What do Biologists actually do?

First of all, there's no such thing as a typical biologist, and you might be surprised at some of the careers you could choose with a biology qualification:

• Biotechnologist
• Biochemist
• Plant scientist
• Geneticists
• Molecular biologist
• Physiologist
• Pharmacologist
• Sports scientist
• Conservation biologist
• Neuroscientist
• Microbiologist
• Technician
• Marine Biologist
• Ecologist
• Researcher
• Teacher
• Government science advisor
• Journalist

Great websites:

www.ucas.com

www.societyofbiology/careers

www.ibms.org/estudents

www.futuremorph.org

http://www.scienceprofessionals.co.uk/life-sciences/10-steps-to-an-apprenticeship/

Employability

You may hear a lot about Employability – but what exactly does it mean?

Employability is about making sure young people have the skills, qualifications and personal attributes to get a job, preferably in a sector they really enjoy.

Even though getting a job might seem a long way off, you will already be developing your employability skills through any work experience you do, writing personal statements, having college interviews and choosing subjects in areas you might want to work in.

  it’s never too early to start planning…

A new website has been launched offering practical advice to young people getting ready for work http://www.whatemployerswant.org/

The British Chambers of Commerce will launch its ‘Your Future’ programme this month which will hold 250 career events aimed improving the career prospects of young people. http://www.britishchambers.org.uk/press-office/press-releases/career-skills-in-spotlight-as-schools-return.html

More useful links looking at skills and careers – they all have suggestions about career options and looking for a job

https://www.barclayslifeskills.com/about/

https://www.plotr.co.uk/

https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/Pages/Home.aspx

http://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers.htm

http://www.futuremorph.org

Choosing your ‘A’ Levels? Here are 6 things you should know:

1. Certain university courses will be looking for specific A-levels

You won’t be able to apply to some courses without having taken some specific A-levels (and scored the right grades in them too, of course).

 

For more info, see this list of uni subjects and their typical A-level requirements. If you already know what you want to study, check out the full entry requirement details for a handful of courses at different unis to make sure you’re ticking all the boxes with your subject choices.
 

2. Taking certain A-levels will open up more university course options

Think you probably want to go to uni but don’t know what you want to study yet? You won’t be the only one! You can keep your options wide open when choosing your A-levels by selecting a smart mix of the most commonly asked-for subjects in university entry requirements, known as ‘facilitating’ subjects. Take your pick from:

• biology
• chemistry
• english
• geography
• history
• maths
• modern and classical languages
• physics

The more of these you choose, the more courses at university will be open to you. Additionally, if you have a talent for art, design or music and think it could be an avenue you’ll pursue, taking the relevant A-levels will help that to happen.

Some universities openly discourage students from taking certain combinations of A-level subjects, particularly when subjects are very similar like business studies and economics, so bear this in mind when you're making your choices.
 

3. A-levels are a lot tougher than GCSEs

The reason you take a particular subject is usually one (or more) of these three scenarios: you need it to pursue a particular career; it’s a subject you enjoy and are good at; or it’s a subject you’ve not studied before but you think will suit you.

Either way, be prepared for a big jump in the level of difficulty when you transition from GCSE to A-level. You’ll also see differences in the way you’re taught and in what is expected of you.
 

4. Some courses and unis have lists of subjects they don’t accept

Particular courses – take, for instance, an architecture course at the University of Bath – will view certain A-levels as less effective preparation for university studies than others. Similarly, some universities – such as the University of Sheffield – list which A-level subjects they prefer. Others, like the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), have ‘non-preferred’ subject lists.

If your subject choices don’t match up, you shouldn’t necessarily discount the course, or be put off from taking a creative or vocational A-level subject you’re really interested in.

 

5. Know myth from reality

Don’t take everything you hear at face value – the reality might be quite different.

Say you’ve heard that you have no chance of getting on to an ultra-competitive law course at the University of Durham because it doesn’t accept psychology A-level. Is that really the case? A university may view you differently from another candidate based on other factors such as extra-curricular interests or your portfolio. It’s best not to rely on pre-conceived assumptions or what you hear through someone else from their experience - there are ways to double check your facts.

6. Many unis and courses will consider you whatever you choose

Question: Accountancy, anthropology, archaeology, banking, business studies, classical civilisations, hospitality, information science, law, management, marketing, media studies, philosophy, politics, psychology, public relations, religious studies/theology, retail management, social work, sociology, surveying, television, travel and tourism… What do these subjects have in common?

Answer: They will all consider a very wide range of A-level choices and do not normally have essential subject requirements!

 

If you already know what you want to study at University, take a look at this list of A Level requirements:

 

http://university.which.co.uk/advice/a-level-choices/what-a-levels-do-you-need-for-the-degree-you-want-to-study

SATRO RECEIVES £10,000 GRANT FROM HEATHROW COMMUNITY FUND

 TO FUND SATRO MOBILE CLASSROOM CONSTRUCTION COURSE AT

SUNBURY MANOR SCHOOL, SUNBURY-ON-THAMES, MIDDLESEX

SATRO is delighted to announce that Heathrow Community Fund has donated £5,000 towards the cost of the SATRO Mobile Construction Classroom to attend Sunbury Manor School, Sunbury-on-Thames, Middlesex on a weekly basis. SATRO runs a fleet of five mobile classrooms which attend schools across Surrey and its boards teaching up to BTEC Level 1 Building and Construction Skills to Years 10 and 11 students. 

Louise Duncan, HeadTeacher said “We have worked for years with SATRO Mobile Classroom for our Year 10 and Year 11 students and it has made such a difference to them.  They have relished the opportunity for more hands on practical work, enjoyed developing their skills and working in a completely different environment.  For some students it has given them an opportunity to succeed in a way which more academic subjects have not always offered them.  It has also had such a beneficial impact on their other students as they have seen the Construction Classroom as something special for them, somewhere where they can succeed and work in a different way and for many it has shown them a way into college.  We were so disappointed that for financial reasons we were not able to continue this provision and so grateful for the injection of funding from Heathrow Community Fund which means we will be able to do so.  It will make such a difference to our next cohort of Year 10 students, thank you.”

Heathrow Community Fund also donated £5,000 to SATRO to help fund a new van for this much needed programme.

Heathrow Community Fund is part of an independent grant–making charity set up by Heathrow’s owners to support and strengthen local communities close to the airport.  In the past two years it has donated more than £1 million through three grant programmes, funding projects which support young people, help protect the environment and support active local communities.  Funds come from an annual donation from the airport, donations from airline passengers and fine imposed on aircraft that breach noise limits.  

SATRO'S TOP REVISION TIPS

The time of year has arrived - students will be poring over their books, trying to ensure that they are prepared for their exams. We have compiled a list of our top revision tips to help you make the most of your revision time...

Create a timetable
Agree and stick to a routine/timetable for revising. Getting revision done during a specific interval each day will encourage you to become more organised and motivated, knowing that you have a goal to adhere to each day. 

Set goals
Set and write down all your goals - what would you like to achieve from revising? Try to be realistic, focussing on 4 or 5 key areas you wish to study or that you know need improvement. Making a list will help you to keep focused, ticking the items off your list will be satisfying too!

Manage tasks effectively
Manage tasks by making them:

• Specific - do past papers of the exam you are revising for.
• Measurable - success in completion of a specific task is easy to measure.
• Realistic - don't create tasks which can't be achieved because it's unrealistic

Quiz yourself

Quizzing yourself is a great way to keep your brain at work and the topics you're revising fresh in your mind. You can ask a friend or parents to help you by asking you a set of questions related to the topics you are studying. You may also find useful quizzes here:  http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/levels/z98jmp3 or here: https://www.examtime.com/a-levels/resources/quizzes/

Mind Maps

A great way of keeping information fresh in your mind is by creating 'mind maps' of key information and sticking them around your house, giving them a quick read every time you walk past.

Reward yourself

Remember to reward yourself once you have completed your revision period each day. This could include seeing your friends, watching TV or anything else you enjoy. This will keep you motivated to complete your revision period.

Think Positively

Finally - THINK POSITIVELY! Consider your mental attitude, how you approach the task and how it might be holding you back. The more positively you think about yourself and your actions, the more you will be able to get completed. 

Ever considered a career in Geology?...

Geologists (sometimes referred to as Geoscientists) study the matter  and the structure of the Earth. They also study the Earth’s history and how it was formed and shaped over time. Geologists also explore the Earth’s natural mineral and energy resources, and analyse rocks to uncover its history.  There are a large variety of disciplines geology may specialise in, including marine geology, pedology, volcanology, metamorphic petrology, geochemistry and geophysics.

A geologist might be involved in:

• Assessing the ground for building suitability on engineering projects like dam or tunnel building
• Advising on suitable sites for landfill or storage of nuclear waste
• Searching for energy resources and minerals such as gas and oil
• Designing projects to search for new water supplies
• Studying volcanic and seismic activity to develop early warning systems for communities living close to earthquake zones

To be a geologist, you should have:

• An interest in the natural world
• Good scientific and technical skills
• Good observation skills
• Strong spoken and written communication skills
• A methodical approach, including to solving problems
• A good level of general fitness
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team
• The ability to work with statistical and graphical information
• A willingness to travel and be away from home for long periods

Important subjects related to geology include physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics and computer science. To do this job you will need a degree in a relevant subject. Some employers may ask for postgraduate qualifications. Higher level courses related to geology include mineralogy, hydrogeology, sedimentology, palaeontology, physical geology and structural geology.

A geologists salary may start at between £22,000 and £35,000 a year. With experience, it could rise to £50,000 or more. Consultant and geoscientists working in remote areas or in the oil and gas industries may earn even higher salaries. (Figures are a guideline only)

For more information, visit these websites…

https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/planning/jobprofiles/Pages/geoscientist.aspx

www.nerc.ac.uk

www.geolsoc.org.uk

www.bgs.ac.uk

SATROMobile Student Prize Scheme

This year we have introduced a student prize scheme for students working with our construction mobiles. Supported by The Carl Burrows Trust, prizes have been presented to twelve students for their application, effort and attitude as well as skill. Nicky Burrows from the trust and Rob Riddelsdell from SATRO were able to visit and make the presentations at several of the schools. After such a successful trial we hope to extend the scheme across the whole mobiles programme next year.

"Recognition and reward for his performance is a huge boost for him and makes a big difference. Just look at his face. This is a great idea.” (Headteacher)

Increase in BTEC pass rate for SATROmobiles!

This year, an impressive 84.5% of students working with our construction mobiles passed their BTEC qualification. This is an improvement on excellent results last year. “A great achievement”, said Rob Riddelsdell (Senior Manager at SATRO). “The students respond so well to our tutors from the construction industry.” 

SATRO would like to congratulate all SATROmobile students for their achievements this year. We wish you all the best in the future.

Tackling Youth Unemployment - Vocational Training

For the sake of young job seekers standing a better chance of securing work, they need to be better educated on the variety of options that are available to them after leaving school – this means looking at alternatives to conventional study.

Vocational training, as an alternative pathway into work, is very often overlooked. However, it is an extremely valuable one that should definitely be considered. Vocational students can learn skills quickly and are able to start looking for work within weeks or months after qualifying, as opposed to years.

For more on this story visit this website.