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Welcome to our November 2018 Newsletter!
As schools get prepping their Christmas performances, many families are now considering their options for 2019 and looking at applications to UK schools and Universities.
Our advice is always to take a step back along the way and make sure that not only are academic considerations kept front of mind, but also the pastoral care aspects of the decision too…
Delighted that student and pupil welfare has never been more in the spotlight and at UK Education Guide we try hard to make sure these important aspects of care are not ignored.
Please do take a look at our recent published pieces on mental health and SEN provision in the UK education system…
Also, there has been plenty of other news items this month focusing on the issue of student ‘well-being’ including -
Two thirds of Chinese students maltreated in childhood...
An analysis of 32 studies estimates that 65 per cent of university students in China were maltreated during childhood, with emotional neglect (60 per cent) and physical neglect (55 per cent) the most prevalent forms.
Researchers at Central South University in Changsha and the Shenzhen Centre for Chronic Disease Control conclude that “childhood maltreatment is a widespread and serious problem among Chinese college students” and call for educators to “pay more attention to maltreated college students and use effective interventions and therapeutic strategies to help these students better adapt to the environment and society”.
The report is focusing pressure on Chinese Universities to offer greater support, but overseas Universities with Chinese students should surely also take action?
Currently there are over 95,000 Chinese students studying at UK Universities (Source: UKCISA 2017)
In other news…
Students to be offered fast track 2 year degrees to cut costs
Students in England are to be offered accelerated two-year degree courses which could cut overall tuition fees by 20%. Under the new proposals, universities would be allowed to raise annual tuition fees to £11,000 per year for 2 year courses. However, plans to raise the current tuition fee cap above £9,250 will first require parliamentary approval. If that approval is forthcoming the Universities minister says 2 year courses could potentially operate from next year.
Top UK University opens door to Chinese students with gaokao qualification
The United Kingdom’s University of Birmingham has announced that it will accept the gaokao exam for high-flying Chinese students wishing to join its undergraduate courses in 2019 in place of A-levels or the International Baccalaureate (IB) and those with top grades will not have to complete a foundation year.
The University says it is the first member of the Russell Group of elite research universities to have announced that it is broadening the terms of entry of Chinese students in this way. It hopes this will “further open” access to the university for students from China to take undergraduate degrees.
There are increasing examples of universities in other countries, such as the United States, Canada and Australia, accepting the gaokao, but it is not known if any other universities in the UK have done so.
‘Underemployment’ of UK graduates
It does matter which University you go to...and it does matter what degree you study...
Official statistics for 2017 showed that 49 per cent of recent graduates were working in non-graduate roles across the UK, prompting concerns they had racked up thousands of pounds in debt for no real gain. There is increasing concern that many poorer UK students are filling places at less highly ranked Universities and taking degrees that less obviously lead to well paid jobs…
3 UK Universities 'near bankruptcy'
UK newspapers have reported that 3 English Universities are on the brink of insolvency. The Universities have not been named, but 1 is reported to be on the south coast of England and 2 in the North West. The papers report a 'perfect storm' for lower ranked UK universities; falling UK birth rate creating a more competitive market and tighter immigration controls affecting international student numbers. Several other Universities are also reportedly relying on 'bridging' loans to survive.
In international news…
International student numbers dip in the USA
New student enrolments fell by 6.6% in 2017/18, the latest data from Open Doors has revealed. Among new enrolments, declines were seen primarily at the non-degree (-9.7%) and undergraduate (-6.3%) levels.
In terms of the origin of students, China (33.2%) and India (17.9%) made up the largest portion of the total. Many commentators have highlighted that the policies of the Trump administration are having a detrimental impact on the attractiveness of the USA as a study destination.
Guide to Cardiff
Final part of our Guide to Cardiff, thanks once again to our colleagues at Cardiff Sixth Form College for helping us pull together this guide-our most detailed one so far!
Next month we will take a look at Oxford…
Places to shop:
The Victorian arcades have been attracting shoppers for over a century with an eclectic mix of independent businesses. The arcades give shopping in Cardiff an edge, sitting right alongside the large new shopping centres like St David’s Dewi Sant.
The oldest of Cardiff’s arcades is The Royal Arcade, dating back to 1858. The Royal Arcade is situated opposite St David’s, running from the Hayes to St Mary Street. There you will find independent shops and cafes.
http://www.visitcardiff.com/blog/city-of-arcades/
St David’s Dewi Sant is Cardiff’s largest shopping destination, and it has done wonders in boosting Cardiff as a world-class shopping destination. It is located in The Hayes area of the southern city centre.
https://stdavidscardiff.com/
Places to stay:
Mercure Hotel - the 4-star Mercure Cardiff Holland House Hotel and Spa is 165 bedroomed modern hotel situated in the cosmopolitan capital city. The hotel has excellent transport links and is ideal for sightseeing in Cardiff.
24-26 Newport Rd, Cardiff CF24 0DD
www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-6622-mercure-cardiff-holland-house-hotel-spa/
Principal St David’s Hotel - set on Cardiff Bay's waterfront it makes a bold statement, with its glass-fronted façade, private balconies, floor-to-ceiling windows, and coastal setting. It was recently presented with a 2017 Gold Award by Visit Wales.
Havannah Street, Cardiff, CF10 5SD
www.phcompany.com/principal/cardiff-st-davids-hotel-spa/
Canada Lodge and Lake – nestled in the secluded grounds of Canada Lodge is a variety of newly built accommodation. With spectacular views across the Lake to the Lodge building, you will experience a little bit of Canada – in the centre of Cardiff!
Heol Pant-y-Gored, Creigiau, Cardiff, CF15 9NF
www.canadalodgeandlake.co.uk
The Exchange Hotel is a venue like no other. The Grade II* listed building is located in the heart of Cardiff Bay and offers guests the opportunity to take a step back in time and explore one of Wales’ most significant buildings.
4-5 Mount Stuart Square, Cardiff CF10 5FQ
exchangehotelcardiff.co.uk
The Angel Hotel is a Victorian property with 102 traditional en-suite bedrooms, and 9 meeting & function rooms. The perfect place to stay if you are visiting the city on a sporting weekend or for a concert at the Principality Stadium.
Castle Street, Cardiff, CF10 1SZ
www.thecairncollection.co.uk/hotels/the-angel/
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