The Sixth Form and Beyond

2012-2013

The Sixth Form and Beyond document is produced annually in December.  It is reproduced here, but it can also be downloaded in its entirety as a pdf file - Sixth Form and Beyond.

Clicking on any of the links below will take you to the appropriate section on this page.

CONTENTS

Introduction by the Headmaster 
Choosing Your Sixth Form Subjects 
Cambridge Pre-U Qualification 
The Wider Sixth Form Programme

The Block System (Provisional)

The Courses
Art 
Biology 
Business Studies 
Chemistry 
Classical Civilisation 
Classical Languages 
Design and Technology 
Economics 
English Literature
Geography 
History 
History of Art 
ICT 
Mathematics 
Modern Languages - French, German and Spanish
Music 
Physical Education 
Physics 
Religious Studies 
Theatre Studies

Global Perspectives and Independent Research (GPR) 
Higher Education 
Financial Support in Higher Education in the United Kingdom 
Scholarships and Sponsorship 
Useful Sources of Information 
Careers Programme

INTRODUCTION BY THE HEADMASTER

The step from the Fifth Form into the Sixth Form is probably the most significant for any student on his or her path through senior school and on to university.  It represents the golden opportunity to make a personal decision which will influence the direction pursued not only in the Sixth Form, but also in higher education, and even into the first phase of a career.

This being so, the business of making Sixth Form subject choices is one to be undertaken not only with great care but also with a genuine feeling that it is personal, that it will reflect individual strengths, interests and enthusiasms, and that it could be the start of a quest to dig deep into academic subjects which, so far, have necessarily been treated in a comparatively superficial way.

In some instances, new subjects will be chosen – ones which aren’t on offer at GCSE; in others, the Sixth Form will offer a continuation of disciplines which are already familiar.  Either way, it is vital to consider options carefully and then settle on a combination which is both sensible in itself and genuinely appetizing.  

As this booklet points out, there are groups of subjects (perhaps most obviously on the ‘sciences’ side) which sit particularly comfortably together and which may need to be coupled for the purposes of entry into university.  But there is also plenty of scope for considering a combination which includes an element of contrast, especially in the Lower Sixth when all students pursue four subjects.

Since there are few things worse than finding oneself committed in the Sixth Form to ‘the wrong’ disciplines, let me offer a very simple guideline: you must choose subjects which, in all honesty, you would expect to enjoy and in which you could imagine doing really well.  And if you need any advice about how well you might expect to do, faculty staff will be only too happy to talk things through.

Serious and successful Sixth Form students put their academic studies at the centre of their lives at Shrewsbury.  We expect much of them and they come to expect a great deal of themselves as they explore, with increasing independence, academic interests which, in many cases, will remain with them for many years into the future.  That is why this moment of selection is not only to be handled very sensibly, but also to be relished: it represents the opportunity of a life-time.

Mark Turner

 

CHOOSING YOUR SIXTH FORM SUBJECTS

The Sixth Form Curriculum

Most pupils study four subjects in the Lower Sixth, and AS qualifications are “cashed-in” at the end of the Lower Sixth year.  Pupils then have the option either to continue with all four subjects in the Upper Sixth or to reduce to three subjects in order to focus more closely on these subjects. 

In the Lower Sixth, pupils also have the opportunity to participate in the Complementary Studies programme, which offers a wide range of additional courses, some of which lead to examinations (including the GPR course described on page 45).  Details of the Complementary Studies courses for 2012/13 will be made available during Summer Term 2012, and choices will be made at the start of Michaelmas Term 2012.

Additionally, each pupil follows a PSHE programme, and a four-week module entitled “After Shrewsbury”, which covers CV writing and the process of applying for jobs and university courses.

There are many other ways in which pupils can extend their studies beyond the classroom, including:

  • The extensive lecture programme that runs throughout the year
  • Academic societies and discussion groups
  • Overseas trips, including study trips in Modern Foreign Languages.  There have also been recent trips abroad for those studying Art, Biology, History and Physics.

When do I have to choose my subjects?

Most of the decision-making process takes place during the Lent Term.  Final choices must then be submitted at the very beginning of the Summer Term.

  • An Options Fair will be held on Saturday 28th January 2012 for all pupils who will be in next year’s Lower Sixth.  Parents are also invited to attend.  This event will provide pupils with greater detail about the subjects that they might wish to study in the Sixth Form.
  • All pupils will then be asked to submit their provisional subject choices by Monday 6th February 2012.  Pupils in the Fifth Form will be asked to submit their choices to their Housemaster; new entrants will submit their choices to the Sixth Form Registrar. 
  • In response to these provisional choices the Director of Studies may make some small changes to the block structure in order to accommodate as many combinations of choices as possible.  If any such changes are made, the revised version of the block structure will be made available.  
  • The Fifth Form Parents’ Meeting on Sunday 11th March 2012 provides a further opportunity for discussion.
  • Updated choices will be requested by Friday 20th April 2012 (again via Housemasters and the Sixth Form Registrar).  At this point, the process of drawing up the timetable for 2012/13 will start.  It is usually possible to change choices right up until September, but only provided there is space in the relevant sets.

How do I start to make the choice?

This booklet provides information about each of the courses offered.  Pupils should read carefully the entries for any subjects that they are considering, along with the general advice at the beginning of the booklet.

The subjects available in the Lower Sixth can be split into two groups: those that were available as GCSE subjects, and those that are new in the Sixth Form.  For pupils in the Fifth Form at Shrewsbury, the new subjects are Business Studies, Economics, History of Art, ICT, Photography and Theatre Studies. 

For those subjects that were available at GCSE, you will already have a good idea of what the subject entails, and how successful you are likely to be if you study it in the Sixth Form.  However, do read the comments about individual subjects on the following pages and also talk to your current teachers, because it is important that you know what AS and A Level in these subjects involve. 

For the subjects that are new in the Sixth Form, you probably need to do a little more fact-finding.  It is very important that you approach these subjects with a good idea of what is involved.  If one of these subjects sounds appealing to you, then read the comments in this booklet very carefully and talk to the relevant Head of Faculty.

How do I decide which subjects to do?

You need to choose subjects that you will do well in, and that you will enjoy studying. 

Application to the top universities is increasingly competitive, and you should be aiming for the highest grades you can achieve. Although you are quite likely not to know what you intend to study beyond Shrewsbury, high A Level grades will give you greater, and probably better, options. 

Given the academic nature of some of the most competitive courses, the choice of A Level subjects also needs to be considered carefully.  Obviously your natural strengths and abilities form an important basis for making this decision, but to be successful in the Sixth Form you also need to be really interested in the subjects you choose.  The most successful Sixth Formers are the ones who show high levels of self-motivation and for whom their A Level studies are genuinely interesting and enjoyable.

Which subjects go well together?   Can I mix Arts and Sciences?

You should think about the grouping of subjects as well as the individual choices.  Some pupils look to create a broad base of subjects in the Sixth Form, but it is also advisable to choose subjects that fit well with each other.  If you are likely to be aiming for the most competitive university courses then you would normally be advised to choose a group of three subjects that fit well together, even if the fourth subject may be contrasting.

  • Choosing subjects that go well together.  In many cases, subjects go particularly well together (e.g. Mathematics with Physics, Chemistry with Biology).  Choosing subjects that require similar skills can significantly boost your chances of gaining good grades.
  • Breadth.  The AS curriculum is designed to enable pupils to choose subjects that cover a broad range.  In other words it is perfectly possible to choose three sciences and then add a language as the fourth subject; or to choose three arts subjects and then add Mathematics as the fourth. 

Who can help me make the choice?

In many cases, making the choice of four subjects can be quite daunting; however, there is plenty of help on offer.  Do talk about your choices to any of the following:

  • Your parents
  • Your Housemaster and Tutor
  • The Sixth Form Registrar (for Sixth Form entrants)
  • Your subject teachers
  • Heads of Faculties
  • Pupils already in the Sixth Form
  • Older brothers, sisters, and friends who may have experience of the Sixth Form in another school
  • Members of the Careers Department / Head of Careers

Also think about the results of your trial GCSEs and the feedback from your Morrisby ISCO test, which will give you a picture of your strengths and weaknesses.

(Sixth Form Entrants may have taken the Morrisby test at their current school.  Those who have not done so will have the opportunity to take it during their first month at Shrewsbury).

Do I need to think about what I want to do beyond school?

Yes!  Universities that are popular, and have a demand for places, will continue to look for high grades at A Level, and a number of courses prefer you to have studied particular A Level subjects.  There may also be a requirement for high grades in some specified GCSE subjects.

Clearly your choice of subjects at this stage will in many cases have an effect on what you do at university and beyond.  If you already have an idea of what you want to do as a career, or at university, then it is important that you consult the Careers Department to make sure that your choices do not rule out future paths.  Certain areas need special consideration:

  1. Mathematics and Science: Further Mathematics - Mathematics - Physics - Chemistry - Biology.  According to interest and ability you should normally choose adjacent subjects.  Mathematics is often essential for those studying the sciences, but the ability to cope with certain mathematical techniques is also valuable in Geography, Business Studies and Economics.  Any Sixth Former considering Mathematics as a subject to study at university will be expected to take Further Mathematics at A Level.
  2. Engineering: Intending Engineers will be required by most universities to have studied Mathematics and Physics at A Level.  Potential Oxbridge candidates and pupils likely to apply for the most competitive courses should seriously consider Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Physics. 
  3. Medicine: The general university requirement for this course is an A Level in Chemistry and generally one more from Mathematics, Physics or Biology.  Many courses are now prepared to consider a mix of Arts and Science subjects provided that A Level Chemistry is part of the diet, although a few state that they are willing to accept Chemistry at only AS level.  On the other hand some courses still demand three science subjects, and a trend is emerging to emphasise the need for Biology at A Level.  The A Level grades required for entry to Medical Schools only rarely fall below AAB, often with a minimum of a B grade in the fourth AS level.
  4. Veterinary Science: The requirements for this course are still Chemistry, Biology, and preferably Mathematics or Physics.  Grades required are AAA in practice.  In some cases, the fourth AS has to be at A or B grade too.
  5. Modern Languages: Two languages studied at A Level can give more flexibility in the choice of language-related courses at University, and this relative rarity amongst A Level candidates can be a crucial advantage in competing for selective courses.  Many courses allow for some languages to be started “ab initio”.
  6. Business Studies and/or Economics: Candidates considering Business Studies or Economics for AS/A2 should consult the relevant Heads of Faculties.  It is possible to take both AS Business Studies and AS Economics, but it is not recommended to continue both to A2 for candidates continuing only three subjects to A Level, without discussion with the Careers Department.

 
CAMBRIDGE PRE-U QUALIFICATION

Pupils considering French or Physics in the Sixth Form should read this section particularly carefully

The Cambridge Pre-U was a new qualification launched in September 2008.  It has been designed as an alternative to A Level and has been developed by the Cambridge International Examinations Board (CIE) with considerable input from teachers.  A number of schools like Shrewsbury offer Pre-U courses in some subjects, and at Shrewsbury we have offered Cambridge Pre-U in French and Physics (and also in the GPR course described on page 45) since 2008, and we are pleased to add a Pre-U History course this year for the first time.

  • In French, all students follow the Pre-U course. 
  • In Physics, both Pre-U and A Level are offered.  Pupils will all start the AQA Physics A course in September.  After a resetting test, which will be sat before Exeat in the Michaelmas Term, the students will then have the opportunity to transfer across to the Cambridge Pre-U course if we consider this to be more appropriate to their needs.
  • In History, both Pre-U and A Level are offered.  When making their subject choices, pupils will be asked to indicate if they would like to follow the Pre-U course. 

French

In French, the Cambridge Pre-U is felt by the Faculty simply to be the best and most appropriate qualification available when compared with the A Level syllabuses on offer.  Pupils will study for the Short Course examination at the end of the Lower Sixth, at which point any pupil who does not wish to continue with French in the Upper Sixth can stop studying the subject and has a qualification to show for their Lower Sixth studies.  All other pupils will then continue to the full Pre-U examination at the end of the Upper Sixth.

For more detail on the French syllabus, please see page 33. 

Physics

In Physics, the Cambridge Pre-U is felt to be the most appropriate qualification for those students who enjoy a mathematical approach to Physics.  It is felt to be particularly relevant to those who wish to pursue Physics, Engineering or Mathematics courses at the most competitive universities.

At the same time, it is felt that the A Level Physics course remains the most appropriate for those who thrive on studying the ways in which Physics is practised and used today, and for whom the mathematical approach may not be their favoured option.

For more detail on the Physics syllabus, please see page 40.

History

The Pre-U History course allows pupils to study a breadth of historical topics.  The course encourages pupils to develop their own independent study skills, to read widely and to write fluently.  By the end of the course, pupils will have gained an in-depth understanding of a wide sweep of both British and European history, and will also have developed their capacity to formulate their own opinions and ideas about the areas they have studied.

Pupils following the Pre-U History course must recognise that they are embarking on a two-year linear course.  There is no assessment opportunity at the end of the Lower Sixth, and so any pupil dropping the subject at that stage would not gain a qualification.

For more detail on the History syllabus, please see page 27.

Grading

The Cambridge Pre-U is graded in a different way to A Levels.  There are 9 pass grades, as follows:

    A Level equivalent

Distinction

D1
D2

A*

D3

A

Merit

M1
M2
M3

B/C

Pass

P1
P2
P3

D/E

The Cambridge Pre-U has been drawn up so that any pupil who would pass an A Level will also pass the corresponding Pre-U.

We realise that parents and pupils may have questions that they wish to ask about the Cambridge Pre-U.  These may be addressed to:

Martin Cropper    
Chris Conway    
Tim Whitehead  
Martin Kirk         
Laura Whittle                 
Steve Adams    

Director of Studies
Careers Master
Head of French
Head of Physics
Head of History 
Head of Science (& GPR)

mc@shrewsbury.org.uk
cwc@shrewsbury.org.uk
tcw@shrewsbury.org.uk
mak@shrewsbury.org.uk
ljw@shrewsbury.org.uk
sfa@shrewsbury.org.uk

Furthermore, parents may wish to visit the website of the Cambridge Pre-U, which can be found at: http://www.cie.org.uk/qualifications/academic/uppersec/preu

Martin Cropper
Director of Studies

 
THE WIDER SIXTH FORM PROGRAMME

Throughout the Sixth Form pupils are encouraged to consider their future further.  Tutors and Housemasters usually provide the first step, then members of the Careers Department.  Furthermore, ISCO are always ready to give help individually.  Among the particular activities arranged are:

    1. Careers Experience Courses for Lower & Upper Sixth:  A talk emphasising the value of work experience is given by the Careers Master in the second half of the Michaelmas Term of the Lower Sixth.  ISCO run a series of “Expanding Horizons” courses during the year, enabling those in the Sixth Form to have a look at a wide selection of careers.  These are of real practical value and are recommended to all pupils.  Any Sixth Former offered a place on such a course should regard themselves as committed to it.  Other organisations run courses and these are advertised within the school.  Parents are encouraged to arrange for their sons or daughters to visit local firms/friends for a two or three day period “shadowing” possible future careers or interests.  Details of the Expanding Horizons courses are available on the ISCO web-site  (www.isco.org.uk) and are advertised at school.  
    2. Open Day visits for Lower Sixth:  From the start of the Lent Term all pupils in the Lower Sixth are encouraged to spend up to two days each term investigating Higher Education by visiting a University or College of Higher Education and talking to staff and students over as wide a range as possible.  They are encouraged to learn how to make choices and when to make them.  Dates of Open Days are advertised in the Houses (and available on www.opendays.com), and Sixth Formers are encouraged to take the initiative.  Both the Oxbridge Master and the Careers Master speak to the Lower Sixth about Higher Education in general, and Oxbridge in particular, during the Lent Term.
    3. Talk to Lower Sixth Parents:  In the middle of the Lent Term, parents of pupils in the Lower Sixth are invited to meet the Careers Master just before the Parents’ Meeting, when the complexities of University entrance and Higher Education are explained and discussed.
    4. Challenge of Management:  At the end of the Summer Term of the Lower Sixth, a two-day “Challenge of Management” conference is held for all pupils to encourage them to see what management means in all types of job, though primarily in industry and commerce.
    5. Lectures:  Throughout the Michaelmas and Lent Terms, weekly lectures are held on Higher Education and Careers by speakers from Universities, Agricultural Colleges, Art Colleges and the world of work.  Details are in the Fasti and parents are most welcome.  These lectures are open to pupils in all years.
    6. UCAS:  In the Summer Term of the Lower Sixth the Careers Master gives a talk about Applying to Higher Education through the UCAS system.  This is then supported by members of the Careers Department visiting all Houses in the first few weeks of the Michaelmas Term to give detailed advice to the Upper Sixth about their applications.
    7. Interviews:  All pupils (and parents) are welcome to have an interview with the Careers Department, at any stage, to discuss their current thoughts and to ascertain what further help might be needed.  Talks are given in the Summer Term of the Lower Sixth, on “Getting to the Interview” and “The Interview” itself.  Additionally, an Interview Coaching Course takes place for the Upper Sixth in the Michaelmas Term.  As a fee is involved, parents are requested to decide whether they wish their sons or daughters to take this course.  Details of this will be outlined at the Lower Sixth Parents’ Talk, and a letter giving details is sent to parents during the Summer Term of the Lower Sixth.
    8. Gap Year:  A talk by the Careers Master to the Lower Sixth towards the end of the Lent Term is intended to point out the possible benefits and pit-falls in taking a Gap Year, and to give some practical guidance in planning a year “between” school and university.  Possibilities of sponsorship are also included in this talk.  The school also hosts an ISCO Gap Year Fair at the end of the Lent Term.
    9. Shrewsbury House:  All members of the Lower Sixth have the opportunity to apply to participate in two day Social Study Courses based at Shrewsbury House – a Youth Club in Everton, Liverpool.  This is located in one of the most deprived areas of Great Britain.  The school and the club have been closely linked for over one hundred years, allowing students to be welcomed into the club and to gain an insight into some of the challenges facing those who live and work in the inner city.  Apart from being of general interest, this can be of tremendous importance to prospective students in geography, medicine, politics, law, anthropology and sociology.

      Those who take advantage of all the opportunities on offer will acquire a far wider background against which to make their degree and career choice than those who merely limit themselves to the compulsory activities.  Most of the careers work in the School is designed to encourage pupils to gain their own knowledge of jobs, careers and courses that interest them as well as helping the pupils to appreciate their own strengths and identify their interests.

      Chris Conway
      Careers Master

      THE BLOCK SYSTEM (PROVISIONAL)

      The subjects are offered in four blocks.  For the Lower Sixth, pupils are required to choose one subject from each block, unless Art is a choice, in which case pupils need only choose subjects from three of the blocks.

      The block structure below is provisional.  Early in the Lent Term, Housemasters (and the Sixth Form Registrar) will ask pupils for their initial choices, based on the blocks given below.  Pupils will also be asked to indicate if there is a combination of subjects that they would like to study, but which is not possible under the given block structure. 

      The Director of Studies will review the choices submitted, and may make small alterations to the block structure if these will provide a greater number of pupils with their favoured combinations of subjects.  If any changes are made, a revised block structure will be circulated, and pupils will have to base their final choices on this.  It is worth pointing out, even at this early stage, that it will not be possible to design the blocks in such a way as to accommodate all possible combinations of subjects, and so some pupils may not be able to study precisely the group of four subjects that they might wish.

      Please note that if the numbers for any given subject are too small, we may not be able to run the course.

      Block K Block L Block M Block N
      Biology 
      Business Studies
      Classical Civilisation
      English Literature
      Further Mathematics
      German 
      Mathematics
      Spanish

       

      		 Biology
      Business Studies
      Design 
      French 
      Geography 
      Latin 
      Physical Education
      Physics
      Religious Studies
      Spanish
       

      Chemistry
      Economics  
      English Literature 
      French 
      Greek 
      History A Level
      History of Art 
      ICT
      Music
      Physics
      Photography  

      Chemistry
      Economics
      English Literature
      Further Mathematics
      Geography
      History A Level
      History Pre-U
      Mathematics
      Photography
      Religious Studies
      Theatre Studies

      Notes:

      1. Art (Painting or Ceramics) will be taught outside the blocks.  This may be chosen as a fourth, or in some cases a fifth, subject.
      2. Pupils wishing to study Mathematics and Further Mathematics should choose “Further Mathematics” in both Blocks K and N.
      3. History – pupils wishing to opt for Pre-U rather than A Level should make this clear when making their initial choices.  It will be possible to move the Pre-U set from Block N to Block M if this accommodates the choices of a greater number of pupils.

      THE COURSES
      Please note: the following links will take you to the Sixth Form syllabus detail pages for each subject.  If you view them, please use the 'Back' button if you wish to return to this page      .
      Art 
      Biology 
      Business Studies 
      Chemistry 
      Classical Civilisation 
      Classical Languages 
      Design and Technology 
      Economics 
      English 
      Geography 
      History 
      History of Art 
      ICT 
      Mathematics and Further Mathematics
      Modern Languages - French, German and Spanish
      Music 
      Physical Education 
      Physics 
      Religious Studies 
      Theatre Studies

      GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES AND INDEPENDENT RESEARCH (GPR)

      AN OPTIONAL COMPLEMENTARY STUDIES COURSE (1 or 2 years)

      Global Perspectives (GP) can be studied in the lower sixth as a Pre-U Short Course (equivalent to just more than an AS course in terms of UCAS points) or as the first part of a two year Global Perspectives and Independent Research (GPR) course leading to a full Pre-U qualification (equivalent to just over a full A-level in terms of UCAS points).

      The GP course involves two contacts per week during the Lower Sixth and a significant amount of independent work (research tasks, critical thinking exercises and essays).

      The Independent Research Report involves regular contact with an academic tutor but is primarily done independently.

      Lower Sixth: Global Perspectives – seminar based course offering BREADTH.

      You will be introduced to the Critical Path – a series of techniques that will be used to deconstruct arguments, to reflect on alternative points of view and to present your own ideas. This will be achieved through research and discussion of issues of global importance.

      Some of the topics discussed in seminars have included:

      • The Law the State and You
      • Science Education and Religion
      • Nationhood and Identity
      • The Ethics of Euthanasia
      • Iran and nuclear weapons
      • The emergence of China as a Global Power
      • English as a Global Language
      • Capital punishment

      The aim of the GP course is to develop academic research, critical thinking and presentation skills that are valued by top universities and that will set you up for your research project in the Upper Sixth if you continue to the full GPR qualification.  There is no specified content – only your critical skills are assessed.

      GP is externally assessed (Summer Term of the Lower Sixth): written exam / essay / presentation.

      Upper Sixth: Independent Research Project – an opportunity for intellectual DEPTH.

      • Choose a research question (this is an open choice).
      • Meet regularly with a personal tutor with related expertise.
      • Research the topic.  Evaluate evidence and sources. Compare arguments.  Defend your own point of view.
      • Write up a 4500-5000 word academic dissertation (Lent Term, Upper Sixth).
      • Discuss it with your mentor and submit it for assessment.

      Rationale: GPR will add breadth and depth to your studies and train you in the skills most valued by academic universities – in fact it was designed after consulting universities about the kinds of students that they most wanted to recruit.

      Pre-U Qualification and Diploma. All GPR students will gain a Pre-U certificate for GPR. Those who are also taking at least one other Pre-U subject could also obtain a Pre-U Diploma. The grading system for all Pre-U subjects (including GP and GPR) is Distinction/Merit/Pass, and the top Distinction (D1) is at a level above the A* at A2.

      HIGHER  EDUCATION

      Where and When?

      Almost all our school leavers go on to Universities and Colleges of Higher Education to study at degree level.  All pupils considering Higher Education are given a mock interview on request, encouraged to look at all types of course for which they are suited, and to consider when they should apply – either at the beginning of the Upper Sixth, or after A Levels for entry a year later.

      Some pupils like to apply for “Deferred Entry”; that is to apply at the beginning of their last year at school for entry two years later (i.e. after a Gap Year).  Before doing this, it is essential that all the courses to which the pupil wishes to apply are checked as some do not like “Deferred Entry”.

      Many pupils apply to University after taking their A Levels and receiving their results.  This can greatly strengthen their prospects on the basis that “a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush”, but such applications may interfere with, or limit, the plans for a Gap Year, especially if these courses demand interviews.

      Many pupils consider having a Gap Year between School and Higher Education.  There is no general advice on this, and it is a matter of individual circumstances and preferences.  Many Universities have come to favour a Gap Year because they find that future students do not then come up treating University as a mere extension of school, but arrive with a more mature attitude.  However, both Universities and Industry have made it clear that a Gap Year should be positive and relevant, and certainly not just an extended holiday.  Possible avenues of interest for a Gap Year are advertised in the Careers Library.  Recently about 50% of our leavers have taken a Gap Year.  Provided that the year is used constructively, this can provide valuable work experience which is much in demand by employers when they recruit fresh graduates.  It should be thought of as a “year between” and NOT a “year off”.

      The School hosts a Gap Year Fair, run by ISCO, on the last day of the Lent Term.  All pupils and parents are warmly invited to attend this function.

      Universities

      Entry to Universities is through a central clearing house called UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admission Service).  On a UCAS form, up to five applications can be made (except for applications for medicine, dentistry and veterinary science for which a maximum of 4 applications are allowed).  Candidates do not declare a preference amongst their choices, and Universities no longer ‘see’ the other Universities to which a candidate has applied.  All candidates are expected to apply on-line.  The application is made between 1st September and 15th January and is for the next year or the one beyond.  In making choices, it is best to pick first the course of study and then consider the places where it is available, perusing prospectuses and especially web-sites for details.

      All universities respond to applications from November until the Spring, with varying promptness.  A candidate with A Levels will get a simple yes or no; others, if they look promising, will get an offer conditional upon certain grades being achieved.  If the application does not look promising the University will reject the candidate.  Interviews are sometimes offered; Open Days are increasingly the norm.  Dates by which applications have to be in are:

      Dentistry, Medicine & Veterinary Science

      UCAS form in to UCAS by 15th October.
      A maximum of four choices in Dentistry and Medicine is allowed.

      Remainder

      UCAS form to UCAS by 15th January at the moment, but an early application is strongly advised - if possible before the Michaelmas Term Exeat, as some institutions make offers on a “first come, first served” basis.

      Oxbridge

      If Oxford or Cambridge is to be a choice, then the selection process includes a searching interview in December of the Upper Sixth, and in many cases candidates will be asked to submit a sample of written work and / or undertake a written test.

      Furthermore, special application arrangements apply:

      Oxford University

      UCAS form in to UCAS by 15th October

      Cambridge University

      UCAS form in to UCAS by 15th October and then candidates are sent an electronic Cambridge Application Form from Cambridge to fill in on-line.

      For Choral/Organ Awards, applications at both Oxford and Cambridge should be submitted by the beginning of September.

      Art and Design Courses

      The three overlapping areas of Art and Design are Foundation Courses, Degree Courses and Vocational Courses.  Foundation Courses are the preferred route to Art and Design Courses.  Exceptionally students may be accepted onto a Degree Course with two A Levels, but they will need to have a very high standard of Art portfolio work whether they are going for an Art or Design course.  Applications for Foundation Courses should be made through the school Art Department by 31st January for entry the following autumn.  A few Universities run practical Art as opposed to Fine Art courses and for these application is through UCAS: again, a high standard of portfolio work is required.

      Visits and Prospectuses

      The best approach is to discuss possible choices with Housemaster, Tutor, and Careers Master, and then visit one or more institutions simply to look and find out the opinions of students already there.  Students should ask Mr Conway or their Housemaster for a copy of the booklet “Open Days”, to help them make best use of any such visits.  All published information about courses is available in the Careers Library, but Sixth Formers are encouraged to send away for Prospectuses, which are all free, or read them on-line.  Access can be obtained via the UCAS web-site (www.ucas.ac.uk).

      After Shrewsbury

      The role of Careers Staff does not end when a pupil leaves school.  Advice is always available to Old Salopians on request, and to their parents.  This applies most obviously to the period immediately after A Levels, when the results may be unexpected one way or the other, or if a pupil applies to Higher Education after leaving the school.

       Careers Master: Chris Conway (01743 280555)

       Oxbridge Master:  Dr Chris Minns

      FINANCIAL SUPPORT IN HIGHER EDUCATION IN THE UNITED KINGDOM

      There are still two main costs for students, tuition fees and living costs, and loans to cover the former are possible.  This year the funding system has changed completely with all funding issues being channelled through “Student Finance Direct”.  This is meant to be a ‘one-stop shop’, so hopefully all queries can be answered here.  The website is www.studentfinancedirect.co.uk.  Funding for next year appears likely to be complicated and variable depending on which UK country the student lives in, and where the HE Institution is that they go to.

      SCHOLARSHIPS AND SPONSORSHIP

      The Government and some leading firms offer Sponsorship or Scholarships (e.g. Engineering), but sponsorship offers are becoming less common, and the competition consequently more intense.

      There are many grants and scholarships which provide financial assistance for a Gap Year, or to assist in Higher Education.  Some are specific to the School, or to residents of Shropshire; others are entirely open.  Details are available in a pamphlet in the Careers Library, and The Educational Grants Directory is recommended reading.  Two Trusts worth mentioning here are:

      The Walker Trust was established for the assistance of education, health and orphans, for individuals resident within Shropshire.  Applications should be addressed to:  Clerk to the Walker Trust, The Shirehall, Shrewsbury SY2 6ND.

      Pupils living in Shropshire who are going to university can apply to The Careswell Trust for grants of about £150 for books etc. for each year of their university education.   Details are available from the Careers Master.

      University of North Carolina, USA: The John Motley Morehead Foundation chooses up to 3 outstanding candidates each year studying at selected independent schools - Shrewsbury is included - who wish to undertake a four-year degree course at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  These candidates then undergo a final selection course in America where they compete with 125 Americans for the 45 scholarships available.  All the costs of a four-year course, currently approximately £60,000 - £70,000, are covered by the scholarship.  The scheme also involves giving the student excellent work experience in the long vacations.  For further information see the Careers Master.

      USEFUL SOURCES OF INFORMATION

      Increasingly, the Internet is the best source of up-to-date information, and the following web-sites are recommended.

      General Careers Advice  www.isco.org.uk
      Higher Education   www.ucas.ac.uk
      Gap Year    www.yearoutgroup.org
      University Open Day   www.opendays.com
      Funding    www.studentfinancedirect.co.uk

      The following books may be worth buying: they are certainly worth reading:

      1.   The Times Good University Guide (Times Books).
      2.   The Virgin Alternative Guide to British Universities.
      3.   Degree Course Offers - Brian Heap (Trotman & Co. Ltd).
      4.   The Career Guide for Creative and Unconventional People (TenSpeed Press).
      5.   What Graduates Do (AgCAS).

      All the books listed above are in the Careers Library.  In addition, the Careers Library holds the following important reference books:

      1.   University & College Entrance: The Official Guide (UCAS).
      2.   Degree Course Guides (CRAC).
      3.   University Prospectuses (also available on the internet).
      4.   Britain's 100 Best Employers (CRF).

      CAREERS PROGRAMME

      Please follow this link to view the full programme of events (pdf file) taking place throughout the year:  Careers Programme.