A level choices and university options

This blog entry really is aimed at GCSE level students making Sixth Form option choices, please pass this information on to those you know who may find it useful. The Russell Group, which contains many of the UK's most competitive universities in terms of entry requirements, has published a very valuabel guide to A level combinations, career options and university entry. It explains very clearly what choices support what degree options and removes the mystique that has surrounded their opinions on this matter for many years. A link to their downloadable guide is now on the universities section of the Blog.

University Retake Policy

I am increasingly asked about the impact of AS module retakes. At present it is clear from my discussions with universities that they are entirely acceptable in most circumstances, but they can have a negative effect in three areas:

1. Universities put greater value on an A level completed in two years rather than three. So try to avoid doing retakes that span three academic years.

2. Universities are increasingly focusing on AS level grades, as these are now required to be put on the application form, and any discrepancy with "predicted" A level grades is treated with caution unless the school reference highlights a specific reason for AS level underperformance. So avoiding the need to retake in Year 13 is valuable in this regard.

3. With the most competitive courses, such as Medicine, there are a large number of applicants with very strong AS grades first time around who would have some advantage over those undertaking retakes.

More university advice online

Beaumont has a long relationship with Birmingham University in which they have given excellent introductory talks to our Year 12s each March. It is possible now to access some of this information from the new blog link - "Birmingham University advice". On the right hand side of this page are downloadable guides to all matters regarding university application and a personal statement advice area.

Physics Summer School at Birmingham University

Great opportunity to find out how Physics would be taught at a university like Birmingham. Next one is 11-12th July 2012,so ideal for Year 12s considering this subject as a degree. Early booking advised - contact Dr Long l.long@bham.ac.uk

Unipod

Oxford Brookes University have been one of the best providers of general advice to prospective students. They have now gathered this together in one site called "Unipod" (link " general uni advice" on the blog). Advice on personal statements, choosing between universities, interviews and finance amongst others.

Barclays joins the party

As predicted more and more key employers are developing programmes that allow sixth form leavers to obtain graduate qualifications without debt and whilst working. Barlcays Bank are promoting such a programme and the link has been added to the blog for easy reference. Requirement is 240UCAS points ( 3Cs at A2 level or 2 Cs, and a D with an E at As level).

Student Loan Advice

New link in Universities Section which provides very clear advice on the the thorny issue of student loans, their real cost and repayment options.

Retail Careers and Further Study Programmes

This is a huge area for careers and the structures which we visited earlier this year with respect to the London Fashion Retail Academy. We now possess a contact with a course leader of a Fashion Merchandise Management degree who has volunteered to talk to anyone or a group of you who are interested in learning more either about further study or career opportunities in this area. Please let us know.

London Taster Days Programme 2012

About a dozen Beaumont students attended these last year and I really do not know why it was not considerably more, as this is THE outstanding programme to guide students towards the correct degree choice and to support personal statement writing. Needless to say all students who attended were well ahead in these areas come this September's application season.

The new programme opens up on 12th January and is so popular it requires booking promptly. Find it on www.london.ac.uk/tasters. Better still start following them on Facebook "London Taster Course Programme" so you do not miss anything.

Essay Competitions

Always a good way to pimp up your UCAS application and, perhaps, walk off with £500. Peterhouse College Cambridge are running essay competitions in:

HISTORY; SCIENCE AND ENGLISH

Details on: www.pet.cam.ac.uk/prospective-students/essay-prizes

Deadine March 23rd 2012

Cambridge Subject Workshops for Year 12s

One day events aimed at potential applicants to Cambridge and other "competitive" universities. You will need to have obtained a mix of A* and A grades at GCSE level and have a realistic expectation of achieving A*AA at A level to be chosen by the College. Subjects are titled:

Uncovering the Past;
New Research in the Sciences;
Technology in the 21st Century;
Literature & Language

See Mr de Kort if interested.

Cambrideg University Shadowing Scheme

Year 12s considering applying there should consider this scheme which takes place in late January and February - Thursdays to Saturday and free.

Deadline for applications = 2 Dec

Info and application forms from: www.cusu.cam.ac.uk/prospective/target/shadowing/

Merchandising at Tesco

WGC based opportunity for career within merchandising at Tesco (see blog careers link). Need A levels equivalent to 3 C grades and, of course, interpersonal skills such as commercial awareness, analytical mind, communication skills and an ability to manage a workload. No surprises there then!

Law Opportunities

Herts Uni School of Law Open Day - Sunday 13th November (12 - 1500. Also public lecture Monday 21st Nov 17.30 - 19.30. Presentation on LLB course followed by lecture from Director of Prision Reform Trust entitled "Barred Citizens". Book a place via admissions tutor Kevin Rogers: k.rogers@herts.ac.uk