1. Pleased to meet you. Adrian Spottiswoode aspottiswoode@studygroup.com
Head of A-Level, Bellerbys Brighton
BA English Literature, MA American Studies, BSc Economics and Mathematics
10 years at Bellerbys
Before that university teacher in Taiwan, China and Chicago 1

2. Contents Introduction to A-Level Why do you want to go to Oxford?
Some facts and statistics about applying to Oxford
The Application Process
How you can prepare
Some University Interview Advice

3. BUT FIRST…….

4. You can find a copy of this presentation at:

9. 1. Introduction to the A-Level Programme

10. Educational programmes offered: Pre-GCSE GCSE GCSE 1 Year A Level
Bellerbys Programmes
Educational programmes offered:
Pre-GCSE
GCSE
GCSE 1 Year
A Level
Foundation
Undergraduate Year 1
Summer School
IELTS Express
English Language Preparation (ELP)
Our programmes and results

11. Bellerbys College

12. Differences between A-Levels - Foundation
2 Years
1 year
Top universities require A-Levels
Most universities will accept
Medicine
For international students
High IELTS
Lower IELTS
Higher failure rate
Need Good Marks
Globally recognized
Limited entrance

13. 79%
of our Foundation students graduated to the top 50 UK universities in 2014
At the heart of all this however is our continued excellent academic record and a high level of pastoral care, tailored specifically to international students.
Outstanding results

14. A Level - For access to universities globally
Start Dates:
Entry requirements:
September, January, and April
Minimum age 15.5
1 Year (3 terms) is also available
IELTS 5.5
Equivalent to 5 GCSE passes
2 year course
Choose 4 subjects
Also have English

15. 2. Why do you want to go to Oxford?

17. Are you one of these type of students?
“I read law at Oxford.”

18. Why do you want to go to Oxford?
I want to go to Oxford because it is such a beautiful city.
I want to go to Oxford because it will help me earn lots of money.
I want to go to Oxford because it is one of best universities in the world.
I want to go to Oxford because I am really passionate about my subject, and I think it is the best place for my subject.
Ok, but prove it…..
Excellent knowledge of A-Level work.
Knowledge in chosen subject beyond A-Level
Work/voluntary experience
How long have you wanted to go to Oxford?

19. Therefore Oxford want students who have….
Academic Ability
Extra subject knowledge
Thinking / decision making skills

20. 3. Some facts and statistics about applying to Oxford

21. Approximately 30,000 applications (2013) 6,000 accepted
97.5% of successful applicants achieved A*AA or better
Most popular subjects:
Natural Sciences (17%)
Engineering (12%)
Medicine (10%)
Mathematics (9%)
Economics (8%) 21

22. Comparison of Acceptance rates for UK and International Students
Success rate for UK students:
20%
Success rate for International Students:
10%
Success rate for Bellerbys Students ( ):
19%
But……

23. 4. The Application Process

25. Finalise choosing the 4 AS subjects. University interviews
Go to UNI!!!
Year 1 (AS Year)
Year 2 (A2 Year) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
May
Aug
Oct
Nov
Dec
April
May
Aug
Sept
Sept
Finalise choosing the 4 AS subjects.
University interviews
First year (AS) exams.
Deadline for universities to give offers; students choose 2 universities
AS Results come out.
Start doing university application (UCAS )
A2 exams
Closing date for Oxford (October 15)
A2 results come out

26. To get in, you will need:
Best possible AS grades
IELTS 7 at least
Show evidence of extra study / subject knowledge
Get high marks on entrance tests
Do well on interview
Offer will be A*A*A to A A A

27. 5.How You Can Prepare

28. Think about your A level subjects
Green = desirable subjects (according to Russell Group)
Red = non-preferred -do no more than 1 of them out of 4
Accounting
Art
Biology
Business Studies
Chemistry
Economics
English Literature
French
Further Maths
Geography
German
Graphic Design
History
History of Art
Law
Maths
Photography
Physics
Politics
Psychology
Sociology
Spanish 28

29. Extra Study Choose 1 area of your subject you are very interested in
Do extra study in this area – for example, try a MOOC
Find news stories related to it
Begin your A-Level studies early! (Google “A-Level Chemistry materials”

32. Brighton Bellerbys Oxbridge Preparation Overview
A Four-Term Programme of Preparation (no extra fee)
Term 1 (AS) – Oxbridge “club”
Term 2 (AS) – Assessment of students’ suitability
Term 3 (AS) – Start of specialised tutor groups
Term 4 (A2) – Complete applications with tutor / prepare for interviews and tests
Plus, connection with academic enrichment programme 32

33. Term 1 – Oxbridge Club Voluntary – any interested student can attend
Purposes:
Familiarise with Oxbridge system and application process
Help students understand what is required / expected
Present materials to stretch and challenge 33

34. Term 2 – Assessment of students’ ability
Publicised, students are asked if they want to participate, teachers are asked if they want to recommend anyone
February – assessment process begins
Students are assessed in 6 areas:
Average test / homework marks so far
Predicted grades
Performance in Thinking Skills Test
Performance in Oxbridge Interview with me
Evidence of extra reading
Evidence of extra curricular academic achievement 34

35. Term 3 – Specialised Tutor Groups Start
3 Groups according to degree choice
Science / Maths – Dr Kennedy
Humanities – Mr Julian
Economics / PPE – Mr Lucas
Gathering evidence/ preparing work to do for summer
Students expected to return after the summer with significant amount of work done, especially on Personal Statement 35

36. Term 4 – Complete applications with tutor / prepare for interviews and tests
4 hours a week of tutor period
Pre October 15th – complete UCAS application
After October 15th – prepare for interview and tests:
Daily morning sessions
Outside visitors
Test instruction classes
Mock interviews with senior staff
Mock interviews with staff subject specialists 36

37. Academic Enrichment Programme
Students highly encouraged to participate in activities such as:
Economics society
Debating society
STEP preparation
Weekly lectures
Coding group
Thinking skills preparation
Trips / visits:
Oxbridge open days
Special events at Oxford / Cambridge (e.g. Student conference / Law day)
Visits to the college 37

38. Scholarships & Bursaries
Oxford Balliol College scholarship for
Myanmar students
Bellerbys College is proud of our links with Oxford and Cambridge and are able to offer the following local scholarship initiative.
The Bellerbys Scholarship is awarded to the most outstanding student from Myanmar who is admitted to Balliol College for undergraduate study from 2015.
The scholarship is worth £10,000 per year towards the fees and maintenance costs of undergraduate study, normally for 3 years.
Eligible candidates will be Myanmar nationals, whose education has been predominantly in Myanmar. All eligible candidates who are admitted to Balliol through the usual Oxford application process, will be considered for the scholarship.
Our programmes and results

39. 6. Some university interview advice

40. Oxbridge interviews are subject specific
But there are some common types of questions…..

41. Why do you like (your subject)?
Which topic in (your subject) are you most interested in?
What extra study have you done in (your subject)?
Tell me about a recent news story about (your subject) which you have read.
Who is your favourite (person in your subject)?

42. Links 42

43. You can find a copy of this presentation at: