SWAPWest Induction SWAP and your year ahead

Provide Access Programmes that progress to degree or HNC/D. For adults with no, few or out of date qualifications. Over 33,000 adults have returned to education through SWAP. SWAP is a national organisation; we are SWAPWest. partnershipA partnership of colleges & universities in the West of Scotland. Humanities, Primary Education, Social Work, Nursing, Allied Health, Medical Studies, Science, Engineering, Maths and Computing. What is SWAP?

Contents of SWAP Programme You will: Study at least 18 academic units (SQA units). –Study at Int 2/National 5 and Higher/CFE Higher level. Some units are beyond this level (STEM and Medical Studies). Complete the SWAP Preparation for Higher Education (PHE) unit. –Includes class work and visiting university campuses for ‘Study Skills Days’ (Jan-Jun) Receive a SWAP Student Profile at the end of the year. You must pass all units and complete your PHE to complete the programme.

SWAP Student Profiles An “enhanced reference” from college to universities. Shows list of units completed. All tutors contribute to this and agree grades (A-D). Grades are not on specific academic work. Grades comment on your level of preparedness for university/HN.

Benefits of SWAP Programme You will: Have continuous assessment for most academic units. Gain knowledge and skills needed for HE study. Receive guidance in making choices about further study. Receive support for applying to university via UCAS. Prepare for practical matters as well as develop your Study Skills by completing your Prep for HE workbooks. Feel more confident about progressing to the next step.

Registration You must register as a SWAP student to get the benefits. Register as soon as possible. Do not delay.

Learner Agreement Formalisation of things we will cover today. o Read it carefully. o NB: Disclosure of criminal convictions. Sign the register to confirm that you have read & accept the terms. Tick to show that you have registered online already

A) Class work Work through the PHE workbooks throughout the year Download from SWAPWest website or your own college VLE. Preparation for Higher Education B) University visits Visit universities on your own: open days, applicant visit days, any time. SWAP Study Skills Days at universities run January to May. PHE is an essential part of a SWAP Programme and is comprised of class work and university visits

PHE: Group Activity Read PHE workbook descriptions. Place on timeline (Sep-Jun) where you think they belong. Compare timelines: –Some workbooks do apply to specific times of year. –Others you can do any time.

PHE Contents  Introduction  Taking Stock - Part One  Study Diary (throughout the year)  Taking Stock - Part Two  UCAS Guide  Personal Statement  Interview Skills  Presentation Skills  Study Skills (throughout the year)  Finance  Taking Stock - Part Three  What Happens Next  Extended referencing guide Downloadable from the SWAPWest website

Where to find PHE

Progression Routes Please contact SWAP if you are applying to any course that is not in the progression routes. Let us know if you have any questions. The Progression Routes document is a list of university courses you can apply for using your SWAP qualification. They state the requirements for entry – read carefully. –Some places are limited and entry is competitive. –Some places are subject to selection and/or interview. –STEM – Specific units and summer school (Strathclyde). Progression Routes will be available in late October.

Compare profile grade requirements before you apply!

SWAP Student Mentoring Network Or send an to: for an invitation

Contact Us SWAPWest c/o Glasgow Kelvin College – City 43 Shamrock Street Glasgow G4 9LD Tel: Web: Facebook: Director – Kenny Anderson Development Officers – Dr. Lisa Marsili, Amy Angus Admin – Karen Cunningham and Erica O’Neill

A message from last year:

Message in a Bottle

How to Apply to Primary Education Procedure SWAPWest has its own application procedure. Apply through SWAP but also need to complete UCAS. You can apply to study at Glasgow, Strathclyde and UWS. Application form Tutor will give you a SWAPWest application form in late October. Make sure your completed form is perfect as the panel will use these to decide who to invite for interview. Write an excellent supporting statement. Check all spelling, grammar, presentation etc. Include a reference from practical experience. Deadline for SWAPWest application will be given to you by your tutor nearer the time.

Guide to BEd Application 1.Complete SWAPWest application form, including a reference. 2.Submit by deadline; the panel will select who to invite for interview. 3.Complete UCAS application for your four ‘Plan B’ choices by the 15 th of January (leaving one space for BEd/alternative to be entered after decisions have been made). 4.Those selected will attend their interviews in February/March. 5.Those not invited for interview can add another choice on UCAS. 6.Results of interviews will be given. 7.Students insert 5 th choice on UCAS form within 7 days of decision. Insert BEd if offered a place (or another ‘Plan B’ if not). Download Prep for HE UCAS, Personal Statement and Interview Skills guides from the SWAPWest website