Year 11 Parents’ Evening

1. Year 11 Parents’ Evening Thursday 15th November 2012. Mr McGhee, Mr Paterson and Mr Webb. Visit again at www.fhscareers.weebly.com (Year 11 Transitions)

2. Thank you for coming .. This purpose of this part of the evening is to give you (students and parents) further information, guidance and an aspiration to achieve the highest possible grades. Mr McGhee – AAHT responsible for the Gifted and Talented provision. Mr Webb – TLR attached to the sixth form, pathways and careers. Mr Paterson – Sixth form Academic tutor co-ordinating the EPQ course. A time for questions

3. The Gifted and Talented register The register has been created based on a series of data streams and teachers input. The data indicates that your child is in the top 10% of the year group and therefore has the academic potential to achieve B, A and A*’s grades at GCSE. At Featherstone we strongly believe that every student should be sufficiently challenged to achieve their best and that their successes are celebrated.

4. Purpose of the evening Each member of staff will deliver in an area of their given responsibility and expertise. By the end of the evening you (parents and pupils) should know your target grades (from the report), and the best ways to achieve these target grades. Most importantly this presentation is to raise your aspirations beyond GCSE’s so that you make the best pathways choices and understand the routes, and benefits, of applying for a Russell Group university course.

5. Other ways to achieve your FFTD grades? • Coursework catch-up sessions • After school every day 4-4.45pm • Different subjects on different days • Holiday booster and revision classes • February half term and Easter holidays. • Mock exam, in some subjects, in December grade given to know how far you are achieving your target grade. • Independent study time available in the main school library p1 and p2. • A ‘study buddy’, working in collaboration with a partner can be supportive, motivational and a way to peer learn.

6. Other overlooked, but common sense ways to raise attainment High attendance (95%) and excellent punctuality to school. Completing and meeting all the subject homework deadlines. Using the school weebly e-learning sites to support learning outside the classroom (more of this from tutors) Early planning of revision and homework around a calendar of exam dates. Identifying weaknesses in subjects and taking action to rectify them. (marked work) Regular reading of books for pleasure (fiction and non-fiction) Reading a broadsheet newspaper (available in the library) Being an active leader participating in the school community. Talking to subject teachers and acting on their advise on how to improve. Asking for help and acting on advise whenever your are stuck.

7. Mr Webb: Coming up Applying to University in 2016 Why Russell Group? How to make a successful Russell Group application.

8. Good News  • FHS has a strong track record of getting students into university (92% of students successful in their first application which is above the national average of 75%) • There are many bursaries and scholarships available for students applying to university • University graduates earn on average £100,000 more over a lifetime than those who do not attend university • Only 58% of universities will be charging the maximum of £9000 tuition fees a year • Fees are only repaid once you graduate and start to earn £21000 or more p.a.

9. Bad news  • Tuition fees are more expensive • Applications are increasing, meaning there is more competition • Around 1/3 of people applying to university are unsuccessful every year • UK students (650,000) are competing with international students as well

10. What can you do? • Be realistic • Help yourself • Know your ability • Work hard • Do something ‘super curricular’

11. Be realistic Medicine – most ask for at least 5 A*s at GCSE, at least Chemistry A-Level – most also require Biology – relevant medical work experience in a medical field is required Law – incredibly competitive and over subscribed. Typical offer is AAB. – this degree will NOT enable you to walk straight into a Law firm, you will need to do further (more expensive) training. Oxbridge – 70-80% A/A*s to be considered and typical offer is AAA* Science – if you plan on studying Science at University (including Psychology) you may need at least a C grade at Maths GCSE BTEC Level 3 Qualifications – some universities will only accept these in combination with an A-Level and some universities will not accept them at all.

12. Types of universities Russell Group Universities –24 universities recognised with the highest rated research facilities. Mainly academic courses. Most courses will require at least AAB and may have more specific requirements including GCSE subjects and grades Plate Glass Universities – created mainly in the 1960s. Mainly academic courses with some applied courses. Typical offers are Grades B & C at A Level ‘New’ Universities – mainly 1990’s onwards Mainly applied courses with some academic courses. Lower entry requirements

13. Why Russell Group? http://www.russellgroup.ac.uk The Russell Group represents 24 leading UK universities which are committed to maintaining the very best research, an outstanding teaching and learning experience and unrivalled links with business and the public sector.

14. Why Russell Group? http://www.russellgroup.ac.uk Research has shown that studying at a Russell Group university attracts a salary top up of approximately 10% over a lifetime compared with other graduates. This is even when other factors affecting wages have been taken into account such as A Level scores or parental background.

15. How to make a successful Russell Group application. • Top grades at A Level • Links with universities and master classes (www.fhscareers.weebly.com) • Read around the subject • Visit Museum, art galleries, exhibitions • Relevant work experience • Attend or host clubs in school

16. How to make choose 6th Form courses to make a successful application to Russell Group Universities • Know what you want to study? – Check out the entry requirements and read around the subject. www.UCAS.com • Not sure yet? – Keep your options open! • Enabling Subjects: Maths, English Literature, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Geography, History & (Modern) Languages • GCSEs and other Level 2 qualifications matter. • Think balance! • Make sure you know WHY? Could you speak for 60 seconds on your reasons for choosing a subject? For more information search “Russell Group, Informed Choices”

17. Useful links www.fhscareers.weebly.com www.ucas.com www.russellgroup.ac.uk Awebb@featherstonehigh.ealing.sch.uk

18. Mr Paterson:Academic Tutor Monitor progress throughout the year Build on excellent GCSE grades and bridge the gap to A Level standard UCAS application and university advice Input on Personal Statements Promote academic rigour and the skills required for university study Opportunities outside school – university visits Extended Project

19. Aiming high Aspiring to excellence Competing against students nationally, not just at Featherstone Being informed and aware ‘Going the extra mile’ Gaining independence and showing initiative

20. Extended Project (EPQ) Freestanding qualification Equivalent to half an AS level in points Graded from A*-U Based on a topic chosen by the learner Requires in total around 120 guided learning hours (both within school time and out of school)

21. Previous titles at FHS What makes a successful diagnosis? The strengths of one of the fastest growing economies in the world – India How dangerous is solar activity?  Alcohol Abuse – The Physical, Psychological and Social Effects How has immigration affected West London? What is next for Particle Physics and the Large Hadron Collider?

22. What do universities thinkabout the Extended Project? Most universities will not make a conditional offer including the EP They do however recognise the quality of the qualification It can set apart candidates who have the same predicted grades Universities may make a lower conditional offer if students have an EP qualification It can encourage students to make reference to the skills they have learnt in their personal statement

23. What Russell Group universities say about the Extended Project Cambridge University ‘We welcome the introduction of the Extended Project and would encourage you to undertake one as it will help you develop independent study and research skills and ease the transition from school/college to higher education.’ Newcastle University We welcome applications from students offering the Extended Project alongside A Levels. We value the research skills and independent learning that the Extended Project is designed to develop. If you offer an Extended Project, it will be taken into account. Your offer may be varied as a result, in recognition of the level of study skills you will have developed. Oxford University ‘The University recognises that the EP will provide an applicant with the opportunity to develop research and academic skills relevant for study at Oxford. Candidates are encouraged to draw upon relevant EP experience when writing their personal statement.’

24. Any questions? We will all be going into the main school hall at 6.50pm to join our tutor groups.