winstanley college Winstanley -passpor t to the best universities At Winstanley, we are keen to make sure that you reach your full potential and achieve the best possible academic results. And that includes a dedicated programme to help you gain a place at a top university.
For all of our students, including those with the highest GCSE grades, we have the expertise, facilities and experience in supporting applications to the country’s top universities, including Oxbridge and Russell Group Universities. More than 400 students progress each year to the most sought after universities, more than any other college in the North West.
Which are the best universities? A ‘prestigious university’ will have a global footprint. It will have extensive international research networks bringing together the very best scholars from around the world, a record of producing ground breaking research and diverse campuses and plenty of resources. Degrees gained from such a university will reflect this high status.
The Russell Group: 24 leading UK universities which are committed to maintaining the very best research, an outstanding teaching and learning experience, and links with business and the public sector.
Best in the Nor th West Facilitating Subjects
A*AB
These are the A-level results in subjects identified by Oxbridge and the Russell Group as being the most useful i.e they allow to the widest range of degrees.These subjects are: English, Maths, Science Languages, History and Geography.
Here is another common measure of top grades. They are important because universities have unlimited places for students with these grades. Places are ristricted for students with lower grades.
Position
College
%AAB 2+
Position
College
%A*AB
1 2 3 4 5
Hills Road St Dominic’s Greenhead Winstanley Peter Symonds
37 31 27 24 23
1 2 3 4 5
St Dominic’s Winstanley Greenhead Woodhouse Cardinal Newnan
69.98 68.41 67.26 66.25 65.70
Source: The Times 17th November 2013
Source: The Times 16th August 2013
winstanley college A passion for learning Many Winstanley students have a strong desire to stretch themselves beyond the demands of A-level.
What the students say Winstanley creates an environment in which students are encouraged to challenge themselves and to pursue areas of personal interest beyond the taught curriculum. The nurturing of independent thought and the ability to think analytically was incredibly valuable when at interview. Teachers at Winstanley actively encouraged me to read around the subjects and to challenge myself academically. This really helps develop independent study skills.
A-level results at a glance 2013 Remember: the top universities are looking for your top grades and in the facilitating subjects. Best in North West - 37.8% A/A* across all subjects (not just a few) Best in North West - A*AB 68.41% Best in North West - 24% AAB in 2+ facilitating subjects Best in North West - 1006.6 points per student Extended project 96.4% A*-B –highly regarded by prestigious universities More than 400 students progress each year to the most sought after universities 11.3% A* 99.1% A-E 177 students achieved 3 grade A’s or better 50 students studying at Oxbridge Over 70 students studying Law Over 30 students placed in medicine/dentistry/veterinary science each year Art Foundation: 66% distinction –way above the national average Notes t "U 8JOTUBOMFZ ZPV DBO EP BOZ DPNCJOBUJPO PG " MFWFMT t :PV XJMM OPU CF UVSOFE BXBZ PODF ZPV BSSJWF CFDBVTF BO " MFWFM course is full
winstanley college A comprehensive Oxbridge Programme Outstanding students deserve outstanding suppor t The college offers excellent support for Oxbridge applicants which starts in the January of Year 12. There are workshops on top universities, advice on applications and personal statements as well as interview and tutorial practice with Winstanley staff and outside experts from the public and private sector. Trips are organised to regional conferences and residential visits to Oxford and Cambridge. Students are encouraged to apply successfully to prestigious summer schools and master class open days. At departmental and subject level there is comprehensive academic support for such applicants and any external tests applications demand such as the Politics, Law and Sociology Department’s LNAT programme and rigorous preparation in English and History for ELAT and HAT respectively. In the autumn of Year 13 students are offered several general interviews with senior staff as well as ‘thinking on your feet’ tutorials with subject specialists.
Cambridge and the HE+ Initiative Winstanley is delighted to have been chosen n by Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge as the hub college for widening access for students from state schools for places at top universities. HE+ is designed to encourage and prepare the brightest and most enthusiastic students to compete for places att top universities, including the University of Cambridge. Winstanley students have the opportunity to take part in extension classes, master classes and workshops, at the College and at Sidney Sussex College Cambridge. Winstanley student Saffron Lowsley, who is thinking of studying History at university, said: “I’m looking forward to the extension classes as a taster of what it might be like to study at university level. I’m also keen to find out more about what studying at university is really like so the chance to visit Sidney Sussex College is a big plus.”
“Currently, there are over 45 students from Winstanley College studying at Oxbridge”
winstanley college Stretch and Challenge We work hard to ensure that the most ‘gifted and talented’ students make a success of their time with us.
Extended Project Qualification The EPQ gives you the chance to study a topic of your choice in some depth - excellent for those who want to stretch themselves and enjoy being challenged. You will be mentored by a tutor who guides you in your choice of project and the skills needed to complete it. The Extended Project will not only develop the ability to work independently but provide you with vital skills to help with your applications to universities. Such skills include obtaining and selecting information from a variety of sources, analysing data, taking critical decisions and communicating ideas effectively to others. As the qualification is also worth UCAS points, equivalent to an AS-level, it presents a fantastic opportunity.
Katherine Mulroy A-levels: Philosophy and Religion, Government and Politics & Modern History My Extended Project is on assisted suicide and whether it should be legalized in the UK. I have really enjoyed learning about what assisted suicide involves and the views from religious groups, pressure groups and people in my own class. I think that Extended Project is a great Qualification and would recommend it to anyone who is considering going to university.
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Phoebe McGibbon
Centre of excellence for ST EM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) Physicist of the Year Robyn Finch, one of 4 Winstanley students awarded prizes at the Physicist of the Year event organised by The Ogden Trust. The idea of the Trust is to open pathways for careers in science and particularly physics.
-BX BU 0YGPSE 5SJOJUZ $PMMFHF 4UBOEJTI )JHI 4DIPPM " MFWFMT: English Language, History, French “Debating sessions were fantastic in helping me to develop reasoning skills, and to present arguments. LNAT preparation sessions and mock interviews really helped me to practise my skills and perform to my best.�
Winstanley Engineers Problem Solving Winstanley students recently spent 3 days working with professional Engineers from Sellafield and Nuclear Engineering Science (NES) to find an engineering solution to a problem they were set. Dr Leah Ridgeway, Head of Engineering at Liverpool University, was so impressed by one of the solutions, that she had the team explaining it to her 1st year undergraduates.
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Crest Award A team of Winstanley students has been awarded a CREST medal for “enthusiasm and understanding of issues in a world context� for their work on their low cost biodigester for use in developing countries. The low cost, portable Biodigester can be used to generate energy in developing countries and a prototype was manufactured at a workshop at Liverpool University.
Budding barristers Joe Hilton and Zainab Gulamhussein had a chance to play the role of barrister by donning the wig and gown. The visit by barristers Jacqui Thomas and Liz Shaw provided a wealth of valuable information and advice about of the law profession.
winstanley college Medics, dentists and vets Winstanley has a fantastic record of helping students gain a place at university to study medicine, dentistry or veterinary science. In all subjects, there are opportunities for students to challenge themselves by doing something extra. Superb help and advice for potential MDV students What the students say:-
“Winstanley staff offered a wealth of experience and advice in every aspect of my medicine application, offering one to one support.” “Weekly meetings were held for prospective MDV applicants. These covered all aspects of the admissions process including: writing a personal statement, applying early through UCAS and taking the BMAT and UKCAT entry exams.” “Mock interviews were arranged for students and were a good representation of the real thing, helping me to feel at ease and to reach my potential at interview.”
New Course! Medical Professions Award Smoothing your path to a career in medicine and dentistry The award has been developed with staff from the local Primary Care Trust, Bridgewater Community Healthcare Trust and Liverpool University Medical School. The award will include high level academic work and reviews, extensive voluntary work, a comprehensive taught programme, peer collaboration, personal research, presentation skills and pairing with a current university medicine/dental school student to act as mentor. The Award can be included on the UCAS form and an individual reference will be provided.