Preston Widening Access Programme (For Medicine at Manchester) Information and Application Process Details See PWAP Section on Medical Science Society moodle page for more information OR contact: Jon Avon javon@cardinalnewman.ac.uk

What is Preston Widening Access Programme (PWAP)? PWAP is aimed at supporting students who aspire to enter the medical profession. The programme comprises of a range of activities and study which will support students to enhance their application to University. Successful completion of the programme will result in a guaranteed interview with the University of Manchester for a place on the MBChB undergraduate programme and a slightly reduced academic entry requirement (AAB rather than AAA) should they receive an offer.

Latest…. Last year, 6 Cardinal Newman College students who were selected for PWAP were then successful in getting places at medical school!

What is involved in the Programme? You will collect 80 units from timetabled sessions Useful for your application into Manchester University to study Medicine. These sessions will include taster sessions of learning clinical skills, examination techniques, communication skills, ethical dilemmas and more. The timetable will include 2 sessions a month on a Wednesday afternoon from January to July 2018. The majority of these sessions will be held at LTHTR. They start at 3pm. It is compulsory that you attend all sessions. If you miss a session you will be removed from the programme.

What is involved in the Programme? For each session attended, you will be expected to write a short reflection to put in your portfolio. In addition to the timetabled sessions, you will be expected to attend at least 50 hours of recorded voluntary work in a healthcare setting. This can be arranged by LTHTR if required. You will research and write a 1500 word academic assignment exploring a topic of interest in the field of medical science. The reason for your choice of topic / field of research may be personal, or related to your interest in an aspect of medicine, medical science or a medical condition which you wish to explore in more detail.

What will I get from the programme? Valuable experience for any Medicine application. On successful completion of the programme you will be awarded a certificate worth 40 UCAS points towards your Medicine application at Manchester. The 40 UCAS points are only applicable for The University of Manchester. Along with your required grades at A level, your certificate will guarantee you an interview at Manchester University when applying for Medicine.

Essential Criteria 1. You are in Year 12 (lower sixth) in a state-maintained post 16 institution. 2. You attended a state high school (did not have to pay for your education). 3. You are currently studying 3 AS levels. 4. Neither of your parents have obtained an undergraduate degree or equivalent level qualification in the UK or abroad. If one or more of your parents is currently studying for their first degree, or they graduated from their first degree within the last five years, your application will still be considered.) 5. GCSEs— you must have a minimum of 8 x A* - C, 5 of which have to be A* - B. At least 3 have to be A or A*. English language and Maths must be B or above. Physics & Biology are required at either AS or GCSE at C or above. 6. A level x 3 subjects must include: A) Chemistry B) Biology, Physics or Maths C) Any academic subject

Priority Criteria If you meet all of the essential criteria, your application will then be considered against the following priority criteria: 1. You live in a 'disadvantaged' neighbourhood. This is defined by your home postcode. Check your postcode using the geo-demographic indicator (click for link). 2. You live in a 'low participation' neighbourhood. 3. You have experience of Local Authority Care. 4. You are in receipt of a 16-19 bursary from your current institution. 5. You were entitled to Free School Meals (FSM) at your high school. 6. You attended a high school where the average Key Stage 4 performance is lower than the national average. 7. You currently attend an institution where Key Stage 5 performance is lower than the national average.

New for 2017/18 Potential PWAP students will, in addition to completing the application form, have to: Do an aptitude test in college: this will cover Biology and Chemistry studied in the first term and other questions which assess your suitability for training in medicine. Attend an assessment day at RPH (if required).

How do I apply? Access the information and application documents from Medical Science Society moodle page Download and complete the application form in full. Fill in and print off. Return completed applications to Reception at Cardinal Newman College by 4.00pm Friday xxth October 2016 at the latest, collecting a receipt This deadline is fixed and non-negotiable Make certain to collect and retain your receipt from Reception as your proof of submitting your application by the deadline.

What happens after application? CNC will verify key data and make a data-based reference to the Panel. Data included will be attendance, grades in biology and chemistry in term 1 and result of aptitude test. When your application is assessed, your performance in your GCSE and/or equivalent level qualifications, your post-16 Level 3 subjects of study and the number of priority criteria you meet will be looked at. You do not need to meet all of the priority criteria to apply to the Programme. However, during the selection process preference will be given to those criteria that relate directly to the applicant. In November, you will be notified by email of the outcome of Stage 1 of the Application Process.

Please note Final selection is carried out by staff at RPH. All applications are forwarded to RPH from CNC. Be careful not to make errors on your application: they can and will disqualify you. You must, for example, be intending to apply to Manchester to study medicine. You will also be able to apply to other medical schools. You must be prepared to commit to the whole programme – attendance is compulsory once selected. Neither staff at Cardinal Newman or RPH will enter into debate about applications once they have been submitted – RPH’s decision is evidence based and final. You will be required to sign an acknowledgement of this when you submit your application.

What if this is not for me? Is there anything else available? Year 12 Medical Science Society (MSS): November 2016. Application process to join Yr 12 MSS will begin after the 24th Oct PWAP deadline. More details to follow nearer the time. Science club: Wednesday 2:45pm, fortnightly