Woody's Webwatch is being revamped, so please bear with the gradual migration of information from the old site... (October 2011)
Discover some of the best websites and apps for research into your options Post 18 and beyond. This site will also include some musings for the Careers community as well as students and their families who are trying to make their way through UCAS and beyond
Discover some of the best websites and apps for research into your options Post 18 and beyond. This site will also include some musings for the Careers community as well as students and their families who are trying to make their way through UCAS and beyond
January 2012
CAMBRIDGE PLACES?
For an interesting piece of insight from The Guardian into how places at Cambridge are allocated to candidates after the round of interviews, click here.
For an interesting piece of insight from The Guardian into how places at Cambridge are allocated to candidates after the round of interviews, click here.
December 2011
POSTGRADUATE STUDY?
For an interesting discussion, in the Independent, on the benefits and costs of postgraduate study, click here.
For an interesting discussion, in the Independent, on the benefits and costs of postgraduate study, click here.
November 2011
FEES FREE FOR ALL?!
So what do we think of the supposed free for all with degree fee reductions later this year? Too early to assess individual offers and teasers, but I am certain the first consideration is that you should be applying only to the courses you really, really want to study.
So what do we think of the supposed free for all with degree fee reductions later this year? Too early to assess individual offers and teasers, but I am certain the first consideration is that you should be applying only to the courses you really, really want to study.
October 2011
BIG BANG FAIR TICKETS
Calling budding young scientists and engineers! Free tickets for the Big Bang Fair (March 15-17th 2012 at the LG Arena, Birmingham), open to 5-19 year olds, are available via the Big Bang Fair website. Click here to book your place.
STUDY ABROAD
An article about the recent Student World Fair raises questions over where to study if contemplating a degree. Costs outside the UK will be paid upfront of course and you do need to look at living costs too, but the key point missed by many is to consider accreditation of the qualification very carefully. At the moment, I can see great gain for students considering Arts and Humanities degrees looking at study abroad, especially in Europe, but again you have to consider facilities, reputation, just as you would in the UK, before jumping at a cheaper route. Click here to read the original article.
ARE BRITISH GRADUATES FIT FOR WORK?
The Daily Telegraph publishes an article from concerned bosses about the work skills of our graduates. Is this really the case, as I am thoroughly impressed by the young people I meet daily? Click here to read the piece.
ADVICE FOR NEW STUDENTS
For an excellent piece from The Guardian about posters showing the advice new students really need to know, click here!
Calling budding young scientists and engineers! Free tickets for the Big Bang Fair (March 15-17th 2012 at the LG Arena, Birmingham), open to 5-19 year olds, are available via the Big Bang Fair website. Click here to book your place.
STUDY ABROAD
An article about the recent Student World Fair raises questions over where to study if contemplating a degree. Costs outside the UK will be paid upfront of course and you do need to look at living costs too, but the key point missed by many is to consider accreditation of the qualification very carefully. At the moment, I can see great gain for students considering Arts and Humanities degrees looking at study abroad, especially in Europe, but again you have to consider facilities, reputation, just as you would in the UK, before jumping at a cheaper route. Click here to read the original article.
ARE BRITISH GRADUATES FIT FOR WORK?
The Daily Telegraph publishes an article from concerned bosses about the work skills of our graduates. Is this really the case, as I am thoroughly impressed by the young people I meet daily? Click here to read the piece.
ADVICE FOR NEW STUDENTS
For an excellent piece from The Guardian about posters showing the advice new students really need to know, click here!
September 2011
THE IMPORTANCE OF WORK EXPERIENCE
Comment from the Press Association: 'Many employers believe Work Experience is becoming more important than A Levels.' Certainly a combination of both is going to be super news for our 18 year olds.
Comment from the Press Association: 'Many employers believe Work Experience is becoming more important than A Levels.' Certainly a combination of both is going to be super news for our 18 year olds.
August 2011
GCSE ADVICE- 'WOODY' QUOTED IN THE INDEPENDENT
Freelance journalist Russ Thorne interviewed Woody about post GCSE options. His responses were included in today's piece in The Independent. Click here to read the full article.
Freelance journalist Russ Thorne interviewed Woody about post GCSE options. His responses were included in today's piece in The Independent. Click here to read the full article.
July 2011
AUDI AT LE MANS SUPPLEMENT
Contains a classic Allan McNish quotation on 'Why Perfection Should Never Be Achieved': 'The day you think you're perfect is the day you stop looking for the next advantage. It's the day someone else finds it and moves in front of you. You've got to look at all the tiny details to minimise losses and maximise gains. You have to be in peak physical fitness, and be focused and determined to be first past the line. You've either got it or you haven't. And if you think you're perfect, you haven't got it.'
Contains a classic Allan McNish quotation on 'Why Perfection Should Never Be Achieved': 'The day you think you're perfect is the day you stop looking for the next advantage. It's the day someone else finds it and moves in front of you. You've got to look at all the tiny details to minimise losses and maximise gains. You have to be in peak physical fitness, and be focused and determined to be first past the line. You've either got it or you haven't. And if you think you're perfect, you haven't got it.'
June 2011
GOVERNMENT UNIVERSITY FEE MISCALCULATION
The i reports the government 'got sums wrong over university fees' and the substantial funding gap may lead to cuts in higher education or more taxpayer money. Confidence in Universities minister David Willetts also seems increasingly questioned by the academic community.
The i reports the government 'got sums wrong over university fees' and the substantial funding gap may lead to cuts in higher education or more taxpayer money. Confidence in Universities minister David Willetts also seems increasingly questioned by the academic community.
February 2011
EMPLOYERS PREFER APPRENTICES TO GRADUATES?
Chris Jones, Director General of City and Guilds, from a poll of more than 500 employers made the following statement: 'You are typically seeing a faster return on your investment with an apprentice. They pick up the sense of culture of the firm and the workplace quicker.' Interesting times ahead then, but will there be enough opportunities for 16 or 18 year olds to find apprenticeships suited to their needs?
Chris Jones, Director General of City and Guilds, from a poll of more than 500 employers made the following statement: 'You are typically seeing a faster return on your investment with an apprentice. They pick up the sense of culture of the firm and the workplace quicker.' Interesting times ahead then, but will there be enough opportunities for 16 or 18 year olds to find apprenticeships suited to their needs?
January 2011
SEXISM IN THE WORKPLACE- RICHARD KEYS AND ANDY GRAY: SKY SPORTS
Well done to Sky Sports for taking a stand over the ungrounded criticism of assistant referee Sian Massey made off mike by Richard Keys and Andy Gray. No justification for the comments at all. Click here for further debate.
2 YEAR DEGREES
Higher Education must be about to change beyond recognition over the next 10 years. College of Law talking about 2 year Law degrees, 9k a year. Interesting times ahead. The OU, apprenticeships at 18, part-time degrees and options abroad have always been exciting but now they will be even more high profile.
WORK EXPERIENCE VITAL
A report on graduates with work experience standing out and being more enjoyable should hardly be a surprise but very revealing. Standing out and professional practice so important.
UCAS '12 QUESTIONS OF CHRISTMAS'UCAS has produced a useful PDF guide covering many of the questions students will be asking in the run up to the January 15th deadline for 2011 applications. Click here for the online PDF.
Well done to Sky Sports for taking a stand over the ungrounded criticism of assistant referee Sian Massey made off mike by Richard Keys and Andy Gray. No justification for the comments at all. Click here for further debate.
2 YEAR DEGREES
Higher Education must be about to change beyond recognition over the next 10 years. College of Law talking about 2 year Law degrees, 9k a year. Interesting times ahead. The OU, apprenticeships at 18, part-time degrees and options abroad have always been exciting but now they will be even more high profile.
WORK EXPERIENCE VITAL
A report on graduates with work experience standing out and being more enjoyable should hardly be a surprise but very revealing. Standing out and professional practice so important.
UCAS '12 QUESTIONS OF CHRISTMAS'UCAS has produced a useful PDF guide covering many of the questions students will be asking in the run up to the January 15th deadline for 2011 applications. Click here for the online PDF.
December 2010
TOP FIRM SAYS: 'WE'LL BYPASS GRADUATES AND HIRE STRAIGHT FROM SCHOOLS'
Deloitte is reported to be increasing its programme of hiring school leavers as it senses more young people will be less attracted to three year full-time degrees. Click here for more information.
STUDENTS PLAN MORE PROTESTS
In a week where the Welsh assembly seems to pledge its intention to support Welsh students being educated in Wales or the rest of the UK, the Guardian reports here on an NUS rally for more peaceful protest about proposed fee increases on the eve of the vote in the Commons.
Deloitte is reported to be increasing its programme of hiring school leavers as it senses more young people will be less attracted to three year full-time degrees. Click here for more information.
STUDENTS PLAN MORE PROTESTS
In a week where the Welsh assembly seems to pledge its intention to support Welsh students being educated in Wales or the rest of the UK, the Guardian reports here on an NUS rally for more peaceful protest about proposed fee increases on the eve of the vote in the Commons.
November 2010
'BECAUSE YOU'RE WORTH IT'
Excellent Oliver Burkeman article from the Guardian's 'Weekend' magazine on Sat 20th November asking an excellent range of people to break the silence on the taboo subject for so many, namely 'how much they earn'. Click here.
BARBARA ELLEN'S COMMENTS ON TUITION FEESBarbara Ellen's 'Observer' column re tuition fees is spot on when she explains how the coalition leaders simply don't comprehend 'the paralysing fear of a sum such as £9000'. Click here to read the full piece.
DAVID WILLETTS CALLS THE TUITION FEE INCREASE 'PROGRESSIVE'?As the government proposes capping annual university tuition fees at £6000 and maybe as high as £9000 for those giving proof of effective outreach work, what makes a degree valuable will definitely be a contentious issue. Which degrees will be deemed valuable? Who will decide? How will society adapt to this conditioning? How will the GCSE and A Level menus change? I dare say I am not the only person to find this all a little worrying? BBC link: click here.
Excellent Oliver Burkeman article from the Guardian's 'Weekend' magazine on Sat 20th November asking an excellent range of people to break the silence on the taboo subject for so many, namely 'how much they earn'. Click here.
BARBARA ELLEN'S COMMENTS ON TUITION FEESBarbara Ellen's 'Observer' column re tuition fees is spot on when she explains how the coalition leaders simply don't comprehend 'the paralysing fear of a sum such as £9000'. Click here to read the full piece.
DAVID WILLETTS CALLS THE TUITION FEE INCREASE 'PROGRESSIVE'?As the government proposes capping annual university tuition fees at £6000 and maybe as high as £9000 for those giving proof of effective outreach work, what makes a degree valuable will definitely be a contentious issue. Which degrees will be deemed valuable? Who will decide? How will society adapt to this conditioning? How will the GCSE and A Level menus change? I dare say I am not the only person to find this all a little worrying? BBC link: click here.
October 2010
YOUR REACTIONS TO THE BROWNE REPORT
It was impossible to avoid the gloom felt for the future of Higher Education in the light of the Browne report and the government's planned budget cuts. Not a good time for the Lib Dems to be reminded of their clearly documented pre-election/coalition pledge to abolish fees! Let me know what you think of the report and the future. Will the fees put you off going to university?
NERVOUS WAIT FOR THE BROWNE REPORTWhile recognising University is not the only way forward for young people wanting to make a success of their lives, the fee levels being feared sound grim for the majority: £7- 12k mentioned? How will the graduate tax fare? Remember the Lib Dem pre-election 'promise'? The week ahead will be very interesting. Is it possible to compare the respective values of an Arts and Science degree and claim one is more acceptable? Sounds dangerous to me!
VOLUNTEERING AT THE 2012 OLYMPICSVoluntary works always impresses potential employers, now anyone living in the UK can be involved with the biggest sporting event London's seen in years by volunteering to help out. In return, you'll be part of the Olympics, be given free travel to and from your shift and probably a free tracksuit too! Check out Games Maker and London Ambassadors for more details.
It was impossible to avoid the gloom felt for the future of Higher Education in the light of the Browne report and the government's planned budget cuts. Not a good time for the Lib Dems to be reminded of their clearly documented pre-election/coalition pledge to abolish fees! Let me know what you think of the report and the future. Will the fees put you off going to university?
NERVOUS WAIT FOR THE BROWNE REPORTWhile recognising University is not the only way forward for young people wanting to make a success of their lives, the fee levels being feared sound grim for the majority: £7- 12k mentioned? How will the graduate tax fare? Remember the Lib Dem pre-election 'promise'? The week ahead will be very interesting. Is it possible to compare the respective values of an Arts and Science degree and claim one is more acceptable? Sounds dangerous to me!
VOLUNTEERING AT THE 2012 OLYMPICSVoluntary works always impresses potential employers, now anyone living in the UK can be involved with the biggest sporting event London's seen in years by volunteering to help out. In return, you'll be part of the Olympics, be given free travel to and from your shift and probably a free tracksuit too! Check out Games Maker and London Ambassadors for more details.
Sept 2010
ART DEGREES BECOME THE PRESERVE OF THE WEALTHY
The Observer reports poorer students reject humanities in favour of vocational subjects. Rebecca Stephens, first British woman to climb Everest would be disheartened as she is a vocal supporter of the Arts and regrets not studying English and Art at A Level or beyond.
WORLD UNIVERSITY RANKINGS
The Times Higher Education has published its World University Rankings for 2010-11. This research is also available as an iPhone app, priced £2.99. There are free alternatives.
The Observer reports poorer students reject humanities in favour of vocational subjects. Rebecca Stephens, first British woman to climb Everest would be disheartened as she is a vocal supporter of the Arts and regrets not studying English and Art at A Level or beyond.
WORLD UNIVERSITY RANKINGS
The Times Higher Education has published its World University Rankings for 2010-11. This research is also available as an iPhone app, priced £2.99. There are free alternatives.
