1. Post-16 Education Information Evening 2017
Miss L Rogers – Director of Sixth Form

2. Evening Schedule
What is the Russell Group and how competitive is the entry?
Why should students be thinking about this in Y10 and Y11?
Which subjects do I need to consider in the Sixth Form?
What’s next? Why is our Sixth Form at Newent Community School such an attractive proposition?

3. Apply online through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service)
in Cheltenham
TIP
APPLY BY END OF SEPTEMBER / FIRST WEEK IN OCTOBER
15 OCTOBER DEADLINE FOR OXBRIDGE, MEDICINE, DENTISTRY

4. What is the Russell Group?
Formed in 1994 at a meeting convened in Russell Square.
An association of 24 major research intensive universities committed to maintaining the highest standards of research, education and knowledge transfer.
The purpose of The Russell Group is to provide thought leadership and strategic direction for its members.
Representing just 12% of the higher education sector, the Research Assessment Exercise found that over 60% of the UK’s very best (‘world leading’) research took place in Russell Group universities.

5. Russell Group Quiz You have 5 minutes Don’t panic
There is no test at the end!

6. The Russell Group
Birmingham Bristol Cambridge East Anglia Edinburgh Exeter Glasgow Hull
Imperial College Keele
King’s College Lancaster Leeds Liverpool
LSE
Manchester
Newcastle
Nottingham
Queen Mary
Queen’s University Belfast
Oxford •
Southampton UCL
Warwick
RUSSELL GROUP QUIZ
No smart phones!
4 universities are NOT members of the Russell Group
4 Russell Group universities are MISSING.

7. Birmingham Bristol Cambridge Cardiff Durham
Students from Newent generally secure a place at a Russell Group university
Birmingham Bristol Cambridge Cardiff Durham
East Anglia Edinburgh Exeter Glasgow
Hull
Imperial College
Keele
King’s College
Lancaster Leeds Liverpool
LSE
Manchester
Newcastle
Nottingham
Queen Mary •
Queen’s University Belfast Oxford
Sheffield Southampton UCL
Warwick York

8. What Qualities are Universities Looking for?
Self motivation and commitment to the subject
That you have done more than the syllabus demands
That you can think critically and independently
The ability to engage with ideas
‘Students who stick up for themselves stand out. What we are looking for is a student who can address issues in a logical fashion, reason from premises to conclusion. Even if a student is hesitant or shy, how well they think will still be evident.’ Professor Thomas Noe, Oxford.

9. What kind of A level grades will I need?
English at Sheffield AAB
Chemistry at Durham A*AA
AAA-A*AA for Oxford with a few A*A*A requirements
A*AA and in some cases higher for Cambridge
At least AAA in most cases for Medicine
Good GCSEs still important and some course will have specific requirements eg some Medicine courses
BUT there are many other degree courses which will require lower grades than this

10. What do the Russell Group Say about A level Subject Choice?
An excellent downloadable PDF guide to
post-16 subject choice

11. Facilitating subjects
Some A-level subjects are more frequently required than others - ‘facilitating subjects’
Maths and Further Maths; Physics; Biology; Chemistry; Geography; Modern and classical languages; English Literature.
History;
In most cases 3 facilitating subjects are not required for entry to a degree at a Russell Group university – but many courses do require you to have studied one or more facilitating subjects.
But for some degrees only one facilitating subject is required and there are also courses with no specific requirements or where subjects are desirable but not an absolute requirement.

12. Russell Group & ‘Facilitating Subjects’ Advice for choosing A Levels

13. In Year 13, you will have to write a one page Personal Statement as part of your application. You will need convincing answers to:
Why are you applying for your chosen course(s)?
Why does this subject interest you?
Why do you think you’re suitable for the course(s)? Do you have any particular skills and experience that will help you to succeed on the course? How competitive is the course?
Start thinking about this as soon as you can and making sure you have something to write about!!
We will provide you with all the support you need in Yr 12 to help get you ready to write your Personal Statement.

14. You will get a structured programme
of preparation for HE when you get into the Sixth Form
Speaker Programme
The EPQ
Sessions for parents
Extra-curricular and super-curricular activities
Mentoring
Work experience/work shadowing

16. Medicine: Some Pointers
At least, applicants for every place. Close to 40% now are filled by graduates
Academic ability necessary but not sufficient
Also need ability to be sensitive and caring towards others.
Qualities: integrity, confidentiality, caring, compassion, commitment, responsibility, and a spirit of enquiry. Give evidence of these in Personal Statement and interview
High grades: AAA, A*AA Oxbridge
Extensive work experience in hospitals, with GPs and in voluntary caring essential

17. Medicine – A Levels & more
UKCAT
BMAT
will inform you
Work Experience – with people in a caring setting
Regular & reflect on this.
Chemistry
+ Biology
+ 2 others A Levels
Interview
Personal Statement
Reference
Predicted grades AAA(A)

18. Medicine – useful web sites
Leeds Medical School web site –
Widening Access to Medical School (WAMS)
Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) website
Liverpool Medical School web site
Newcastle Medical School web site

19. The Disciplines of Engineering
Most degrees will give you a
general engineering
education
but
require you to specialise in one
of the disciplines
Aeronautical Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Information and Information Systems Engineering

20. Which A levels do I Need?
Mathematics is a mandatory requirement for virtually all BEng/MEng courses at A-level standard. Some universities only ask for an AS-level in Mathematics, providing the applicant offers a full A-level in Physics.
Further Mathematics, though not a formal requirement at any university yet, would benefit an engineering applicant particularly at the top universities.
Physics, though not an absolute requirement at many universities, is the primary 'preferred' subject.
Chemistry would
complement
mathematics
and physics, and is
preferred (and applicants.
often
required) for many
chemical engineering

21. Visit the websites of the Engineering professional bodies for information on courses, work experience and careers.
The Institution of Chemical Engineers
The Institution of Mechanical Engineers
The Institution of Civil Engineers
The Institution of Structural Engineers
The Institution of Engineering and Technology
The Institution of Nuclear Engineers
Royal Aeronautical Society

22. An Example: The Institute of Engineering and Technology Website

23. Prospects.ac.uk website Click ‘Careers advice’ link

24. Click ‘Options with your subject’ link

26. CANDIDATES APPLYING TO CAMBRIDGE
92% have 4 or more A*s at GCSE – BUT this
is contextual – higher/lower depending on overall school results
60% of applicants get an average A level mark of 89%
Only 1 in 4 of this 60% will get offers
Letters to Newent from Oxford & Cambridge suggest average entry is 8A*s at GCSE + A*AAA at A level (AAAA at AS Level).
Student MUST show genuine intellectual curiosity and be able to THINK - not just be great at exams. That can be the problem. Consider EPQ. Read VERY WIDELY.

27. University Views – 3 OR 4?
Offer on 3 – no requirement for 4 except medicine
4 A-levels for medical degrees unless school can’t offer 4. EPQ can be a fourth now.

28. EPQ The Extended Project Qualification
Extends abilities beyond A Level specification
Carries extra UCAS points - an AS Level
Self directed project, rather like a dissertation, which encourages critical, reflective and independent learners
Develops decision making, problem solving and presentation skills
Increases motivation as students study a topic of personal interest

29. How important are GCSEs?
The habits of A* students
Cover specification
Use Mark Schemes
Use Examiner reports
Make notes (not read notes)
20 extra hours a week
Have a range of resources
Seek feedback
Study buddy (like university)
Practise recall
Seek model answers
Avoid social media & other distractions
Dr Paul Teulon, Director of Admissions
King’s College, London

30. Key dates: January & February 2018
Y11 Parents Evening - Thursday 25th January
Y11 Sixth Form Course Consultation interviews begin – Monday 29th January
Sixth Form Open Evening & Careers Fayre – Thursday 8th February
Y10 Sixth Form Taster Morning- Monday 22nd January

31. Preparing for university
Support we offer from Year 12

32. A Level Mindset Mentoring scheme Study skills for all students
Student Passport
Support in extra-curricular activities
Back to the Future Day – Y13
University Visits – Year 12
Careers advice
Study skills for all students
VESPA in tutorials/PSHE
EPQ
Work shadowing & work experience
MOOCS courses

33. Guidance, support, experience
Guidance on study skills and personal effectiveness in Speaker sessions and tutorials. One to one sessions from our guided learning lead Mrs Edwards.
Career advice and guidance: Mrs Lawrance.
Post-16 Open Evening – Feb 8th 2018.
Spring term - careers and universities first discussed. Y12 Study day in first week of term.
Visits from external employers/apprenticeship providers.
June - university open days; work on UCAS forms and CVs.
Work-shadowing – completed in the summer term Y12 post examinations.
Worcester University Higher Education Conference: March 2018.
New Mentoring Scheme Sept 2017

34. What extra-curricular opportunities are available?
Bar Mock Trial Extended Project Qualification Drive IQ Head Boy and Girl Trips and visits Charity work Community Work Work experience Duke of Edinburgh Norway Expedition Theatre Visits University of Worcester HE convention Bristol University Classes University events Sixth Form Committee School productions Rotary Club Public Speaking competitions Mentoring younger students Mentoring Scheme: Sixth Form Passport to Success Student Ambassadors
‘FutureLearn’ courses
Paired reading
Film club
Tutor Group Activities
Senior Maths Challenge
Affiliated House Competitions
Arts Award
Choir
Orchestra
Ensembles
Performances
Christmas Senior Citizens event
Sport teams & fixtures

35. Student Opinions
“Each teacher’s love for their subject engages each student in the class and provides support for everyone.” (anon) “”
“I have enjoyed my time here so far, as I really get along with most of my teachers and all of the Sixth Form team. I feel comfortable and supported” (anon)
“I found that each of my subject teachers would answer any queries and questions I had on my subject” (anon)
Newent Community School and Sixth Form Centre
Striving for Excellence

36. Student opinions Newent Community School and Sixth Form Centre
“This school year has been the most enjoyable of my school life. I appreciate the freedom and find the lessons engaging, though challenging to manage the work load at times. I feel thoroughly supported by the Sixth Form staff”
“I have really enjoyed this year at Sixth Form and the support I’ve received from my tutor and the rest of the Sixth Form team is phenomenal. I have no real regrets of the past academic year and am grateful for the opportunities presented. I am excited to become an even more active citizen next year and involve myself in the community in new ways.”
“All in all, I’ve found this a very interesting and challenging year. And, I feel that the Sixth Form staff do their jobs to the highest degree of enthusiasm, dedication and motivation. THANK YOU!”
Newent Community School and Sixth Form Centre
Striving for Excellence

37. What next? Sixth Form Open Evening – February 8th
Questions for subject teachers
UCAS website & background reading
22nd January – Y10 Sixth Form Taster Morning
29th January –Y11 6th form course consultations
23rd August – GCSE results

38. Contact details included
Parent/Carer message
Please take a leaflet
Contact details included
Thank you for your time

39. Students: Work Hard & Best Wishes
“Hours in…Grades Out”