Key Professions Programme

Key Professions at CATS College Canterbury
Key
at CATS College Canterbury
At CATS College Canterbury we aim to support you in every stage of your future life as
you embark on your journey to university and beyond. As you know, some universities
require you to take additional tests such as LNAT (Law), TSA, SAT as well as our
Medics needing to take UKCAT or BMAT. It is important that you have someone to
help and advise you with these as you go through the year. There are special
‘Oxbridge Plus’ sessions to help you with this every week.
However, Key Professions is about more than this. There are professions such as Law,
Finance, Business and many others where as a college we offer you a range of
support as you develop as an individual and explore the many options open to you.
Some areas such as preparation for interviews and tests are just for those with high
grades in the Oxbridge Plus classes, but other areas are advertised and open to every
member of the college. These include:
• Symposiums where you can present papers in college.
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Academic visits to Learned Societies and Industry.
Career Research placements including in the City of London and at college.
Chances to enter academic essay and other competitions in your chosen field of study.
A wide range of Leadership Awards and Events held here in Canterbury.
Opportunities for student leadership in your House and the College.
Overseas visits to the United Nations in New York and other destinations.
Independent Advice from universities visiting all throughout the year on your applications and
Key Professions.
• Careers advice online with our Canterbury college intranet.
• Two University Fairs with up to 70 universities involved held here in Canterbury.
This booklet will give you lots of information about what we do and ideas for the
future with some of the main professions many of our students go into.
There are lots of people here to help and support you, and if in doubt, always ask!
With very best wishes
Jonathan Ullmer MBE
Principal
Engineering and Computing
CREST Awards
See Dan Issitt or Dr Mannion for details
All year
IB/AS/UFP students
A chance to show your commitment to engineering and technology in these British Science Association Awards. Check
the website at britishscienceassociation.org/crest for details.
BAE Systems
See Dan Issitt for details
Spring Term
IB/AS/UFP students
BAE in Rochester will run workshops with our students and Career Research Placements on application to Dan Issitt.
Oxford Materials Science Master Class and other university workshops
Oxbridge Plus group or apply to Dan Issitt
Spring Term
IB/AS/UFP students
Students are invited to attend a one-day workshop at Oxford University in the Spring Term to take part in a Physics/
Materials Science Master class taught by Oxford Professors.
Engineering Design Challenge and Construction, Manufacturing and Electronics Expo
See Dan Issitt for details
All students interested in
Architecture & Engineering
A chance to see top people in these key areas and find out more about these key careers areas and challenges.
Autumn Term
Oxford Computer Science Practical Programming Session
IB/AS/UFP students interested Oxbridge Plus group or apply to Dan Issitt
In Software Engineering
A one-day hands-on workshop for mathematically gifted students interested in Computer Science degrees
Spring Term
Maths Challenge
Autumn Term
UFP, IB or A level Math students See Dr Walters for details
A chance to pit yourself against students all over the UK – CATS students have traditionally done exceptionally well in
this and achieved many awards at Bronze, Silver and Gold standards.
Computer Challenge
See David Harmer for details
Autumn Term
UFP, IB or A level students
Another chance to pit yourself against students all over the UK – a way to show your commitment and passion in this
area for your university applications..
Institute of Mechanical Engineers or Engineering Lectures from universities
Autumn Term
UFP, IB or A level Math students See Dan Issitt for details
Come to speak to students in the Autumn term about opportunities in this career area
Royal Museum of Engineering
Spring Term
IB/AS/UFP students
See Dan Issitt for details
Offers workshops and Career Research Placements on application to Dan Issitt.
o Royal Museum of Engineering yal Museum of Engineering
Useful links:
http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/engineering/prospectivehome/international
http://www.bristol.ac.uk/engineering/graduate-school/pg-open/international.html
http://www.brunel.ac.uk/international
Science
Royal Society of Medicine
See Sue Chubb or Dawn Merriman
Autumn Term
Pre IB/IB/AS/UFP
Students are able to apply to become affiliate members of the RSM and attend their lectures and presentations. You
can also access key information at http://www.themedicportal.com/ which you can log into and get questions for
UKCAT and BMAT and keep records of your medic experience to prepare for your medic applications.
Science Symposium or Global Leadership Symposium incorporating Scientific work
See Dr Mannion/Dan Issitt for details
Winter and Spring Term
IB/AS/UFP
Students are invited to give min-talks/seminars linked to a series of current hot issues in Science and Technology.
You
Oxford Materials Science Master Class
Spring Term
IB/AS/UFP
Oxbridge Plus Class only
Students attend Physics/Materials Science Master class at Oxford University taught by Oxford Professors.
RSC Chemistry Olympiad, Biology and Physics Olympiads
Spring Term
See Dr Mannion for details
IB/AS/UFP
Nationwide competition between the very best Chemistry, Physics and Biology students.
Visit to Canterbury Environmental Education Centre
Autumn Term
IB/Pre IB/AS/UFP
See Dan Issitt for details
Guided tour and talk for those keen on Environmental Science/ Conservation careers.
One to One University Science Support
See Dr Mannion for details
Winter and Spring Term
IB/AS/UFP
University staff come in to help students on a one to one basis where they need extra help in important projects.
Biomedical Sciences
See Dan Issitt/Sue Chubb for details
Winter and Spring Term
IB/AS/UFP
Queen Mary, Medipathways and University of Greenwich will all visit to talk about alternative entries to medicine or
Biomedical Sciences for students who are interested. There are also visits about studying medicine in Europe and
exciting opportunities here
Young Scientists online Journal
See Dan Issitt/Sue Chubb for details
Winter and Spring Term
IB/AS/UFP
A chance for students to publish their Science Research to a worldwide audience for those with strong ideas/material.
CREST Awards
See Dan Issitt/Dr Mannion for details
All year
IB/AS/UFP
These awards are made by the British Science Association linking science, maths, engineering and technology. It’s a great
chance to get an additional award for your university application and you can look on the website for details at
britishscienceassociation.org/crest.
Career Research Placements
Experience in the business world
Available for students in holiday time
Various locations
Some placements have age/visa restrictions
A wide range of placements are available in marketing, finance, medical world, hospices, business, art galleries,
museums, asylum support, refugee action, trading floor in City of London. Options vary each year and you can apply for
these places advertised by Dan Issitt. You have to be committed and realise that you will be helping in an office and will
not be undertaking professional work and are there to look and watch and do tasks asked of you.
https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/Pages/Home.aspx - this is a useful link for the future
Business, Economics and Accounting
Business Challenge
Every Sept – a Business Challenge to complete
Kent Cricket Ground
All ages
All students get the chance to meet local business leaders and take part in a business and enterprise focused activity
Student Interviews
Every September and during the year
Various
All ages
Every student in September gets an interview with a local business to challenge and help them think about the
future. Those students applying to universities which require interviews will also have interview practice as part of
the Key Professions Programme at the College
Marketing Talk - Canterbury City Council
Spring Term
Pre IB/IB/AS/UFP
See Dan Issitt
Students interested in marketing or marketing-related careers are invited to meet and talk with the marketing
manager at Canterbury City Council.
Marshall Society Economics Essay Competition Cambridge University
Summer Term
IB/AS/UFP
See Dan Issitt
Students passionate about the study of Economics are invited to submit an original essay on the subject and enter
this prestigious national competition.
Bank of England & The Times Target Two Point Zero Interest Rate Challenge
Opens May of each year
IB/AS/UFP
Apply to Mr Algar
Students interested in finance and banking careers with a special aptitude in Economics are invited to take part.
CATS College Canterbury Economics Symposium:
Current Issues in UK/Eurozone/Emerging Market Economies
Pre IB/IB/AS/UFP
Apply to Dan Issitt
Spring Term by application
An opportunity for all Economics students and those interested in finance careers to meet and discuss and share
their research into the latest issues facing the UK and World economies.
Fair Trade Shop Director – CATS College Canterbury Student Placement
Apply to Dan Issitt
All students not already involved in
Young Enterprise
Students interested in finance careers are invited to apply for termly internships at the college where they are
responsible for the successful management of the Fair Trade Shop where they must make a profit for charity.
Termly by successful application & interview
Royal Economic Society - Young Economist of the Year Essay Competition
Spring Term
IB/AS/UFP
See Dan Issitt
Students passionate about the study of economics are invited to submit an original essay for this prestigious
competition.
Young Economist Online Journal
IB/AS/UFP
See Dan Issitt
Autumn, Spring & Summer
For all students interested in Economics - an exciting opportunity to publish your original research articles online on a
range of current economics topics. The journal is edited by students.
Student Investor Challenge – Institute of Financial Services
IB/AS/UFP
See Dan Issitt
Autumn, Spring & Summer
For all students interested in Finance careers - Experience virtual investment strategies and stock exchange handling
using the IFS website. Join the CATs team and enter the student investor challenge.
See also Maths Challenge in Engineering section. For Business and Enterprise Club see Suresh Parmar/Amtul Rana
Law
Model United Nations New York
Spring Term
IB/AS/UFP
See your Senior Tutor
An amazing chance to visit New York and take part in debates and visit the United Nations. A popular event at CATS College!
CATS College Canterbury Climate Change Summit
Spring Term
All students
See Dan Issitt
Students encouraged to sharpen their debating skills and understanding of the world in which we live by attending a
Climate Change Summit simulation.
Experience the County Court – law in action
Autumn Term
All students
See Dan Issitt
Students interested in Law careers are invited see law in action in Canterbury at the Crown Court.
Visit to Kent University Law Department – one of top 10 law schools!
Summer Term
Pre IB/IB/AS/UFP
See Dawn Merriman
Students interested in applying for Law degrees are invited to visit our local university and meet with law professors
and find out about the application process for law.
Special law events for CATS Students
Over the year
Age 16+
See Dawn Merriman
Students interested in Law careers are encouraged to get involved with activities arranged with Kent University over the
year – one of the top 10 law schools.
Private Study Area Research Officer – CATS College Canterbury Student Placement
Termly by successful interview & application
IB/AS/UFP
See Dan Issitt
Our termly internship placement working under our Private Study Supervisor. This post is suitable for those interested
in careers with a high degree of research and investigative skills.
Higher Education Research Assistant – CATS College Canterbury Student Placement
Termly by successful application & interview
IB/AS/UFP
See Dan Issitt
Our termly internship placement working under our Director of Higher Education. This post is suitable for those
See also Maths Challenge in Engineering section. There are also History (see Dan Issit) , Literary (See Jemma Jones) and
Debating (See Paul Budd) Clubs.
Architecture
Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)
Various dates
All students
See Dan Issitt
Workshops take place – some at weekends – which you should go to. Check on line and with Dan Issitt.
Art Portfolio Classes
Various lesson times over the week
All students
See Vice Principal
Special classes for those needing a portfolio to apply to student architecture or universities and colleges where
a portfolio of art work will be required. This is a non exam course but with full academic art tuition in addition to
normal lessons so there is a charge for this
CATS College Canterbury Design Challenge
Spring Term
All students
See Dan Issitt
A competition where students interested in art and architectural careers submit their own design plans for
improvements to the college.
Banking and Finance
CATS College Canterbury Dragon’s Den
Autumn Term
IB/AS/UFP
See Suresh Parmar
Students interested in finance and business careers are invited to participate in our Dragon’s Den simulation where
they pitch real business plans and ideas in the hope of gaining an investment. With Medway Business Partnership.
London Academy of Trading Work Experience Taster Visit
Spring Term
All students
See Dan Issitt
An exciting partnership with the live trading floor of the London Academy in the heart of London’s financial district.
Students are invited to apply for the week-long work experience that results in the Bloomberg Aptitude test and
certificate upon successful completion.
Morgan Stanley Introduction to Investment Banking
July by successful application only
Age 16+
See Dan Issitt
Students interested in banking careers are encouraged and supported to apply for banking taster days with Morgan
Stanley during the college holidays.
RBS Insight into Banking Days
See Dan Issitt
July/August by successful application only
Age 16+
Students interested in banking careers are encouraged and supported to apply for banking taster days with RBS
Insight during the college holidays.
Pancreatic Cancer Fundraising Co-ordinator – CATS College Canterbury Student Placement
Termly by successful application & interview only
IB/AS/UFP
See Dan Issitt
An activity where students interested in finance careers are given the brief to manage specific fundraising
projects with the aim of meeting the target donations for the term.
Fair Trade Shop Accountant
See Dan Issitt
Termly by application
All ages
Students interested in an accountancy career are invited to manage and manipulate the Fair Trade shop finances
using spreadsheet software in order to predict sales and analyse the shop’s overall performance.
See also Maths Challenge in the Engineering section
UFP and A level Baccalaureate Groups
Extended Project Qualification and Critical Thinking AS Level
For those predicted top grades, this is a chance to do the
AS, IB1 and UFP
See Dan Issitt or Louisa Horner
Extended Project, linked to your future career path
This is a qualification much valued by Oxbridge and some of the top universities. It will take a lot of extra time and it is
targeted at those with very high predicted grades on their individual learning plans
Leadership Awards – all pathways including Media and Humanities
Language Leadership
All ages
General meeting on Fridays at 16.10 in Lecture Theatre
See Maria Burch
(Whenever is necessary for guiding and monitoring progress)
The chance to spread your language to others and learn new linguistic skills! This is a popular award leading to the UK
national Language Leadership Award
Excelsis Award
All ages
Two sessions a week - please check with Dr Mannion or Dr Various locations
Friend
An exciting award which comprises a range of challenges which could range from Peer Mentoring to helping other
students with English skills – there are lots of options to achieve this award and Dan Issitt or Dr Mannion can assist you
with this.
Boarding Schools Award
After college with Dan Issitt or Orla Miller
Lecture Theatre
All ages
A chance to get involved in the UK Boarding Schools Award – it is based on a series of challenges and really helps you
prepare for university life and the world!
CATS College Leadership Award
Sessions on at least once or twice a week with Dr Mannion
Science Block
All ages
This award is worth 70 UCAS points and you have to produce a detailed portfolio of work. The challenges are of a high
standard and you need to be prepared to work hard for this. Dr Mannion will be able to help and guide you are you
prepare your folder and the challenges you are to undertake.
Sports and Maths Leadership Award
Tuesdays or Wednesdays, 6pm with Claire McGee for Sports
and see Dr Jennifer Walters for Maths
St Lawrence building or KCCC
All ages
A chance to show your sports and Maths leadership skills and gain a qualification for it!
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
Thursdays, 3.05pm with Jonathan Weekes
See Claire McGee
All ages
CATS College start all students on the Bronze award which takes approximately 6 months to complete. However if
students do not complete the award whilst they are at CATS College then they have until their 25th birthday to do so and
should be able to continue with this at most universities where students would also be able to complete the Silver or
Gold awards. The Bronze award is based on 4 sections – Physical, Skills, Volunteering and Expedition.
Student Council
Tues and various times
See Dianne Amiri
All ages
We launch the year with a Leadership Training Day giving everyone the chance to get involved in what leadership is. You
can then go on to do a range of leadership courses at the college. These are also open to January start students too. There
are House Representatives responsible for running and organising activities in the Houses – see your Senior
House Parent for regular House meetings – Chill and Chat sessions - and have your say in leading your House!
Global Leaders Conference and Global Leadership Days
In November and March
At college
All ages
Watch for details and dates of activities offered and a real chance to push your Global Leadership credentials with new
and exciting seminars and activities.
Some useful weblinks for all areas for future careers
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/careers-of-the-future
http://www.accessprofessions.com/
http://doaj.org/
http://www.subjectassociation.org.uk/
University courses available to support students
These courses may change each term, but this gives you a flavor of what is available
University of Nottingham
How to read your boss!
See Dan Issitt
On line
How can we talk more effectively in the workplace? Linguistic techniques to enhance business communication
Reading University
How to structure and write effectively for university study
See Dan Issitt
On line
Learn how to use English for study at university or college and develop your writing skills, vocabulary and grammar
University of Strathclyde
Introduction to Journalism
See Dan Issitt
On line
Learn about the key principles and debates in journalism and enact the role of a journalist in the context of an
escalating story
University of Leeds
Innovation: they key to businesses success
See Dan Issitt
All about commercial innovation, how innovations emerge and, how ideas become reality
On line
University of Groningen
Decision making in a complex and uncertain world
See Dan Issitt
On line
This course will teach you the first principles of complexity, uncertainty + how to make complex decisions
Southampton University
Developing your research project
See Dan Issitt
On line
Undertaking an Extended Project Qualification, IB extended essay or any other scholarly research? This guides you
step-by-step. Ideal for EPQ or IB.
Exeter University
Discovering Business in Society
See Dan Issitt
On line
Discover how businesses interact with the wider socio-economic environment. 8 week course, 5 hours a week.
University of Liverpool
An introduction to electrical and electronic engineering
See Dan Issitt
On line
How do we move things with electricity? How do the parts inside your computer work? Find out in Electrify
University of Warwick
The shocking shallowness of human psychology
See Dan Issitt
On line
Make better personal and professional decisions and consider the psychological dimension to key ethical and
political choices.
Useful links:
www.futurelearn.com – University Courses
www.opendays.com – University Open Days
www.direct.gov.uk/YoungPeople - Work experience placements
www.isco.org.uk
Our Key Professions programme also offers an emphasis on transferable skills favoured by
universities and required by employers such as:
• Linguistic Aptitude
• Critical Thinking
• Non-Verbal Reasoning
• Numerical Reasoning
• Communication Skills