for and apply for post-16 study and training. Some schools only use the search facility while some use the apply facility as well. Check what your school does.

Routes into Higher Education

The aim is to raise awareness of the variety of routes into HE, and the range of HE options from which to choose.

Online LEP resources – Explores alternative qualifications for entry into higher education and outlines the core features of the Foundation Degree.

Encourage learners to involve their parents in their preparation for HE. Many HEIs have sections on their websites which focus on parents’ guides to HE.

Higher Learning – for detailed info on foundation degrees and work-based HE learning.

UCAS Parents Guide to Uni – use the menu on the left hand side to navigate the sections for parents.

Which course?

Explore with learners the extensive range of courses available.

Online LEP resources – Highlight the need to consider types of qualifications and the style of studying that is best suited to the learner. Also Study Interest Questionnaire.

Check the opportunities available at local HEIs for learners to become involved in The Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programme, and liaise with the school and HEI Coordinators.

Higher Learning – for alternative courses.

UK Course Finder – for online ‘study interest quiz’ need to log in.

STEM Subjects

Auditing my skills

Focuses on helping learners to identify the study skills needed to succeed in HE.

Online LEP resources – Study skills audit.

You could also discuss thoughts on the qualities graduate employers look for in potential employees.

Skills Audit – use these tables to work with the learner to develop.

What do graduates do? – for a comprehensive pdf document but pages 2 and 3 most relevant here.

Developing revision skills

Here, the session can cover a range of skills related to revision and examinations.

Online LEP resources – Activities include looking at note taking, analysis, memory techniques and the development of a preferred learning style. There is also an opportunity to produce a revision timetable.

Hindsight is a wonderful thing, share your experiences with learners, impressing the benefits of being organised and putting the work in.

Brain Boxx – Revision.

Learning styles

The aim here is to help learners to discover their preferred learning style and how to use that knowledge to their advantage.

Online LEP resources – Help identify learning styles of the learner and how they might best use this style to study and learn more effectively.

This session could be run in small groups to encourage discussion.

BBC – Learning Styles.

Making decisions

Highlights how we need and use information in order to make informed decisions.

Online LEP resources – Explores how we use levels of information to help us make our decisions and relates this to options for further and higher education.

You may want to share your experience of making choices and if you were happy with the amount of information you gathered at the time.

Career Guide Making Decisions – for an interesting activity idea exploring how we use levels of information to help us make our decisions. Will need some preparation work.

Graduate Market Trends

Find out what happens to graduates after they leave higher education.

Online LEP resources – Information and activities on where graduates are employed, undertaking what kind of job.

You may want to encourage your learner to think about finding a summer job.

Prospects – labour market info.

Higher Education Careers Service Unit – what do graduates do?.

Budgeting – Budget battles

The aim here is to explore basic budgeting.

Online LEP resources – Some fun and printable resources.

How about asking learners to help you put together your budget!

Money Saving Expert – Financial Education tab, Teen Cash Class – downloadable resources.

Barclays Money Skills – Key Stage 4 printable Resource Pack, Activity 3: Budget battles.

Gov.uk – 16 – 19 Bursary info.

Understanding personal finances/banking

Money matters are important, use this session to help learners gain a good background to understanding about finances.

Online LEP resources – Lots of activities which help develop good money management skills help in everyday life.

Impress how keeping control of finance is important whilst within higher education too.

Money Sense for Schools – an interactive online programme.

Money Saving Expert – Financial Education tab, Teen Cash Class – downloadable resources.

Higher Education funding

Focus on the financial issues that students and their families need to consider.

Online LEP resources – Information on fees, loans, grants, bursaries and scholarships.

Share info of the current financial support your university offers to new students.

Money Saving Expert – for 20 key facts about student finance( great signpost for parents/carers and learners together ) and also excellent printable guides for parents/carers, learners and teachers. You may want to dip into the ‘current students’ section here too.

Student Finance

Mentoring
Resources
Key Stage 4

Exit Strategy

Key Stage 4: Year 11 Learner Engagement Plan

Exit Strategy

Key Stage 4 Downloads

Generic

Key Stage 3

Post 16

Mentoring Resources Key Stage 4

Exit Strategy

Key Stage 4: Year 11 Learner Engagement Plan

Exit Strategy

Key Stage 4 Downloads

Generic

Key Stage 3

Post 16

Mentoring
Resources
Key Stage 4