Looking Ahead from Year 11: Laying the Foundations for a

Competitive HE Application

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.

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.

• 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

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

The Russell GroupUniversities

BirminghamBristolCambridgeCardiffDurhamEdinburghExeterGlasgowImperial College, LondonKing’s College, LondonLeedsLiverpool

London School of EconomicsManchesterNewcastleNottinghamQueen Mary, LondonQueen’s University BelfastOxfordSheffieldSouthamptonUniversity College, LondonWarwickYork

What do the Russell Group Say about A level Subject Choice?

• http://www.russellgroup.ac.uk/informed-choices.aspx

An excellent downloadable PDF guide to

post-16 subject choice

Informed Choices video

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

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.

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.

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

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

Prepare Well for the Competitive Challenge of High Status Universities

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Applications

Offers

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

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

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

UCAS Medical Applications

Applicants 22858Receive offer 8486 37% of applicants

No offer 14372 63% of applicants

One offer 4907 21%

Two offers 2396 10%

Three offers 956 4%

Four offers 227 1%

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

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

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

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

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 27th January

Guidance from an experienced team

Reference writing – starts early because familiarity with students and need to meet early deadline

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

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

Year 11 into 12 timeline 2015-16

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 8th 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.uk•9th December year 11 parents evening•January 27th 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•11th February 2016 Bridlington School Sixth Form options evening•22nd February 2016 onwards apply online www.logonmoveon.co.uk by 18th March 2016•11th 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 25th 2016 GCSE results and enrolment into the Sixth Form

Mrs NindAssistant Head – Sixth Form