New Curriculum
August 2013: publication of final version of framework
September 2014: first implementation of the new syllabus
UCAS Applications
UCAS Applications
- UCAS.tv on youtube - advice on many matters
- unistats: statistical information on previous applications to universities
- prepare students well for HE fairs: give them guidance on what questions to ask and what to look for
- speak to local universities about people coming in to give talks about higher education
- prospectus grades are now often used as a marketing tool; students believe universities asking for AAB are better than ABB so universities are changing prospectu grades but may well accept lower
- HEI are unaware of where else students have applied
- all students for Oxbridge, Medical, Dentistry and Veterinaray are interviewed prior to offer
- not all universities operate a gathered field - when a good application comes in, they will get a place
- find out in advance if an interview is for selection or recruitment
- adjustment process on results day: be aware of students making snap decisions
- reference is very important: make HEI aware of any extenuating circumstances
- inform university immediately if a student faces difficulty between application and exams
- subject reading makes the most difference: talking about 1 or 2 texts in detail is much better than skim reading 10 or 15
Oxford Focus
- reduced grade offers are given to pupils from low income postcode and first student from a family etc.
- Oxford offers a unique week-long subject specific summer school to introduce pupils to the style of Oxbridge learning
- recent reduction in application of "working class" boys
- marked drop in part-time and mature student application since the fee increase
- Oxford is looking for pupils with "super-curricular" activities, ie. subject specific; they are not looking for all rounders
- want "intellectually brilliant" people
- consideration of pre-U qualification
