1. Looking Ahead from Year 11: Laying the Foundations for a Competitive HE Application

2. Choosing A levels: Some Guidelines If the choice of a post-A level course or career is not yet clear it is best to choose a balance of A levels that will be enjoyed. However:  Certain career and course options after A level will require particular A levels  The more competitive universities have identified some A levels as not being a suitable preparation for some of their more academic courses if more than one of them is taken.

3. Some University Courses will Require Particular A levels Generally, medical schools require Chemistry at A level and often ask for Biology as well. Some may accept two science AS levels in place of one A level science subject. One other science subject is also often required, for example Physics or Maths. Dental schools require Chemistry at A level and often ask for Biology as well. Vet schools vary in their requirements but you will probably be expected to have Chemistry as an AS or A level together with two from Biology Physics or Maths.

4. Not surprisingly, many degree courses will require that the subject itself has been studied at A level! eg Maths There are some courses at university for which studying that subject at A level is not necessary. Law and Psychology are examples of this

5. Applying to High Status Universities: The Russell Group  The Russell Group is an association of 24 research intensive universities committed to maintaining the highest standards of research, education and knowledge transfer.  The Russell Group was formed in 1994 at the Russell Hotel in London.  Many of the most competitive and prestigious courses will be found at Russell Group universities  However, some competitive and prestigious individual courses might well be in other institutions.  The Russell group represents 12% of the higher education sector

6. The Russell Group Universities Birmingham Bristol Cambridge Cardiff Durham Edinburgh Exeter Glasgow Imperial College, London King’s College, London Leeds Liverpool London School of Economics Manchester Newcastle Nottingham Queen Mary, London Queen’s University Belfast Oxford Sheffield Southampton University College, London Warwick York

7. What do the Russell Group Say about A level Subject Choice? http://www.russellgroup.ac.uk/informed- choices.aspx http://www.russellgroup.ac.uk/informed- choices.aspx An excellent downloadable PDF guide to post-16 subject choice

8. Informed Choices video http://russellgroup.ac.uk/russell-group-latest-news/151-2012/5384-russell- group-film-advises-prospective-students-on-alevel-choices /

9. A Levels Changes from 2015 Government changes mean that from 2015 linear A Levels (2 year course with a terminal exam) will be introduced in; English lit, English language, biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, history, economics, business, computer science, art and design and sociology. From 2016 phase 2 subjects; religious studies, design and technology, drama, dance, music, PE, maths, further maths, languages and geography. In the interim period some subjects will be delivered and assessed under the existing structure of AS/A2 Further updates will be given to parents and students as decisions are made on new specifications.

10. Subject combinations Consider how your A Level subject choices provide you with the broad skills required for different university courses. It is important to do research now so you do not restrict your opportunities later. Read the detailed guidance in the informed choices booklet.

11. Russell Group Facilitating Subjects: ‘subjects that are required more often than others’ at A level Maths Further maths English literature Physics Biology Chemistry Geography History Languages

12. What Qualities are Russell Group 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 Ability to think conceptually and can 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

13. Prepare Well for the Competitive Challenge of High Status Universities

14. Chances of Receiving an Offer from Durham

15. What kind of grades will be needed ? Challenging but achievable grades needed in most cases Important to aim high but to be realistic about own potential in terms of course choice Need to be clear about the level of competition for the most competitive Russell Group courses Grades in themselves will not always be enough and other qualities may be required Extensive work experience may be necessary in some cases

16. Some examples 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

19. Medicine: Some Pointers  At least, 10-13 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

20. UCAS Medical Applications Applicants22858 Receive offer848637% of applicants No offer1437263% of applicants One offer490721% Two offers239610% Three offers9564% Four offers2271%

21. Veterinary Science Requirements will vary but typically: GCSE: mainly As and A*s A LEVEL AAAA-AAB Biology, Chemistry and another Prelim year at Bristol and Nottingham for non- scientists Extensive work experience (Bristol and RVC 2-6 weeks, 10 weeks for Liverpool!) in a variety of settings: work with small and large animals and in different types of practice

22. Dentistry One of the most popular subjects Only 16 dental schools Around 12,000 applicants for 1,200 places Average of 10 applicants for each place Need work experience with dentists and in voluntary setting

23. Dentistry Entry Requirements: Good GCSE scores: mainly As and A*s 3 full A levels at least AAB (probably AAA, A*AA for Cambridge) including As in Biology and Chemistry UKCAT selection test for most dental schools Pre-dental course for those without science A levels

24. We offer a structured programme of preparation for HE  A structured Programme of Preparation from the start of Year 12  A Medical Application Programme  An Oxbridge Application Programme  The EPQ  Sessions for parents  Extracurricular activities

25. Headlands Sixth Form  Targeted workshops from the start of Year 12 looking at choices, institutions, grades  Input from and visits to universities  HE and Careers fair 27 th January  Guidance from an experienced team  Reference writing – starts early because familiarity with students and need to meet early deadline

26. Oxbridge Application Programme  Member of staff with responsibility for this cohort to advise on course and college choice  Visits to Oxford  Summer schools  Cambridge residential

27. Other HE support  UCAS Days – during Year 12 and early Year 13. Personal statement writing, application process, degrees abroad, research  Alumni visits  Mentors for Medical students  Interview preparation and ‘mock’ interviews

28. Year 11 into 12 timeline 2015-16 Summer 2015 Sixth Form taster days Year 10 September 2015 Year 11 to complete post 16 intentions form via form tutors so we can target information, advice and guidance October 8 th 2015 at 6pm presentation for top year 11 students and their parents on getting into a Russell Group University October 2015 Mrs Nind to meet with all year 11 students individually to discuss plans for post 16 October 2015 Mrs Nind to talk to year 11 potential Sixth Form students in assembly November 2015 training year 11 on online application via www.logonmoveon.co.ukwww.logonmoveon.co.uk 9 th December year 11 parents evening January 27 th joint year 8, 9 and year 11 (Sixth Form) Pathways evening to include Higher Education and careers fair Start of December 2015 GCSE Pre Public Exams. Mr Levitt to arrange presentation for students applying to college 11 th February 2016 Bridlington School Sixth Form options evening 22 nd February 2016 onwards apply online www.logonmoveon.co.uk by 18th March 2016www.logonmoveon.co.uk 11 th April onwards (for approximately 3 weeks) individual interviews to discuss applications May/June GCSE and BTEC examinations July Sixth Form “Heads-up” induction week August 25 th 2016 GCSE results and enrolment into the Sixth Form Mrs Nind Assistant Head – Sixth Form