1. SEREN PARENTS MEETING 1

2. Why was Seren set up? Initiated by Paul Murphy MP
SEREN PARENTS MEETING
Why was Seren set up?
Initiated by Paul Murphy MP
Tasked with improving decline in Welsh applications to Oxford and Cambridge universities
Presented report to Education Minister Huw Lewis who called for a “national network of partnership hubs” to support talented students across Wales
Need to add the videos that were used at the launch.

3. Objectives of Seren Network
SEREN PARENTS MEETING
Objectives of Seren Network
To inspire students about future career aspirations 
To provide ‘stretch and challenge’ workshop activities
Create a peer group of high achieving, like-minded students

4. Objectives of Seren Link students with leading universities
Preparation for university applications
Support teachers in providing activities

5. Creation of NPT/Bridgend & Powys Hub
SEREN PARENTS MEETING
Creation of NPT/Bridgend & Powys Hub
Hub consists of students in NPT, Bridgend and Powys
Selection criteria is based on GCSE Score performance of best 8 GCSE results (not including BTEC)
A*=3 A=2 B=1
240 pupils invited to take part in the first year of the Hub rising to 260 last year.

6. SEREN Hub Launch

7. What can Seren do for your child? Programme
Aimed at A*/A grade students
Expert advice on applying to competitive universities
Interview preparation and mock interviews
Presentations delivered by guest speakers e.g. Cardiff Medical School, Oxbridge Admissions tutors
Opportunities to take part in extra-curricular activities and super-curricular activities e.g. Oxford visit and subject relevant debates.

8. Expectations & Commitment
The Commitment
Enthusiasm, motivation and engagement
Intellectual curiosity
Workshops are ‘free’
Time – workshops are twilight
Travel
Willingness to be open minded and take every opportunity

9. What is offered on Seren?
Super Curricular workshops in a variety of subjects including; Medicine, Maths, English, Law, Biology, Science, Critical Thinking, Languages, Politics, Engineering and more. .
Information and guidance on applying to top universities and writing a personal statement.
Help and guidance on application tests and interviews.
A variety of information on events and opportunities that would benefit pupils but are not part of the Seren program.

10. Next Steps Calendar
November – April 2018 – pupils will be offered a program of opportunities based on the subjects they are studying. These will be held in up to 4 places throughout the Hub at various times in the year.
A National Conference organised by Welsh Government to bring together hubs across Wales (Dec 6th or 7th 2018)

11. IS ‘READING AROUND’ ENOUGH? CHALLENGING ABLE STUDENTS
SEREN PARENTS MEETING
IS ‘READING AROUND’ ENOUGH? CHALLENGING ABLE STUDENTS

12. What should students be able to do?
SEREN PARENTS MEETING
What should students be able to do?
(1) Understand why your subject is important and what it offers (2) Be honest about evidence (3) Do not believe all that you are told: be skeptical (4) Be interested in discussing ideas (5) Be aware of debates and issues in your subject (s)

13. Next steps as parents … Open Days Wider reading Work Experience
Encourage
Be supportive
Register with us to receive updates on potential opportunities
Be aware of and sympathetic to the pressures your child may face.
Be aware that not getting into Oxbridge is not the end of the world.
Be a “Taxi”

14. The Welsh Government has produced a booklet called:
“Supporting Wales’ Brightest” to find this go to
Pupils will be provided addresses for coordinators in year 12 or contact myself, Jayne Bevan at