Today is going to be tough for many students – but 5 tips from Coventry University help throw light on looking at Clearing as an opportunity. It’s absolutely not something to be feared – this is your day to go out and get the course you want to study. Our experience is that Universities are a really kind bunch – they are interested in you. Pick up the phone to them – that will impress them before you even speak. Everyone wants to feel wanted – and University Admissions Teams are no exception. In many ways, they are the ones on trial, not you – their job is to make you know that you are wanted!
Coventry University is just one of many fabulous university options in the UK – it is famous for its Automotive Design courses that pretty much lead the world in this sector, and hugely respected by big brand automotive sector manufacturers. Chances are many of the cars you see designed around the world will have had some influence from one of their former graduates in some way. It also has a very strong reputation for its established links with many industries across its degree programmes, one developed over its many years as a polytechnical historically, with a laser- sharp focus on student employment on graduation.
The University is based in the heart of the city next to the famous Whittle Arch (pictured above) – built in recognition of Air Commodore Sir Frank Whittle, OM, KBE, CB, FRS, FRAeS (1 June 1907 – 8 August 1996), the English engineer, inventor and Royal Air Force (RAF) air officer credited with inventing the turbojet engine.
The top 5 tips for clearing – this is YOUR day and it is going to be fabulous
https://youtu.be/6VTXEusQwu8
You are absolutely not alone
Coventry University Provost Ian Dunn – then and now. Mr Dunn faced rejection and put downs at school – but Clearing proved a lifeline to a hugely successful career making a difference in the world and transforming lives.
Today’s Coventry University Provost Ian Dunn was told by a teacher, after picking up his exam results, that he would never make it, that he’d never speak French – the subject he adored. University was out. In a nutshell, he was told it was over for him.
Clearing, however, transformed his life.
Today, Mr Dunn is not just fluent in the language – but is determined to make sure that other students facing this sort of put down have the support and encouragement he did not receive.
The stinging words faced by all of us at some point could have crushed his dreams but Mr Dunn was determined to prove that teacher wrong. The rest is history. He joined Coventry University through Clearing to study Engineering with French. He went on to achieve undergraduate, and then postgraduate, engineering qualifications in the French education system before returning to Coventry to start his teaching career.
Today he celebrates his 30th year working at the university – and was the first in his family to attend university.
Mr Dunn told SchoolsCompared:
“When I got my results, my French grade was not great, but I passed, and I was pleased with that.
One of my teachers said: “I told you you’d never speak French, you should never have tried.”
It was so damaging for a teacher to say that – but it was also a motivation.
My grades would have taken me off to do Mathematics and Statistics – but I didn’t want to pursue that path.
So…. I pulled out of the offers I had and sat with a career’s advisor in the library at school.
At that time there was no internet, so they pulled an A5 flyer out of a filing cabinet that had engineering with French at what is today Coventry University.
It was a moment of serendipity – a leaflet that gave me the opportunity to carry on something that I really enjoyed —- and I’d been motivated by that teacher telling me I was rubbish.
I entered Clearing – and I was offered a place!
I went on to get undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in the French education system and my French is fluent – unfortunately, I have never had the chance to say that to that teacher!
Nobody should be told they are rubbish.
I think that once we have admitted a student to the university, we have a responsibility to help that person be as successful as they can be and want to be.
As a result of my experiences, I am determined that Coventry University will be even more well known for our support, for our student experience and our teaching and learning quality.”
Mr Dunn continued:
“My first in family background did not prepare me for university – but now we have lots of things in place to support people, as we know how big a step it is.
Now, at our university, once you enrol, to support your personal and academic journey, you’ll have access to a Success Coach and be introduced to your Academic Tutors. They are there to help you to settle in and with your career, studies, health and wellbeing throughout your time with us. We also have a software platform called Vygo that brings peer support and mentoring to all students from day one.
Finding mentors in all stages of life is important.
When I turned up for my interview, after scaring my mum on my first introduction to the ring road, I met the late Professor Stan Harvey, a wonderful, inspirational man who would offer me a place and go on to offer me a job as my first head of department.
My advice today is, do not stress and be calm. Clearing is not something to be afraid of, it is a chance to make a decision about your life.Look at Clearing as an opportunity to change your mind, or make up your mind – that is exactly what I did.
Try to hold a place and visit, that way you can make sure it is the right course, academic environment, and a comfortable fit for you.
There are lots of other people in the same boat, so take your time, identify what might be on offer to you and do not be afraid in any way of taking a step.
Learning can be life changing – and I speak from experience.”
Learn more about Clearing and your options at Coventry University here.
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