Yesterday was A-level results day in the UK. A big day for students and teachers up and down the country as years of hard work culminate in the final grades that determine a students’ future path; whether it be University, apprenticeships or employment. But this year is like no other, as students receive their results after a year with no exams. The Department of Education has announced a triple lock system to ensure that students can have whichever result is highest from estimated grades received today, mocks results or exams in the autumn.
Despite some controversy over the best way to decide upon final grades during these unprecedented times, some aspects of the situation remain the same as always. There will be a new intake of first years at Universities from September, teaching will recommence and lots of students will be getting excited about a new chapter in their lives.
Many UK universities have announced that they will be taking a blended learning approach. This involves maintaining traditional classroom learning for students where possible, whilst also ensuring the safety of both students and staff during the pandemic. Of course, this will be different to a typical year at University, but institutions are working hard to ensure that the student experience can be as positive as ever.
There continues to be many reasons for school leavers to start their University careers now. In fact, the numbers show that during economic down turns many young people choose education due to lack of job opportunities. Also with the current travel restrictions, the prospect of a gap year to travel looks unlikely. The UK Universities and Colleges Admissions Service have reported a 1.6% increase in applications from last year, showing that demand for higher education is still strong.
New students should certainly still make the most of the many opportunities and experiences that come with attending university, whether they are educational, extracurricular or social. This includes free programs and resources developed by companies, to help students develop expertise and to kick start their career after university. One such opportunity is the Qlik Academic Program, offering free access to analytics software, training materials and qualifications. Students attending any university globally can sign up for the free program here: qlik.com/academicprogram
