A Level Rollercoaster- what next?

As I write this I am aware of all those on the academic rollercoaster around A level results.

It's an emotional ride as those who have ridden before or are currently on board can experience. If it were at a theme park there would be a noticeable lack of people in the queue I'm guessing.

Some have a great ride filled with fabulous adrenaline rushes and amazing feelings and get off filled with anticipation about the next attraction! For many this will be university and for those who had a great experience of the A level Rollercoaster, they will have a fast pass that ensures them a place on the university ride of their choice. Parents will be proud and relieved and teachers will be proud and satisfied that the ride was positive for the students.

Other young people have a less positive experience of the A level rollercoaster. they get off at the end, feeling that they queued endlessly and committed to the ride yet had a horrendous time and have ended up disappointed, disillusioned and with a whirl of negative adrenaline feelings of anxiety, fear and panic.

For these students there is no fast pass to the university ride of choice. They may have to settle for a university ride that they had never seriously thought of going on or have to wait endlessly in queues for rides which they know nothing about.

These students need support and help to plan which queue to join and what choices to make.

For many of these students it is worth calling the Uni that was first choice just to see whether they can get in without the fast pass. It does happen!

Schools and colleges can be of help. The teachers who know the students well can help them negotiate through initial choices and come up with a plan which at least shows them which rides are open to them.

UCAS has a helpline and connexions are excellent at exploring options with students.

Parents are hugely important in helping their children keep perspective, stay calm and negotiate the rest of the experience with a sense of confidence and positivity.

So, if you know someone who has just got off the A level Rollercoaster, be supportive and positive whatever their experience and help to make sure that whatever happens next, they realise that there is a world filled with opportunities just waiting for them, when they are ready to see!

If you want to involve an experienced and specialist coach in helping a student to explore ideas and make choices, give me a call on 07703552174.

Wishing each and every student success and happiness so that they can look back on the ride as having been worth the wait and effort!

Bridget