Student Support- Scholars

The aim of the Scholars Group is to encourage those students who achieved excellent GCSE grades to stretch themselves academically and to aim high in their university and career aspirations. These students meet on a regular basis to follow a programme of activities designed to challenge and inspire academic achievement. This includes:

  • Help and advice on university choices
  • Attendance at Oxbridge seminars and other similar events
  • The opportunity to discuss and share ideas with other academic students
  • Sessions designed to build confidence in speaking and presentation in preparation for interviews
  • Guidance on completion of their UCAS application and their personal statement
  • Encouragement to participate in taster courses, summer schools and residential courses offered by some universities and other institutions
  • Outside speakers and alumni to encourage students

WG6 SCHOLARS PROGRAMME

The Scholars Group provides support for those students who wish to access an aspirational university. It gives them the self-confidence, skills and guidance to help them achieve their highest potential.

Oxbridge seminars – assess if students feel much better informed regarding potential the selection process. Feedback from the students who attend a trip to see if they are more confident regarding their applications.

Visit from local GP and medical student – talk to prospective medicine, nursing and midwifery students. This session could be aimed at helping students with their personal statement and interview.

Visit from Admissions Officer – personal statements and really good advice regarding university admissions.

Publicising summer schools and shadowing schemes – ensuring THEO is received more widely using website

Visits to University (maybe Queen Mary’s or Southampton) – groups of students taken to University for taster day. On both occasions, information given about applying, personal statements, student finance and applications.

Visit to WG6 from ex student – informal talk and QA session or get a group of Oxbridge students to come in.

One-to-one help given with personal statements

Mock interviews – carry out with a range of students but maybe have something specific for aspire students

After school sessions – these could be held regularly throughout the academic year for both Year 12 and Year 13 Aspire groups. In these, we discuss wider reading, current events, interview techniques, personal statements, debating and give specific advice as and when needed.

Parliament visit – Get a guided tour, talk from the Parliament Education Service and show students the importance of just taking any opportunity available.

Applying to competitive universities – Give ideas for best practice that could be adopted by students

Oxford or Cambridge University visit – ensure a specific brief.

Support for early applicants - Many key universities and courses have an early application date.  UCAS deadlines can be viewed here