Exam Results
| Published: 13th August 2008 17:38 |
Wiltshire County Council is advising young people to get in touch with their Connexions service if they're unsure about their options after the exam results are published.
A level results are published on August 14 and GCSE results on August 21.
Some young people may have better results than expected, and others may be disappointed, but in either case there is plenty of help available.
Connexions personal advisers are experts in advising young people on the various learning and career options and will be on hand at results time in many schools and colleges throughout Wiltshire.
Young people can also drop in to the Connexions centres in Salisbury, Chippenham, Trowbridge and Swindon or contact the Connexions Direct service either online, via text or phone for 18 hours a day, seven days a week.
"The message is - don't panic," said Jonathan Kingsbury, a Connexions personal adviser based in Salisbury. "If you haven't done so well and you are disappointed, don't worry. Things might not seem so good at the moment, but you've still got many options available. Try to remember that there are lots of other young people in a similar situation to you - you are not alone.
"There are many people around to help you, so don't let your worries build up. Find someone to talk to and discuss your options. You might want to think about re-taking some of the subjects you didn't do too well in to see if you can improve on your grades. Have a chat with your school or college to see if you can do this.
"If you have just got your A level results and the grades are lower than you expected, then stay calm, as there is still plenty you can do. Firstly, contact your chosen college or university as they may still be able to offer you a place.
"Alternatively, you can enter the 'clearing' system which gives you the opportunity to gain a college place before the academic year starts.
"If exams are not your strong point, you will certainly shine at something else. Some people are more practical, so perhaps think about looking at apprenticeships or a full time job with learning.
"If you're unsure about what to do or how to do it, contact a Connexions personal adviser, who will be happy to guide you through the information and to provide advice."
You can contact a Connexions adviser by phone on 080 800 13219, by text on 07766 413 219, or by email link on the website www.connexions-direct.com
Connexions drop-in centres are at:
Chippenham - 1 Avon Reach, Monkton Hill, Chippenham.
Tel: 01249 449900.
Salisbury - Milford House, 43-55 Milford Street, Salisbury. Tel: 01722 424400
Trowbridge - 1 Wicker Hill, Trowbridge. Tel: 01225 716450
Swindon - 4 Temple Chambers, Temple Street, Swindon. Tel: 01793 549200.
Opening times:
Mon, Tues, Thurs 9.30am to 5.00pm
Wed 10.00am to 5.00pm
Fri 9.30am to 4.00pm
Other sources of help:
Students can call the National Exams Results Helpline on 0808 100 8000 once they've got their results and talk to an adviser who will have access to all the latest information on clearing and vacancies.
There's also information for students on the different options available at the Radio 1 The Surgery website at www.bbc.co.uk/switch/surgery/advice/
The UCAS website gives lots of advice and information for people thinking of entering higher education, information on how to apply to university and course information. www.ucas.ac.uk/ The Higher Education Gateway provides information on a wide range of topics to help students and their parents or advisers to make the right decisions. Visit their website at www.hero.ac.uk/
For an independent guide to finding the right university visit www.push.co.uk/
For information about studying as a disabled student, as well as advice on agencies that are able to offer support, visit www.direct.gov.uk/DisabledPeople/EducationAndTraining/fs/en
http://www.gapyear.com gives gap year advice.
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