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Top Tips to Ace Your Cadbury Interview
Firstly, don’t worry about your interview!
Interviews are short, friendly one-to-one meetings where you get to discuss your strengths and ambitions with a member of Cadbury staff. If you’re really nervous then you can have a parent or guardian to join you for support.
Why do colleges ask for interviews?
At this stage the interview is more of a consultation, where we can both make sure you’re selecting the right courses to meet your aspirations – it’s also your opportunity to ask questions too!
What if I can’t make my appointment?
If you miss your appointment, don’t worry, we’ll be happy to rearrange at a time more convenient for you. Email [email protected] or call 0121 458 3898.
Still a bit anxious about your interview?
Don’t worry, we’re here to help! Here are our Top 5 Tips for your interview:
1) Be prepared
Take a look at the website, read the course briefs and familiarise yourself with the courses you’re applying for.
2) Prepare your answers
Most Colleges will ask the same type of questions such as ‘why do you want to study the subject?’ and ‘why do you want to attend this College?’ – all questions you will know the answer to!
3) It’s your opportunity to ask us questions too
Do you want to know about the timetable? What about enrichment opportunities or more about a particular course? Asking a smart and well thought out question not only shows you are interested but gives you more information about what you’re applying for.
4) Arrive on time
Plan your journey and try to arrive a little early, as being late can leave you feeling stressed or flustered. If you are running late don’t panic, we’ll still complete your interview.
5) Be yourself
Remember nobody is here to catch you out! Interviews are designed to help you get all the advice and guidance you need, so be honest and make the most of it.
T Level, A Level and/or BTEC: What Are My Choices?
Here at Cadbury Sixth Form College we offer a wide range of Level 3 programmes combining A Levels and BTECs, as well as T Levels and several Level 2 courses if you need to improve on your GCSE grades. Picking the right route for you post-GCSEs is important, so it’s good for you to understand the different types of qualification on offer to work out which route works best for you.
If you’re unclear about which route to opt for, here are some things to consider when choosing your options after school:
– What do your current studies at school tell you? Do you love Maths and working with numbers and theories, or are you creative? Do you enjoy more hands-on learning? Thinking about what you are good at can help you choose the best route.
– Select subjects you enjoy – studying a subject you are genuinely interested in will greatly improve your chances of succeeding at college.
– What are your plans for the future? Whether you intend to go to university, on to an apprenticeship or straight into employment, different routes may require you to study specific courses at college – so make sure you do your research.
– Seek advice – ask our Careers Team questions weekly via our web chat facility or discuss your choices with a member of staff at interview.
– Visit the Sixth Form – attend Open Days, Taster Sessions and Applicant Days to meet your subject teachers and current students.
What’s the difference?
All of our Level 3 programmes are equal to A Levels and are accepted by universities if that’s your goal. What’s important is matching your ambitions and strengths to the options available to ensure you get the best results for you.
A Levels
A Level courses are predominantly assessed by examinations, although some subjects may have a coursework component as well. All A Level courses are linear, meaning examinations are taken at the end of two years. These are Level 3 courses, ideally suited for progression into University or Higher Level Apprenticeships.
To study an A Level course you will need a minimum of five GCSEs (with two at grade 6, and three at grade 4). Due to the advanced level most subjects will have additional individual entry requirements.
BTECs
Because BTEC courses are vocational in nature they are more practical routes of academic study. Each course will have a larger coursework element to the assessment method. All our BTEC courses are studied at Level 3, meaning they are ideally suited to progression to University or Higher Level Apprenticeships. BTEC courses come in different sizes and are the equivalent to either one, two or three A Levels.
To study a BTEC Level 3 course you will need a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4. BTECs can also be studied alongside A Level courses if you meet the entry requirements, making them an extremely flexible option that can be tailored to your demands.
T Levels
T Levels are an alternative to A Levels, apprenticeships and BTECs. Combining academic study of A Levels with a focus on vocational skills can help students into skilled employment, university or higher level apprenticeships. Each T Level includes an industry placement of at least 45 days giving students valuable experience in the work place.
5 Great Reasons Why You Need to Sign Up for Talk & Tours Now
Due to high demand we will be hosting a series of Talk & Tours at Cadbury Sixth Form College to help you plan your next move when you leave school. Our next events will be happening on Tuesday March 5, 4-7pm, and Saturday March 9, 11am-3pm.
Here’s why you need to book your place now!
- The Personal Experience: You’ll get a real feel for where you’ll be studying in September when you come to campus.
- Our knowledgeable student ambassadors will be there to share their own experience and insights with you and take you on a personal tour of the college.
- You’ll get to experience life through the eyes of a current student, ask all the questions you need answers to, and see all the facilities we have to offer you.
- We’ll cover many different areas on the tour including our brand new £10 million Science City campus, Psychology, Law and Art rooms, plus the IT suite, learning centre, drama theatre, science labs for Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Forensic and Biomedical Science. You’ll also be shown the individual study pods and learner coaching spaces. We’ll visit the Media, Film, Design and Photography areas for some creative and cinematic inspiration, before the tour concludes in the Eat Central dining area.
- Careers advisers and Student Mentors will also be there to offer specialist advice and guidance to help you navigate your next steps. It’s important to do your research and understand what’s involved in studying certain subjects and which professions they lead to before you commit to your final choices. We can give you lots of support with this.
Remember also that you can apply there and then at Talk & Tours, if you haven’t already. If you have applied but your plans have changed since you signed up, you can still update your choices.
Whether you have favourites in mind, or would like to try something brand new like Psychology, Law, Politics or Criminology, Talk & Tours offer you the perfect time to apply and continue your career journey.
So come and join us, and book your place here.
Older News & Event Articles
Cadbury Sixth Form College proudly hosted its Freshers Fair to welcome in new and welcome back current students.
The inclusive induction event, organised by Senior Student Support and Community Liaison Manager Madison Shanahan and the Student Support team, was a fantastic opportunity to welcome both our new lower and upper sixth students and provide them with a day filled with engaging activities and the opportunity to make valuable connections.
Students had the chance to meet representatives from various universities and local community organisations, including West Midlands Police, Pure Gym, Roshni Birmingham and many more.
Fun activities included inflatable games and an ice cream van, which created a lively atmosphere. Our Sports and Arts departments also organised exciting activities that allowed students to showcase their talents and interests. The day was a resounding success, with an amazing turnout and superb feedback.
Deciding where to continue your education is a big milestone for both students and parents. Cadbury Sixth Form College is here to make that decision easier with two upcoming Open Days – Thursday 10th October, 5-7pm and Saturday 12th October, 10am-2pm.
Our Cadbury open days offer prospective students the chance to explore the college and facilities, ask questions, speak to teachers and get a true feel for what life at Cadbury Sixth Form College is all about.
Talk to Teachers and Current Students
One of the key benefits of attending our October Open Days is meeting the people who make Cadbury Sixth Form College’s community. Our expert and dedicated teachers will be on hand to discuss your course interests and help you find not only the courses you enjoy, but the course which can help lead you to your chosen career path. Whether you’re passionate about Science, the Arts, Psychology or History, we have it all and the list goes on with over 50 A Levels, BTECs and T Levels to choose from.
Equally important is the opportunity to connect with current students who will be available throughout the day. They can give you honest insights into what it’s like to study at Cadbury Sixth Form College, student life and extracurricular activities.
Feel for Campus Life
Cadbury Open Days give you the chance to explore world-class facilities including our new Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths Centre, the modern classrooms and vibrant social and study spaces. It’s the chance for you to envision yourself here and experience day-to-day student life.
Supportive and inclusive
You can meet our inspiring teams of tutors who go above and beyond to not only prepare Cadbury students for the transition to university, but to also help them build a strong skillset for the workplace, within a supportive and enriching environment.
So Sign Up Today!
Now is the perfect time to kick-start your future career plans ready for when you join us as a student. Open Days are designed to give you all the information you need before courses start in September. Don’t miss out on your chance to explore Cadbury Sixth Form College, ask questions and take the next step towards your future.
Have you signed up to our Open Day and wondering how you can make the most out of your time here? With so much to see and do, we’ve pulled together our top tips to help you get the most of your experience.
- Meet current students: get the lowdown!
Ever wondered what student life is like at Cadbury Sixth Form College? Now’s your chance to find out by talking to our current students. Whether it’s about the freedom of college life, course choices or even how they use their free bus pass (yes it’s really a free bus pass), they’re there to help you! They’ve been in your position before so will be more than happy to help – they’ll be wearing green t-shirts!
- Choose your perfect timetable
At Cadbury Sixth Form College, we don’t make you choose certain subjects to fit within a timetable. You can mix A Levels and BTECs to create a schedule that fits you and your career plans. That’s right, you can balance the Arts with Science and Biology with Drama. So make sure you ask as many questions about your courses as possible.
- Enjoy the freedom of college life – welcome to independence
At Cadbury, you’re treated like an adult here. This means you manage your own time, choose which subjects to focus on and find the balance between socialising and studying. Make sure you take a look around the campus to find study spaces, hang out spaces, canteen and anything else you fancy!
- Learn about student support – we’ve got your back
Need some extra help with your studies or settling into the change of college life? We have an incredible student support team who can offer guidance, mental health support, learning support and so much more. Be sure to chat to them on the day and how it can help you through your time at Cadbury!
- Free bus pass for all students
One huge perk of studying at Cadbury College is that all students get a free year-round bus pass making it easy to get to college without breaking the bank. At the Open Day, you can ask all about this, knowing your transport costs to college won’t be an issue.
BONUS TIPS!
- Ask about extracurricular societies on offer
- Take notes (whether that’s on a notepad or your phone)
- Come with any questions you want to ask and we’ll be more than happy to help
Not yet signed up? Sign up here: https://www.cadcol.ac.uk/open-days/
