The 6th form team have been busy helping our first cohort of students complete their university applications this term.
The preparation started in June when our students returned to school after their AS exams. We set up a six week programme of events to help the 6th formers work out what they wanted to do after completing Year 13. If they were considering university we discussed what to study and where to go and for those not going to university other options were discussed.
We invited admissions tutors from Kings College London and Middlesex University to talk to students and parents about higher education as well as a speaker from Student Finance England.
JCoSS prepared a handbook “UCAS Apply 2013-14. Student Information, Advice and Guidance” and each student received a copy of this. Included in the booklet was a step by step guide to applying to university, space for them to log their choices and registration details as well as top tips and examples of personal statements.
We invited a selection of current undergraduates from a variety of universities and courses to JCoSS to talk to our students about what university life is really like. We have also run sessions on looking after yourself on campus and gap year programmes.
All students were offered a one to one interview to discuss their choices, help with selecting the right universities as well as advice with their personal statements.
Our first cohort of students are applying to a wide range of universities with approximately 10% applying to Oxbridge. They are applying for a variety of courses, ranging from Engineering and Chemistry to Interior Architecture, Sociology and Economics. Some students are taking gap years and others are applying for vocational courses such as cordon bleu cookery and apprenticeships.
Commenting on the UCAS application process our Year 13 students have said “Everyone has been really supportive”, “Teachers respond quickly to questions”, “We have had “First class support”, and “Teachers and support staff are approachable and available to help”
