UniFest 2020 is taking place virtually next week (Monday 29^th June to Friday 3^rd July). Everyone in Year 10 is welcome to take part. 

What is UniFest?

UniFest is an online event, run by local universities, which lets you explore university. You will get the opportunity to attend mini taster lectures to see what studying at university is like; you will hear from current students about life at university and there will even be virtual campus tours. Please see the attached poster for more information.

I’m interested. How does it work?

On Monday, Wednesday and Thursday Miss Killick will email everyone in Year 10 a link to an online presentation. You don’t need to access this immediately, as some of you will be in school or attending live lessons and these take priority. You can therefore access the presentations at a time that suits you. The only element you need to access live is the Question and Answer session on Thursday afternoon at 4.00pm. 

Keep an eye out for the emails next week.

YEAR 7, 8 and 9

You are invited to attend the Virtual Big Bang Fair this Tuesday 16th and Wednesday 17^th June, from 1.00pm each day.

This fair is all about STEM. Take part in hands on STEM challenges, quizzes, competitions and activities or watch live sessions showing you all the amazing possibilities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths.

Follow the link below to get involved and use the password: StaffsUni2020 to enter. 

www.learnbydesign.co.uk/staffs-uni-explore-at-home

We have emailed this to pupils in Years 11 and 12 already but anyone can take part. It is never too early to start researching universities.
UK University Search Virtual Fair – Wednesday 17th June https://ukuniversitysearch.vfairs.com/

Virtual Open Days
UCAS have created a very handy tool, which showcases all of the virtual university opportunities in one place. Virtual open days, webinars, subject taster sessions… you simply filter by what you are looking for, and off you go: https://www.ucas.com/ucas/events/find/type/open-day

Barr Beacon School’s Annual Careers Fair was bigger than ever before, with over 80 visitors giving up their time to meet our pupils. During the fair, pupils were able to engage with a range of employers, universities, apprenticeship providers, colleges and training providers.

Visitors came from all over the country, with universities as far-reaching as Belfast, and the careers represented at the Fair spanned a variety of fields such as healthcare, engineering, construction, the forces, hairdressing, the police, technology, defence, funeral care and the civil service. Many visitors were from key employers that reflect the changing needs of the local labour market.

Pupils from Barr Beacon school took part in a special STEM exploration day at BBC Birmingham. They toured the studios and met the many different employees that help to run the BBC. Highlights of the day included presenting the weather, producing their own radio show and trying out the virtual reality headsets.

The pupils learnt how maths skills are essential for the effective time management of BBC WM and they met sound engineers and network engineers to learn about the opportunities for apprenticeships behind the scenes.It was interesting to discover the different roles and STEM skills that are required to make shows such as Strictly Come Dancing, Doctor Who, Blue Planet and Children in Need.

All pupils enjoyed the day and took home a few souvenirs. Thank you to all of the volunteers at the BBC who made this such a special day for our pupils.