A Level results day and GCSE results day are big milestones. It’s the start of a new chapter, often daunting and full of anxiety for everyone. Here at Big Creative Education we want to give you a bit of reassurance that, no matter what the results, the new chapter will be positive.
Believe in yourself and aim high this results day
You might have done really well, you might have done OK, and you might feel you didn’t quite get the grades you wanted. No matter what the grades, there’s a pathway for you to take to reach your ambition. Keep the long term goal in mind and know that everyone has their own journey and route to where they want to be. Everything works out in the end.
Young people want their parents approval and support, even if they brush you off. Be pragmatic and specific, rather than generic, saying things like “we’ll find a way to work through the situation” and then talk through options. Parents can also help reduce anxiety in young people by steering them away from comparisons. Just like on social media, everyone puts their best face forward and the comparisons are not necessarily accurate or helpful. You do you!
It’s OK to change your mind
Colleges and Sixth Forms will have pressed you to have a plan and follow it through, and have back up plans. If you want to do something completely different then that’s OK too! You might have been inspired by something over the summer and want to explore it. You might want to have a gap year. Your results might be better or worse than you anticipated and you can adjust your university or apprenticeship ambitions.
Get the relevant information and advice
For university, your first port of call should always be the UCAS website. It opens at 8.15am.
You’ve probably got an account already. If you’ve done an application it will automatically update to say whether you have fulfilled the conditions of your offer and been accepted onto your course. Make sure you confirm your acceptance. They might want certificates or a transcript which you can get from your college.
Always talk to your college as well, and we can advise parents and well as students to help you navigate this tricky time. We know the student and we know the industry so can discuss what might be right for you.
Other good places for advice are:
- Prospects
- Career Pilot
- National Careers Service
- Exam Results Helpline 0800 100 900
Jobs & Apprenticeships
Big Creative Education has a job centre on site, which is called Cafe Works. We post all the current creative arts vacancies for apprenticeships, jobs, casting calls, mentoring and training on the instagram @cafeworks.bce.
You can also see all of the apprenticeship vacancies with BCE on the website and we will work with our students to secure them an interview.
Clearing
This used to be a bit of a dirty word but it’s a good way of really taking stock of your options. There are thousands of places on courses available. Move quickly though, as the best places get snapped up. If you’re chatting with a university you’re trying to impress them to secure your place so treat it like an interview. Be coherent in your reasoning.
Be open minded in your thinking. You might have wanted a very specific course, but perhaps there’s another that might be similar or could still help you achieve your long term ambition. The UCAS website displays up to date information on places and prioritise which universities you want to speak to.
Managing Emotions
Exam results day is a stressful day for students and parents. Acknowledge this and allow heightened emotions to pass. It might take a long time but elevated cortisol and adrenaline when you’re distressed does pass, and then start to make plans. You’ll all make better decisions if you’re able to think clearly and feel positive about your decisions.
Have your favourite treats at the ready to soothe! Keep lines of communication open you’ll find a way that’s best for you. If in doubt, phone us.
