Anyone got a yr12 head in the sand about the future

[roisin]

ds1 got astonishingly good results for GCSEs and could go anywhere or do anything, but he really has no clue what he wants to do.

He is not doing any research or finding out or sorting out work experience or anything. I know he's got a year before applications, but it will soon whizz by.

Any tips on how to get him motivated?

I think he thinks that I will do it, because we sorted out schools etc; but I won't. This one is clearly his decision.

The sooner your DC start getting exposed to information about HE, the greater the likelihood that they will have enough time to digest the information themselves, take ownership of the process, form their own opinions and make their own decision as to whether to pursue HE and, if so, where and what.

First time here too. Beachyhead , similar situation but music rather than art, so music colleges too.

We just checked out the open days list and saw one if the Unis recommended by instrument teacher on a convenient day.
Gather her school will be doing careers interviews for yr12s quite soon, which is supposed to include what kind of level University they should be looking at.
Having a gut feeling of where you should start in that respect helps.

Also speak to as many as possible that have been through it - friends, family with older DC.

I guess I've looked at a few of the open days, but always assumed that they would be for the year 13 students. It seems like we've only just started the A level process, not even finished the first half a term, so to try to establish what she might want to do and where, seems so early. Her favourite subjects change week by week at this stage and three of her four A level subjects are new to her, so it seems very early days...

All the open days are during the week. Is there justification for missing a whole day of college to go and visit a uni at this stage?

This LSE campus tour is mainly aimed at Y12 pupils - we did it two years ago in the autumn half-term with DSS1 and are going to do it again with DSS2 next week.

Beachyhead at DS's sixthform they are allowed a certain number of days off for university open days in year 13. They have some sort of form that needs signing by the subject teachers they are missing (can't remember how many as its a few years since DD2 went through it all). They certainly wouldn't give permission for anyone in year 12 to miss school at this stage. DD1 and DD2 went to open days after AS exams in june/july.

Beachy......Art and History of Art are completely different. One is research and essay based the other is practical and will need a portfolio. The best university depends on what you want. In a City, on a campus, London? The Independent online has a good resource tool and there is plenty of info about the best universities for subjects. I think most young people know instinctively where they will fit in and find other people like them. OP.... work experience is not that important for all subjects but shows you have a degree of interest in the subject,but you can show this in other ways. Does the school to have any extra curricular activities which could support any future application to university? Engineering competitions, etc? This could get him enthusiastic.

I know....she's doing both at the moment and probably doesn't want to do straight Art or straight H of A, but some uni courses do both, which sets you up quite well for restoration, gallery or teaching work.

I'll keep up the research...