GCSE Results: Tips, Tricks & Advice From Meic
Thursday 20th August 2015 is GCSE results day, but I'm sure you know that already, right?
Big day, important day for sure, but it's not the end of days.
No matter what results you get, there are always options open to you.
What are these options? Well, we at Meic - the national advocacy, information and advice helpline for young people in Wales - have some great tips below, but if you want to speak to someone right now, no matter what time you're reading this, you can pick up the phone (080 880 23456), crack open the laptop or fire off a text (84001) to chat about results, options, or anything else for that matter.
Anyway with out further ado here are those tips!
1. Don't Panic!
- It's not the end of the world - lots of successful people didn't get the results they wanted either
- Think carefully about what is it you really want to do
- Your results can be a point in your life where you should look at other possibilities - this could be an exciting and positive turning point
- Remember, you can always re-sit your exams
2. Contact Your Choices
- Contact the school/college - even if you think you haven't got the results you want, your school or college should still be able to help you
- Seek out your careers adviser in school/college on results day for some support
3. Contact Other Colleges That Interest You And Talk!
- Call around and try to get a place on another course
- Talk it over with your family, friends and teachers - talk to people who know you, as choosing the right college is important
- Speak to a careers adviser - your adviser in school should be available, if not, contact Careers Wales ASAP!
4. Consider Other Options
- Gap years
- Re-sits
- Employment
5. Be Positive
- It sounds like the worst news in the world right now, but in a few years time you might be pleased with the results you got
Useful Contacts
- MeicCymru.org
- TheStudentRoom.co.uk
- TheSite.org - check their Results Day and FAQ: Gap Years articles
- CareersWales.com (0800 028 4844) - in particular their Where Now? Guide
Careers Wales will also be running a Twitter surgery between 1pm and 3pm on Friday 21st August 2015 using the hashtag #askcareerswales and a Facebook surgery between 11am-1pm.
Finance
Aside from the grades, money can play on your mind (doesn't it always?). If you're collecting your GCSEs and heading on to college you may be able to get the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA). EMA is for 16 to 18 year olds living in Wales, who want to continue their education after school leaving age. If you're eligible, you could get £30 a week, paid every two weeks. Head to Student Finance Wales for more info and how to apply.
Here are a few more sites that can help with the financial side of things...
- Gov.uk/browse/education/student-finance - general financial info
- StudentFinanceWales.co.uk - student finance for Welsh students
- Careers Wales also has access to a range of alternative funding sources, such as grants and bursaries
- Your chosen college may also have their own grants and bursaries available to their students
If this is all a bit information-overload then remember that Meic are just one click, text (84001) or call (080 880 23456) away
Info /// Money /// Money while you learn
Organisations /// Careers Wales - Gyrfa Cymru
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