World Class Universities Handbook 2017/18 by Emily Marchant

World Class Universities

Handbook 2017/18 Norwich High School for Girls aged 3 to 18

World Class Universities: Preparation for Entry This handbook contains advice to help those students who are intent on applying to universities ranked among the top 100 in the world. Competition for places is of course fierce. More and more of these institutions are asking students to attend interviews, undertake tests or submit essays before they decide whether or not to offer a place. For those intending to apply, careful preparation is extremely important. This needs to start early, and it should be as thorough as possible.

What is a ‘World Class University’ (WCU)?

Why apply to a WCU? There are lots of reasons why you might consider applying to a World Class University.

The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2016-2017 list the best universities in the world, making it the biggest international league table to date. It is the only global university performance table to judge world class universities across all of their core missions – teaching, research, knowledge transfer and international outlook. The ‘top universities’ rankings employ 13 performance indicators to provide the most comprehensive and balanced comparisons available.

The love of learning: Aim high and study your subject at the best level that you can. You will be stretched and challenged, and gain a deeper appreciation of your subject than you ever thought possible! Pursuing your subject at the highest levels: World Class Universities are renowned for the teaching support and resources they provide for undergraduate students. You will have a wonderful opportunity to engage with subjects and topics that are close to your heart, supported by lectures and contact with tutors at the top of their fields. Working alongside like-minded students: At a World Class University you will find people who share your interests and passions. Don’t be daunted by the prospect of meeting other young, intellectually able students; remember that you are up there with the very best!

For 2016-2017 the UK universities listed in the Times top 100 are, in order of ranking: •O xford •C ambridge • I mperial College London •U niversity College London •L ondon School of Economics (LSE) •E dinburgh •K ing’s College London • Manchester • Bristol • Warwick • Glasgow • Durham

Life after university: While it should not be your main consideration, there is no getting away from the fact that students who attend world class institutions are highly sought after by employers, thanks to the foundation of knowledge and skills that they are able to build.

The institutions in bold are those for which Dr Heselden, the school’s World Class Universities Co-ordinator, has specific responsibility.

At Norwich High School our priority is to help all students find a course and institution that best suits their needs. We hope that you will aspire to go on to the top institutions in the world, because you are all in a position to do so and should have nothing to fear.

Many of these are Russell Group universities – visit www.russellgroup.ac.uk for more details. You shouldn’t be afraid of applying to institutions that are ranked so highly. It is good to aim high, and we will do our best to help you prepare as thoroughly as possible. Information included in this booklet includes: • points to think about when deciding on making applications to competitive courses; • how to best explore your areas of interest and extend yourself so that you stand out; • what help is on offer from the school. The information that we give is not exhaustive, but it will provide you with a solid starting point for your university application process as well as a good idea about what to expect in the months ahead.

What are these universities looking for?

What is different about the application process?

To get an interview you will need to have a strong performance at either GCSE and AS or both. Where there is a course assessment examination, your performance in this test is most important. Information from the universities’ websites and from analysis of the results of previous years at Norwich High School shows that most successful applicants to Oxford and Cambridge have more than 8 GCSEs at A*. The standard is high. A typical offer to a candidate for 2016 entry was A* A A.

For applications to Oxford and Cambridge (as well as courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine at any institution) you apply through UCAS but your application must be in early: the deadline falls in the middle of October so your application must be complete by the first week in September. For applications to other UK Times top 100 institutions the deadline falls in mid-January, but the school will still expect you to have submitted your application in September.

At interview the universities are looking for people with a real interest in and love of their subject, who have the ability to think ideas through, express an argument logically and pick up and respond quickly to new ideas and suggestions. These are not abilities that can be artificially created, which is why it is so important that you take opportunities to read widely, seek out learning opportunities and explore current research wherever possible. Admissions tutors are looking for students who will excite them intellectually; you will have plenty of opportunities through the UCAS personal statement, the interview process and written tasks to show that you have this potential.

Application deadlines for overseas universities vary widely – check individual university websites for more details. For some courses you will need to take an entrance test before being asked for interview, especially if you are applying to Oxford. The university/college will tell you if you need to sit one and if so which. Examples include ELAT (for English), BMAT (for medicine) and Thinking Skills Assessments. A high number of candidates will be invited to interview. Oxford and Cambridge usually interview in the first week of December, but London colleges may interview earlier or later. Oxford and Cambridge normally send out offers in early January, but they may also ‘pool’ you (i.e. pass your application on to other colleges) and you may have to go for another interview. Either way, you will know the result by the end of January. For Oxford and Cambridge you can apply to a particular college, or you may make an open application. Which approach you take does not affect your chances of getting in; at both universities your application may be passed on to another college if the one to which you have applied has too many strong applicants. The school will advise you on your choice of college and suggest that only one student applies to each college, particularly for the same subject.

What should you do to prepare? Some useful reading:

More subject-specific advice is given later in this handbook, but the basic requirements for all subjects are:

• Buckley, Sean ‘Getting into Oxford and Cambridge (2017 Entry)’. Trotman. • Farndon, John ‘Do You Still Think You’re Clever? The Oxford and Cambridge Questions’. Icon Books. • Hutton, Glenn & Rosalie, ‘Passing Oxbridge Admissions Tests’ (2nd edition). Learning Matters. • Pallis , Elfi ‘Oxbridge Entrance: the Real Rules’. Tell Books. • Spedding, R: ‘So you want to go to Oxbridge? Tell me about a banana’ (5th edition). Oxbridge Applications.

• Talk to both Dr Heselden (the World Class University Coordinator) and Mrs McCourt (Co-director of Sixth Form with responsibility for UCAS), as well as the most relevant Head of Department. Mr Greenwood (Head of Careers) will also be able to give you valuable guidance. • Read extensively around your subject. Books, newspapers and relevant academic and research journals will all help you to develop your knowledge. Be prepared to talk to others about what you have read. • Photocopy articles, highlight interesting bits and file them, so that you can brush up on what you have read before interview. • Attend relevant ‘Lunch and Learn’ sessions at school. • Seek out and attend evening lectures in your local area. • Make the most of the lunchtime societies. • Visit universities you would be interested in going to (though this may not be possible if you are thinking of applying overseas). • Get used to discussing relevant issues, so that you can explain your thoughts clearly and respond to other people’s arguments. • Improve your general knowledge of current affairs and important issues – watch the news and read newspapers. • Go on a taster course to find out more about your chosen subject.

These books will also lead you to other publications and websites. You can also go to the websites of the university and department you are interested in and get a list of recommended reading. This gives you an idea of the level of intellect the university expects when undergraduates go up to university at the start of term. Remember that you while you may not yet be at that level you are only a year away! Don’t be put off: take it as a challenge and see what you can do.

What can the school do to help you prepare?

Preparing for interview When you read your UCAS reference it is likely that you will feel flattered that your teachers have recognised and appreciated your skills and abilities. This is because we have faith in you and feel that you deserve to be in the position you are in. If you are invited for an interview, this is your chance to show the universities just how strong you are. It is an exciting opportunity to engage with top academics and discuss your subject.

For those planning to apply to top universities we offer: • The Oxbridge Information Evening, Thursday 27th April 2017 from 4.30pm to 6.30pm at NHS – an insight into applying to and studying at Oxford and Cambridge. • Oxbridge Conference run by the GDST at Cambridge, 7th to 9th July 2017. • Interview Preparation Sessions – November 2017. • Interview Practice with a specialist in the student’s field of interest – November 2017. • Student WCU presentations – culminating November 2017. • An afternoon session to help students prepare for thinking Skills Assessments. • Advice from Heads of Department on preparation in your subject and on your personal statement. • Individual advice and support from Mrs McCourt and Dr Heselden. • The opportunity to link students with individual staff mentors.

The tips below might help you think about how to prepare for your interview: • Make a list of your personal attributes and write brief notes which give evidence of them. • Expand the items in your personal statement and summarise any claims you have made there. • Write brief summaries of any relevant work experience you have done, lectures you have attended, courses you have completed – think what these did for you; • If you have mentioned particular books in your personal statement, make sure that you are thoroughly familiar with them at the time of interview. • Although your interview takes place at the beginning of your Upper Sixth year, you may well get closely questioned about work you did in the Lower Sixth... as well as course content yet to come. Don’t get caught out!

You should also attend relevant Lunch and Learn sessions, make the most of Upper Sixth Extension classes and, where relevant, enter external competitions such as the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge and the various Olympiad competitions on offer. We encourage candidates to take part in all aspects of this programme of activities to ensure that they are as well prepared as possible.

The hardest part of an interview will be discussing your subject with someone you have not met before. The best preparation for this is to talk about your subject at every opportunity. Talk to people around you, to your parents, your friends, your teachers. You might also talk to friends of your parents or to teachers who don’t teach you so that you can get used to exploring your subject with people less familiar to you.

What to wear

Overview

You should look as if you have made an effort! The first impression you will make depends on what you are wearing and how you enter the interview room. You don’t need to wear a full suit to your interview, but at the same time it’s worth avoiding jeans and more casual attire; you should be smartly dressed and comfortable, but not over-formal. A little bit of colour is useful (it might make you more memorable) but don’t spend too much time worrying about it. Try and stand out more through what you say and the passion you put across.

Applying to a World Class University is all about demonstrating your passion and interest for the subject you wish to study. Take the chance to explore and learn, and to do so for the sake of learning; this is where passion comes from. There will be times when it will be hard to motivate yourself to push further, or to manage your workload, and we are here to support you in such moments. Have faith in your abilities and work hard to challenge yourself. Don’t be put off by perceptions or fears about what might happen; have a go and see where it takes you!

At the interview: • you must show enthusiasm, engagement and intellectual energy; • admissions tutors want to see how you apply knowledge and use evidence; • they will seek to push your intellectual boundaries – don’t be worried by this, but take the opportunity to show them you are happy to be stretched; • take a moment to breathe before you respond. It’s far better to take a moment to think and gather your thoughts (within reason!) than simply say the first thing that comes to mind.

Sixth Form Extension Reading “Chance favours the prepared mind”

Individual Subject Information

It could be argued that the best intellects are those which make connections across all spheres of life. Discoveries and creative works are made by people who have accumulated the most experience and influence throughout their lives. Exciting research and thinking expressed in sounds, vision and words provide the stimulus for the development of the mind. People who actively seek out and are open to influences will be the ones who develop their intellect the most.

The following pages contain subject specific guidelines about relevant reading material, websites and the requirements of certain University courses.

Students with an open mind and an eagerness for discovery and innovation are the ones who are actively sought out by admissions tutors of the world class universities.

Read carefully through the relevant sections and ask for guidance, if needed, from the corresponding Head of Department. You are also strongly advised to seek their support, and that of other relevant subject staff, as you prepare your application. They will be able to point you towards useful preparatory work, suggest reading material beyond that covered here, steer you towards lectures and events or give other help or advice which will help you succeed.

Developing the confidence to face intellectual risks and the bravery to suggest obvious and even outrageous connections is a skill. To be able to explain ‘why’ and to justify it and also challenge the ideas of others comes from this skill. This development of the intellect starts in school and the home with student, teachers and parents working together and independently to enrich minds and lives. If you do not display this ability you will not be in contention for a place at a top university. So read voraciously – devour intellectually challenging articles, journals and books around all your areas of interest. Develop a thread of excitement. Access material at a research level or university standard in order to challenge your thinking processes and take your thinking to a higher level. Keep records of your reading and evaluate ideas you read about. Journals appear more frequently than books so the information within them is often cuttingedge. Research presented in journals can usually be followed up by going to the website of the institutions sponsoring the research (if any). Talk to the staff in the library and use the Extension Reading lists provided by each department. Enjoy your reading! Useful websites: www.ted.com – “ideas worth spreading” www.edge.org – “conversation on the edge of human knowledge” 8

Subjects that have been disucssed in interviews include • Value of contemporary architecture. • Favourite contemporary (British) architect. • Most significant building of the last 10 years. • Value of RIBA Stirling Prize and International competitions eg Competition for Tate Modern. • Relationship between materials, structure and aesthetics; form and function, design vs construction etc. • Lack of well-known female architects. • Vernacular traditions. Restoration and conservation. • Prince Charles’s views; intervention in various schemes with examples. • Design an exhibition to show off the work of an architect of your choice. • State vs private clients / constraints of budget • The reality of working in an architectural practice and the idea of being a ‘paper’ architect. eg. Zaha Hadid for the early part of her career.

Architecture What should you read? Whatever you choose to read you need to be able to engage with the ideas, expand upon them and have considered other arguments in relation to your chosen texts. • Autobiography or biography of an architect e.g. Nigel Warburton’s ‘Ernö Goldfinger’ / Frank Gehry / Herzog & De Meuron • Theoretical writings of well-known architects e.g. Le Corbusier’s Toward an Architecture / Bernard Tschumi • Investigation of an individual building e.g Frank Lloyd Wright’s ‘Falling Water’ or particular style (e.g. Peter Murray’s Italian Renaissance Architecture) or period e.g. Nikolaus Pevsner’s ‘Pioneers of Modern Design’ or William Curtis’ ‘Modern Architecture since 1900’. • Make sure you have a good working knowledge of architectural vocabulary – e.g. John Summerson’s ‘The Classical Language of Architecture. • Debates in architecture – e.g. Prince Charles on the Sainsbury Wing. • Architectural reviews e.g. Jonathon Glancey in The Guardian • Look at DVDs on architects eg Louis Khan’s ‘My Architect’ / Sketches of Frank Gehry / Grand Designs

Any tests/exams required? No, but a portfolio must always be presented (see Art Department) which could include an EPQ essay or voluntary project carried out as part of Oxbridge preparation. Other things to think about • Keep up to date with cultural events such as major and minor (but significant) exhibitions by visiting, and reading a range of reviews. Watch specialist programmes on television such as Grand Designs, The Culture Show and Imagine. • General knowledge and curiosity about the world is as important as specialist knowledge. Enter the national ARTiculation prize. In interview they might ask you about favourite architects and your views on design and function. They will also ask you why you are applying and what aspect of architecture you might like to pursue further. Will universities require you to submit work? Some universities, such as Manchester and UCL, require a portfolio of works or sometimes a drawing entry test. Some Cambridge colleges require you to submit two essays so it is worthwhile ensuring your early A2 work is good. The EPQ in the form of an essay on a topic related to Architecture would also be acceptable. Oxford and Cambridge will require visual analysis at interview and will choose images that you are unlikely to have seen.

Good websites for you to look at Books, articles and seeing architecture should reinforce websites. The Bartlett, Architectural Association, Royal Institute of British Architects and greatbuildings.com are good places to start.

Biology Questions that have been discussed in interviews • How are cats similar to cows (in terms of digestion)? • How does a cat know how far away a mouse is, when it is about to pounce on it? • What percentage of the world’s water is contained in a cow? • What is a tree? • How can reindeer tell the difference between spring and autumn? • How is a city like a cell? • How many genes are there in the genome of a rice plant? • How would you research whether an anatomical similarity in two different species is from the same gene or a coincidence? • How would you work out the mass of a cell?

Types of course A wide range of courses are available, including: • Natural Sciences (Biological) • Biological Sciences • Biomedical Sciences • Biological Anthropology • Biochemistry • Biotechnology Some courses are three years and some four years. Check entrance requirements and opportunities for specialisation carefully. What should you read? • Read books from the Senior School Library, and keep up to date with articles from New Scientist, Nature and quality newspapers. • TV and radio programmes – Radio 4 has regular slots for science and medicine and BBC iPlayer makes listening easy.

Any tests required? Requirements vary. Some courses require the Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA); and Biomedical Sciences at Oxford requires BMAT. Oxford and Cambridge will interview and may have other entrance tests.

Good websites for you to look at Check these websites for details of lectures and other information: • Royal Society – www.royalsociety.org • Royal Institution – www.rigb.org • Wellcome Trust – www.wellcome.ac.uk • UCL – www.ucl.ac.uk

Will universities require you to submit work? Probably not, but it you have attended work experience of any kind keep printouts of work you have done and weave them into your interview. 10

Good websites for you to look at University websites for admission requirements and more details of the courses and Open Days include: • www.rsc.org • www.biochemistry.org • www.chemistry-degree.co.uk • www.chem.bris.ac.uk Questions that have been discussed in interviews • Write out an equation for the combustion of gunpowder. (hint: KNO3, C, S). • Calculate what volume of wine can be drunk to reach the legal limit for driving. • Draw every possible structure of C3H6O and determine how you can tell the difference between them. • Which compound made from one halogen and one metal would release the most energy and why? • What is the concentration of water? • Draw the structure of phenol; would you expect it to act as an acid or a base? How would it react with bromine water? • Explain the buffering action in the blood. • How would you estimate the number of nitrogen molecules in this room?

Chemistry Range of courses • Chemistry (MChem) • Chemistry (with placement) • Chemistry (with study abroad) • Chemical Physics • Chemistry with Green Nanotechnology • Chemistry with Biomedicine • Biochemistry • Chemical Engineering • Natural Sciences • Pharmacology • Pharmacy • Medicinal Chemistry • Environmental Chemistry • Forensic Science

Any tests/exams required? Some Cambridge colleges require the Thinking Skills Assessment for Natural Sciences. Oxford does not require any tests. Other things to think about • Make sure that you read beyond your A Level notes and are able to speak with passion about what you have read. • Read the parts of the textbook that you haven’t covered yet. • Develop a rigorous and critical mind set; think... why has the question been asked? Listen carefully and answer the specific question that has been asked, but direct your answer so that it shows you in your best light. • Check university websites for the latest information. • Attend external lectures.

Many courses will be four year courses leading to a Masters degree. What should you read? • Read newspaper articles and scientific journals as well as textbooks, including New Scientist, Chemistry World, Education in Chemistry (and the Mole) and Nature. • Listen to science programmes on BBC iPlayer; Radio 4 has some great programmes. • Join (for free) and read all information you receive as a member of the Royal Society of Chemistry. • Investigate molecules in common pharmaceuticals e.g. salbutamol, ibuprofen, paracetamol etc.

Will universities require you to submit work? Some Cambridge colleges will ask you to submit an essay.

Classics (Latin and Greek) The courses At Oxford, Classics is a four year course called Literae Humaniores and is divided into two categories (I and II) according to how much language you have studied. If you are taking Latin at A Level, you will apply for IB and take up Greek in your first term. Course II assumes no knowledge of either Latin or Greek. It is possible to combine Classics with English or Modern Languages. At Cambridge, there is also a choice of courses, lasting three or four years. If you have studied Latin at A Level, you will be eligible for the three year course.

5. What sources of evidence should we use when considering life in fifth century Athens? 6. Virgil has been accused of slavishly copying Homer. How far does your reading of the Aeneid support this view? 7. What does it mean to be a ‘hero’ in the epics or Homer and Virgil? 8. What can be gained from studying literary and historical texts in the original Greek or Latin? 9. What can we learn from the ancient philosophers about how to live in the modern world? Any tests/exams required? At Oxford, there will be a written translation test, lasting one hour, taken in early November before you are invited to interview. At Cambridge, the application process varies from college to college. Most require you to submit a school essay in advance of an interview and some also ask you to sit a test on arrival. Contact the college to which you have applied for further details.

What should you read? ‘Classics’ covers a huge variety of individual subjects and you will need to consider what connections there are with your A Level courses as well as your personal interests. Your teachers will advise you, but as a starting point, here is a selection of books you could look at: • The Aeneid by Virgil (Penguin trans. by West) • Cambridge Companion to Virgil ed. Charles Martindale • Cambridge Companion to Homer ed. Robert Fowler • Cambridge Companion to Greek Tragedy ed. P. E. Easterling • Goddesses, Whores, Wives and Slaves by S. Pomeroy • The Iliad and The Odyssey by Homer • Latin Poets and Roman Life by Jasper Griffin • Medea by Euripides • Oedipus the King by Sophocles • Reading Catullus by John Godwin • The Republic by Plato • Persian Fire and Rubicon by Tom Holland

Other things to think about You will need to prove that you are passionate about Classics, as well as showing that you have superlative translation skills. Consider attending any lectures or plays on Classical themes. A visit to the British Museum is essential, and if you are able to visit sites of historical interest in Britain or abroad, this will also be useful. You might even consider attending a Latin or Greek Summer school. Indeed attendance at a JACT Summer course after the A2 exams is usually a requirement for those who have not studied Greek at school. See www.jact.org for information about summer courses. You could appply for the GDST Pearson and Silver Award, a prestigious award which also looks good on a personal statement, giving financial assistance with the cost of attending meetings or courses or carrying out projects with a classical content.

Good websites for you to look at • www.classics.ox.ac.uk • www.classics.cam.ac.uk Questions that have been discussed in interviews Candidates often have separate interviews for different areas of the course, including Literature, Ancient History and Philosophy. Typical questions might include: 1. Who is the greater poet: Homer or Virgil? 2. What impact has the Classical world had on modern visual art or literature? 3. Why was the love elegy of the first century BC so popular with a contemporary audience and yet so problematic for Augustus? 4. What can we learn from the work of Tacitus about life under Nero?

Will universities require you to submit work? As part of your application to Oxford University you will be required to submit two recent marked essays or commentaries, normally in areas relevant to Classics and written as part of your school or college course. They should preferably not be timed essays or exercises answering questions on a short passage of text. The deadline for this is usually around the Autumn half term, so you will need to ensure you have prepared several school pieces to this high standard well in advance. Cambridge colleges usually require one piece of work. 12

Classical Archaeology and Ancient History The courses It is possible to study a Classical course at Oxford without taking up Latin or Greek; you could go on to read both Classical Archaeology and Ancient History and Ancient and Modern History at Oxford.

6. What can the sanctuary sites at Delphi and Olympia tell us about the importance of sport in the ancient world? 7. How useful is the restoration of ancient sites such as the Knossos on Crete or Herculaneum in Italy? 8. Do you consider it right that the Parthenon Friezes continue to be exhibited not in Athens, but at the British Museum? 9. How useful are Homer’s epics or the plays of the Tragedians in assessing the role women played in Greek society? 10. What can we learn from the ancient philosophers about how to live in the modern world?

What should you read? ‘Classics’ covers a huge variety of individual subjects and you will need to consider what connections there are with your A Level courses as well as your personal interests. Your teachers will advise you, but as a starting point, here is a selection of books you could look at, available in the Senior School Library – all in English! • Omnibus magazine • The Twelve Caesars by Suetonius • The Histories by Herodotus • The Annals of Imperial Rome by Tacitus • The Peloponnesian War by Thucydides • The Early History of Rome by Livy • Lost Treasures of Troy by Caroline Moorhead • Pompeii, Imperium and Lustrum by Robert Harris (novels) • Goddesses, Whores, Wives and Slaves by S. Pomeroy • Persian Fire and Rubicon by Tom Holland • Genius of Alexander the Great by N. Hammond

Any tests/exams required? As part of your application to Oxford University you will be required to submit two recent marked essays written as part of your school or college course. There are no written tests at interview. Other things to think about You will need to prove that you are passionate about your chosen subject, as well as showing that you are capable academically. Attend any lectures or plays on Classical themes. A visit to the British Museum is also essential – you’ll be able to see first hand an immense collection of archaeological artefacts, both Roman and Greek. If you are able to visit sites of historical interest in Britain or abroad, this will also be useful. You would be at an advantage if you arranged to spend time on an archaeological dig or Summer school. JACT (www.jact.org) will have information about summer courses.

Good websites for you to look at • www.classics.ox.ac.uk • www.classics.cam.ac.uk Questions that have been discussed in interviews Your personal statement may provide stimulus for discussion, so be sure you can confidently discuss any issues you raise here. Aspects of your A2 work may also be covered, as well as your knowledge of Ancient History and/or Archaeology. Typical questions might include: 1. What evidence is there for religious belief in the ancient world? 2. What impact has the Classical world had on modern visual art or literature? 3. What sources of evidence should we use when considering life in Rome during the first century BC? 4. How do the works of Herodotus, Suetonius and other Greek and Roman authors fit into our modern ideas of what history is? 5. How useful is literature when studying the ancient world from a historical perspective?

You could apply for the GDST Pearson and Silver Award, a prestigious award which also looks good on a personal statement, giving financial assistance with the cost of attending meetings or courses or carrying out projects with a classical content. Will universities require you to submit work? As part of your application to Oxford University you will be required to submit two recent marked essays written as part of your school or college course. The deadline for this is usually around the autumn half term, so you will need to ensure you have thought about this well in advance. Work submitted should not be written especially for your application. Speak to your subject teacher if you need any advice.

world of economics and business, the best site is the BBC site which will keep you up to date: www.bbc.co.uk/business Another relevant and helpful site for Economics is www.tutor2U. For country studies and development economics look at the IMF and World Bank websites as well as the websites of international charities such as Oxfam and Save the Children. Newspapers also have websites with plenty of relevant material. Take a look at: • www.guardian.co.uk • www.telegraph.co.uk • www.ft.co.uk

Economics and Management

Questions that have been discussed in interviews Economics and Business are subjects that can take a variety of paths but here are some general areas: • Should we care if a member state leaves the Eurozone? • Do you regard the UK’s current account deficit as a problem? • Should we stop worrying and learn to love debt? • Economics – art, science, or something else? What is your view?

What should you read? Follow your interests but it would be good to extend knowledge of theory. If you are seriously considering the study of Economics you should pursue areas of the subject beyond the A Level specification. The textbook by Begg et al below is the best place to start. In addition you must be au fait with the latest economics and business news. The Senior School Library has quality broadsheets and journals, and hard copies of The Economist (the Finance and Economics page is especially useful) which can be accessed via JSTOR. Topical up-to-date knowledge is a necessary condition to demonstrate real subject interest. Do pursue your own reading interest, including co-curricular titles in e.g. law, history, psychology and politics.

Interviewers will be looking for genuine interest, enthusiasm and self-motivation. Any tests/exams required? For Oxford you will need to take the two hour Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) as a pre-interview test. This includes a 30 minute writing task, with one essay out of three suggested titles.

The following titles will be useful: • Begg, V et al: Economics • Fischer & Dornbusch (for economic theory) • Chang, HJ: Economics: The User’s Guide • King, S: When the Money Runs Out • Tedlow, R: New and Improved: The Story of Mass Marketing in America • Pfeffer and Sutton: Hard Facts, Dangerous Half-Truths & Total Nonsense • Micklethwait and Wooldrideg: The Company • Bakan, J: The Corporation • Mintzberg, H et al: Strategy Safari • Bazerman and Watkins: Predictable Surprises

Other things to think about Straight Economics and PPE usually set the most stringent entrance criteria. Other courses, particularly, joint honours, can often be more accessible. For most universities an excellent personal statement is required showing extra reading, enthusiasm and some thought. You will need to show motivation and the ability to think outside the specification. A Level Mathematics is usually a prerequisite. Will universities require you to submit work? No. They will look closely at your personal statement and you will be asked about the work you have done and any books you have read so be prepared to answer those. Work experience is also helpful.

ttendance at talks and lectures would further A support your application. Good websites for you to look at For current affairs and an insight into what is happening in international current affairs and the 14

Engineering Range of courses (all four year courses) Engineering is an exciting and challenging pathway. You have the opportunity to develop transferable problem-solving skills for the future. At Oxford and Cambridge the initial engineering course is common but leads to a range of possible specialisations in subsequent years. Cambridge offers numerous engineering disciplines during the degree, while Oxford offers Engineering Science, Materials Science and Engineering, Economics and Management. UCL has one of the largest engineering faculties in Europe; there are nine disciplines with varied courses and different entry requirements. UCL also has a wide selection engineering programmes. What should you read? To read about current and future developments you should sign up as a student member of the relevant professional engineering institutions. Members receive invitations to releavnt lectures and newsletters. The Engineering Department at Cambridge has a recommended reading list for prospective undergraduates online.

course and institution. Typical questions include: why did they used to make the mill chimneys so tall? How would you design a gravity dam for holding back water? Talk about a light bulb. Why do aeroplanes tilt to turn corners? What height does a geostationary satellite need to be at? Some institutions may have a group activity.

Good websites for you to look at • Engineering at Cambridge: www.eng.cam.ac.uk/admissions/guide/ • Engineering at Oxford: www.eng.ox.ac.uk

Any tests/exams required? • Cambridge: Colleges may set their own tests at the interview. • Oxford: Oxford requires candidates to take the PAT (Physics Aptitude Test) in early November. This comprises a Pure Maths part and a Physics part with equal weightings.

To get ahead join the one of the institutions listed below as a student member. • Royal Academy of Engineering • The Institution of Civil Engineers • The Institution of Mechanical Engineers • The Institution of Engineering and Technology • The Institute of Materials, Minerals & Mining • The Institution of Chemical Engineers • The Institution of Structural Engineers • The Royal Aeronautical Society • The Engineer – A news website covering the latest developments

Other things to think about Hands-on work experience strengthens your application as it shows enthusiasm for engineering coupled with your ability in Maths and Physics. Arkwright scholars are looked upon favourably while attending a Headstart course shows commitment as well as talent. Participating in the Year in Industry programme gives you a competitive edge if you are intending to defer your UCAS application. Look for opportunities to design systems and components since this gives evidence of practical problem solving. Imperial, Oxford and Cambridge prefer students to have studied Further Maths at A Level. Studying Design Technology or taking part in related practical activities is advantageous, especially when applying for Materials Science, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Cambridge.

Questions that have been discussed in interviews You should be prepared to solve a technical problem using scientific and mathematical principles. Your personal statement will be discussed including your interest in engineering; try to give practical examples of problem solving. Other topics include describing the function of a mechanical system or structure, analysing the performance of a material or component and further questions on your suitability for the 15

English What should you read? You should aim to be very widely read in the subject and have extensive knowledge of literature, beyond what you learn in the classroom. This is not something which can just happen. It is likely that your love of English has been evident through your wider reading since you were in primary school but you should certainly love reading and always be looking for new avenues to explore.

Questions that have been discussed in interviews You will usually have two interviews. One may expect you to discuss a poem or passage, a kind of oral unseen. You may be interviewed by more than one person at a time. Expect questions about A Level texts and texts connected to them, questions linked to passages or poems you may have been asked to read. Be ready to engage in conversation. Be secure about what you know. Be willing to question the question if that is appropriate. Do not sound as if you think you know everything; remember they are looking to see if they want to teach you. If you have sent work be ready to be questioned about it (or not!)

• Develop your own tastes; if you read fast, you may jump around quite frequently but you should be seeking to read many books by the authors you like. We recommend reading a number of Russian novels or poems by John Donne. • Keep on pursuing reading trails; don’t stop too early. Do not be thrilled you have read two Jane Austens; there are only six and you should read them all. If you have a taste for American writing look at four or five writers; do not declare “I love American writing” because you have read To Kill A Mockingbird and Beloved. • Try different kinds of writing: modern poetry, African short stories, Jacobean tragedies, travel writing, magic realism. • Develop an awareness of what books are ‘worth’ and push yourself beyond your comfort zone. Do not let length put you off. Understand the perceived difference between literary fiction and ‘easy reads’.

Questions have included: • How would you explain Utopia to a person who had no clue what it was? • How can a writer create difficulty in a text, excluding the use of language? • Here is an object (a small dragon/a shell). What do you have to say about it? • Can you think of a 19th Century novel that deals with kinship? Entrance Tests Oxford The ELAT test, current details of which should be checked on the website. You are given a variety of passages and invited to make connections between two or three and write about them. This may be practised but you need to be the sort of person who can make imaginative and interesting connections and your literary critical skills should be well-advanced.

Have an awareness of context and criticism. Useful websites include: • www.Shakespeare-navigator.com • www.Shakespeares-sonnets.com • and for online texts: www.literature.org • www.gutenberg.org

Cambridge: No specific written test. Other things to think about Aim to produce an excellent personal statement that conveys your knowledge of literature as well as your hunger to know more and your passion for the subject. This needs to be of a very high standard. Avoid sweeping generalizations. Be aware of the significance of the texts you choose to mention. You need to be able to think independently about literature in detail and breadth, going beyond your A2 texts.

What do they want? “We want students who read and who see connections” These words from an Oxford Professor at an Open Day seem very simple but in fact genuinely reflect their desire for candidates who have a voracious appetite for writing of all kinds and who are alive to the links and echoes between texts, whether that is the small detail of repeated images, or the treatment of a broader theme such as “Fallen Women” in a variety of nineteenth century literary texts. You should be alert to any opportunity to see literature in performance; go to as many plays as possible and again, try to stretch your tastes all the time; look out for poetry readings. If you have a particular love for a specific play, look for varied performances of it, including film and television performances.

Will universities require you to submit work? You are likely to need to send work: usually, but not always, two pieces. Check with the college you choose what is required. It is likely to need to be recent so although AS coursework may qualify you should be aware of the need to have something that shows your best qualities written between September and October. Do NOT leave this until the last minute. 16

Topics that have been discussed in interviews • Exhibitions you have seen recently. • Favourite contemporary artists and why. • Portfolio discussion about your work. • Approaches to making art / the reality of working as an artist. • Value of contemporary art within the tradition of Art History / contemporary art market. • Art trends of the last 20 years especially in Britain / Saatchi / Hirst etc. • Value of Turner Prize and International competitions/ the way art is shown and curated in institutions. • Female artists • Which direction you wish to pursue? • Level of knowledge of computer skills e.g. using a Mac Any tests/exams required? Ruskin: One full day is spent on a practical test as well as Interview. Slade: Interview only University of the Arts: Portfolio submission only (no interview).

Fine Art

(The Slade, UCL, The Ruskin Oxford and University of the Arts, London)

Other things to think about Keep up to date with cultural events such as major and minor but significant exhibitions by visiting, and reading a range of reviews; watch specialist programmes on television such as The Culture Show and Imagine. General knowledge and curiosity about the world is as important as specialist knowledge.

What should you read? Whatever you choose to read you need to be able to engage with the ideas, expand upon them and have considered other arguments in relation to that of your chosen texts. • Any catalogues from exhibitions you see will be a good place to start. • Brian Sewell, Evening Standard, Adrian Searle, The Guardian. • Matthew Collings, This is Modern Art. • Robert Hughes, The Shock of the New. • Julian Stallabrass, High Art Lite. • Harrison and Wood, Art in Theory 1900-2000. • Frieze Magazine / Art Monthly.

Over the summer it is good to attend extra practical courses at The University of the Arts or the Slade Summer School to show independence in the development of your portfolio as you will be competing with students who have attended Foundation courses.

Good websites for you to look at Books, articles and visiting museums and galleries should reinforce websites. The Guardian, Financial Times Arts pages, Tate, Whitechapel, White Cube and Saatchi are good places to start. See only trusted art websites, such as institutes and universities. The Slade and Ruskin have their own websites.

Will universities require you to submit work? Ruskin: Your portfolio needs to be delivered in November 2017 (A1 portfolio or digital submission). Slade: A1 Portfolio Submission in February 2018 University of the Arts: Portfolio submission only (no interview).

Good websites for you to look at For current affairs and an insight into academic and contemporary geography the following web sites provide an excellent source of unbiased, reliable information: • www.geography.org.uk • www.rgs.org.uk • www.nationalgeographic.com Use Twitter to follow the Environment Agency, the Guardian Environment and people such as Iain Stewart. Podcasts are an excellent way to keep up with the latest developments in the subject; The Economist Explains or the 60 Second Earth podcast by the Scientific American magazine are both excellent.

Geography What should you read? Geography is a dynamic discipline. It is essential, therefore, to keep up-to-date with contemporary issues, research and philosophies. The most contemporary geographical discussions can be found in The Economist, The New Scientist, National Geographic, Geography Review and any reliable news resource. Identify issues and events that interest you and research them. Issues to consider include: Health Issues, Food Supply, Gender Issues, Environment & Planning, the geography of Social Networks, Hydro politics and Energy Policies.

Questions that have been discussed in interviews • What geographical issues are there in your local area? • Explain how economic development has hindered environmental protection? • Argue in favour of an expansion of nuclear energy production in the UK. • Describe a successful attempt to mitigate climate change. • How might falling fertility rates affect policy decisions in the UK? • Can you think of a situation where prevalence is constant but incidence is rising?

Core reference books include: • 10 Billion by Stephen Emmett • Planet of Slums: Urban Involution and the Informal Working Class by Mike Davis • The 32 Stops: The Central Line by Danny Dorling • The Bottom Billion by Paul Collier • Triumph of the City by Edward Glaeser • People Quake by Fred Pearce

Any tests/exams required? If you are applying to the Geography courses at Oxford you must sit the two hour Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA). Application procedures vary between Cambridge Colleges as detailed on their website. Other things to think about For most universities an excellent personal statement is required that demonstrates not only an enthusiastic commitment to geography, but also evidence of extra reading, travel (World Challenge/ Global Projects Abroad or other).

xtend your empathy and sense of place by E reading relevant fiction: • The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga • London: The Biography by Peter Ackroyd • Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson

Will universities require you to submit work? Some Cambridge Colleges and Oxford require you to submit two essays. They usually insist that the work is from your course and has already been marked i.e. you cannot produce a special essay for Cambridge! That is why it is most important that all work submitted during your course is of the highest standard.

In addition to reading: • attend lectures around London such as at the Royal Geographical Society, UCL, Wimbledon Branch of the Geographical Association, • watch relevant films, news and documentaries such as BBC2 News Night or Channel 4 News, • listen to radio items (BBC Radio 4 shows such as Today Programme and Costing the Earth).

For podcasts of lectures see: • podcasts.ox.ac.uk/ • www.lse.ac.uk/resources/podcasts/ publicLecturesAndEvents.htm Also consider reading politics blogs such as: www.guardian.co.uk/profile/ michaelwhite+politics/blog Questions that have been discussed in interviews Government and Politics is a subject that can take a variety of paths but here are some recent examples: • Is there such thing as ‘race’? • Ideology – a force for good? • When does history end and politics begin? • Is Parliament a jury? • What constitutes a sovereign power? • In a democracy, can the majority impose its will on the minority? • Can America’s war on terror be seen as an assault on Muslim principles?

Government and Politics What should you read? Reading the news is the most obvious way of developing your current political knowledge. Consider what is topical: is it an election year in the UK or in the USA? What is the situation in the Middle East? Read not only about the event, but consider the editorials and familiarise yourself with a range of political commentators and their opinions.

Any tests/exams required? If you are applying to the Politics courses at Oxford (PPE), Cambridge (PPS) and UCL (European Social and Political Studies) you will need to take the Thinking Skills Assessment Test (TSA). Further details and past papers can be found on the website : www.admissionstests.cambridgeassessment.org.uk

Reading journals is a good way of digesting the variety of opinions on a topic – the Economist, Prospect, the New Yorker, the New Statesman or the Spectator are good places to start. You also need to read some books. Follow your interests, but it would be good to read some political philosophy, a classical text, an autobiography of a current leader and something historical – a key event, a key leader. For example: The End of History by Francis Fukuyama, The Communist Manifesto by Marx, William Pitt the Younger: a Biography by William Hague and Chris Mullin’s Diaries.

It is worth noting that the TSA is different for each institution. It is a great help to have done some critical thinking if you are aiming to apply to a university requiring the TSA. In the future it is likely that more institutions will require this test or one like it. Other things to think about For most universities an excellent personal statement is required showing extra reading, enthusiasm and some thought. Politics is about power and how this operates in the world. You need to show you can engage with this.

It does not matter what you have read, but you should be able to talk about it and engage with the subject Good websites for you to look at For current affairs and an insight into what is happening in debates in Parliament visit www.theyworkforyou.com For Oxbridge reading lists see: • www.balliol.ox.ac.uk/undergraduateadmissions/history-and-politics-reading-lists • www.lse.ac.uk/collections/ undergraduateAdmissions/pdf/Reading%20 Lists2009/Government%20Department.pdf

Will universities require you to submit work? There will be no requirement to submit work at most universities. Some Cambridge colleges require you to submit two essays so it is worthwhile ensuring your early A2 work is good. They usually insist that the work is from your course and has already been marked i.e. you cannot produce a special essay for Cambridge.

History What should you read? Develop a passion for history. Begin by reading around your A Level subjects to deepen your knowledge – Jung Chang and Jon Halliday on Mao, Cronin on Napoleon, The Oxford History of the French Revolution by William Doyle, anything by Barry Coward or Ronald Hutton on the English Civil Wars and Charles II, and Christine Carpenter on The Wars of the Roses. It is also a good idea to read some books on the more philosophical side of history – Carlyle ‘On Great Men’, Ferguson ‘Virtual History’ or EH Carr’s ‘What is History?’

Questions have included: • Why are kings deposed? • What causes change? • How can we tell what people felt about events that happened so long ago? • Who writes history? • Do you think the written word is more valuable than visual images? • Can objectivity exist? • When does history end and politics begin?

Read a newspaper, read History Today, BBC History magazines, anything on your reading lists. Try to see or read some historical plays, such as Shakespeare’s Richard II and Richard III. It does not matter what you have read but you should be able to talk about it and engage with the subject.

Any tests/exams required? If you are applying to Oxford, you will be expected to sit the HAT. Previous papers are available from school.

Good websites for you to look at • Open University Civil Wars site – www.open2.net/civilwar • The National Archives – www.nationalarchives.gov.uk • The Historical Association – www.history.org.uk

Other things to think about • For most universities an excellent personal statement is required showing extra reading, enthusiasm and some thought. You need to have shown that you have thought through the applications of your subject in a wider context and have read widely with the aim of broadening and deepening your knowledge. • Enter a history writing or history debating competition. There will be many published throughout the year. • Discover the Historical Association; research your local branch and attend some lectures there. • Investigate the many museums in London; find your favourite and be prepared to talk about it!

For Oxbridge reading lists: • www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate_ courses/courses/suggested_reading.html • www.kings.cam.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/ offerholders/reading-lists/history.html And for lectures: • www.history.org.uk/resources/he_ resources_87.html • podcasts.ox.ac.uk/ • www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/history/inourtime/ • www.lse.ac.uk/resources/podcasts/ publicLecturesAndEvents.htm

Will universities require you to submit work? There will be no requirement to submit work at most universities. Some Cambridge colleges require you to submit two essays so it is worthwhile ensuring your early A2 work is thorough. They usually insist that the work is from your course and has already been marked i.e. you cannot produce a special essay for Cambridge.

Questions that have been discussed in interviews It is usual to have two interviews. One is more likely to focus on an aspect of history you have studied (in class, wider reading or your EPQ) and the second is likely to be a discussion of source(s). These will be fairly lengthy and you may have up to an hour to prepare for your discussion.

History of Art

• Significance of artists vs their work and the socio-political context of the time. • The career of the artist and his/her development. • Arts funding / patronage by state and private / art and power. • Recent exhibitions you have visited / the idea of curating exhibitions. • Value of contemporary art.

What should you read? • Whatever you choose to read you need to be able to engage with the ideas, expand upon them and have considered other arguments in relation to that of your chosen text. • Firstly, make sure you have read your AS texts – Gombrich’s Story of Art, and Berger’s Ways of Seeing – and have written a comparative review outlining their different approaches and priorities. These are standard texts that it is assumed you will have read. You need to choose more specific texts that are of personal interest to you. • Follow up the extended reading on one of the AS themes, most appropriate would be Status of the Artist, Patronage, or Gender, Ethnicity and Nationality. • Read around a topic that is NOT on the syllabus but might be a specialism of your chosen university course. • Read over the summer so that one book leads to another and you have enough of a ‘pathway’ to include in your personal statement. • Different methodologies are important e.g. Grant Pooke and Diana Newell Art History the Basics, Frances Borzello, or stimulating texts eg Buck & Dodd Relative Values. • Choose one artist, theme, approach and follow that through – avoid ‘dabbling’. • Look at Art Critics of today eg Matthew Collings / Brian Sewell / Alastair Sooke / Andrew Graham-Dixon /Julian Stallabrass.

Any tests/exams required? Work must be submitted for Oxford and Cambridge. There will often be a visual test where you might have to respond to works of art you might not have seen. Other things to think about Keep up-to-date with cultural events such as major and minor (but significant) exhibitions by visiting, and reading a range of reviews. Watch specialist programmes on television such as The Culture Show and Imagine. Go to symposia events and lectures at the National Gallery, Tate or other galleries, on subjects that relate to the A Level syllabus or your special area. Whatever subject you are studying you should read a quality newspaper regularly, and listen to Radio 4 news every day. General knowledge and curiosity about the world is as important as specialist knowledge. You coud dalso enter the national ARTiculation prize. Will universities require you to submit work? There will be no requirement to submit work at most universities. Some Cambridge colleges require you to submit two essays so it is worthwhile ensuring your early A2 work is good. They usually insist that the work is from your course and has already been marked i.e. you cannot produce a special essay for Cambridge. That is why it is most important that you maintain a high level for every piece of work. In the past dissertations were acceptable, so the EPQ in the form of an essay on a topic related to Art History would also be acceptable.

Good websites for you to look at Books, articles and art and architecture serve to reinforce websites. Trusted art websites of official museums, and universities are good. Also look at FT Arts pages / Guardian / Tate / National Gallery / Courtauld. 4onDemand and the BBC iplayer are fantastic for Arts programmes / Radio 3 John Tusa Interviews. Questions that have been discussed in interviews • Aspects of your syllabus, such as Romanticism, which you have referred to on your personal statement. • Rationale for studying Art History, eg research / curating / art market

Oxford and Cambridge will require visual analysis at interview and will choose images that you are unlikely to have seen. Oxford requires you to write 700 words on a chosen image – the choice is important, as they look for personal response as well as research.

Law

What should you read? Any books in the Senior School Library on Law: • Williams, G – Learning the Law • Barnard, C et al – What About Law: Studying Law at University • Bingham, T – The Rule of Law • Simpson, S – Invitation to Law • Kennedy, H – Just Law • Bradney et al – How to Study Law – Legal Skills (7th ed.) • McBride N – Letters to a Law Student: a Guide to Studying Law at University • Wacks, R – Law: A very short introduction

and intense work, reasoning ability and good communication skills • Do you think courts are like theatres? Cambridge • Does law create morality or does morality create law? - Cambridge • How comfortable is that chair? - Cambridge • Should judges be able to over-rule decisions made by parliament? - Cambridge • If the punishment for parking on double yellow lines was death, and therefore nobody did it, would that be a just and effective law? Oxford

Also read legal reports in serious newspapers and access journals via JSTOR. It would be wise to have some basic theoretical underpinning of law. The A Levels in Law are useful in this respect, as is the Law Review.

Any tests/exams required? • LNAT test for Oxford • Some Cambridge colleges require the Cambridge Law test, and some will set a preparatory study or test to be done at interview.

Good websites for you to look at • www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate_ courses/courses/law_jurisprudence/law_2.html • www.cam.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/ courses/law/index.html • www.law.cam.ac.uk/admissions • www.sra.org.uk • www.barcouncil.org.uk.

Other things to think about Courses may be three or four years. At Oxford there is also the option of studying Law with European, French or German Law. No particular A Level subjects are required, except for courses including European Law, when you will be expected to have an A Level in the relevant language.

Questions that have been discussed in interviews Candidates normally have two interviews of at least 20 minutes (Oxford). Interviewers are looking for motivation and capacity for sustained

Will universities require you to submit work? Not normally.

Mathematics What should you read? If you are planning to apply to Oxford or Cambridge, you will be an outstanding student who is engaged and fascinated by Mathematics.

Examples are as follows: • Prove that root 5 is irrational • Find a general formula for the nth derivative of sin x • Find the normal of the curve y=2/x +3 at (2,4) by considering the transformation of the curve y=1/x at (1,1)

You should aim to be relatively widely read in the subject and have some knowledge beyond what you learn in the classroom. An awareness of the history of Mathematics is recommended.

Any tests/exams required? Oxford Once you have applied you need to register for the Oxford Admissions Test in Mathematics. This takes place in October or November of Year 13. Depending on your performance you may then be invited for interview. You will be advised whether you have a conditional offer in December. Further Mathematics is ‘highly recommended’.

Browse the ‘Popular Science’ section of large bookshops for new and interesting publications. Keep an eye out for relevant articles in the press and media. Ben Goldacre’s column in the Saturday Guardian, Bad Science, is lighter reading and gives an insight into the use and misuse of statistics and clinical trials. The Maths Department has a number of DVDs that you should watch including The Story of Maths, Music of the Primes and The Story of 1.

Cambridge Once your application is assessed you may be invited for interview. If you are successful, you will receive a conditional offer. Besides your A2 in Maths, Further Maths is required at least to AS Level (but their advice is to do as much Maths as possible, with Physics described as ‘useful’). You will normally also have to sit STEP papers (II and III) and will need, typically, double first class or first class/second class passes in these.

Good websites for you to look at Good websites that you should consult regularly are: • www.nrich.org.uk • www.fmnet.org.uk • www.meikleriggs.org.uk • www.mei.org.uk. Some of these offer specific help in preparing for STEP (Cambridge). For this, see also www.stepmathematics.org.uk.

Other things to think about Aim to produce an excellent personal statement that transmits your knowledge of and passion for the subject. This can be reviewed by your Maths teachers.

Questions that have been discussed in interviews You will have either one or two interviews. Previous candidates from Putney have reported that questions are almost exclusively maths ones, rather than about reasons for wanting to study Maths or choosing Oxford/Cambridge. The questions are ones that you cannot really prepare for. They will want to know whether you can, for example, work with new ideas, apply knowledge, spot patterns and relationships or prove general statements about numbers from given axioms.

It is a good idea to take a specific interest in a topic beyond your syllabus and do some research, so that you can talk about it with some authority. Will universities require you to submit work? Oxford and Cambridge do not require candidates to submit work in Mathematics.

Medicine and Veterinary Medicine What should you read? • The Rise and Fall of Modern Medicine by James Le Fanu • Complications by Atul Gawande • A Career in Medicine edited by Harvey White • Aspirin by Diarmuid Jeffreys • The Human Brain: A Guided Tour by Susan Greenfield • Y: The Descent of Man by Steve Jones • Causing Death and Saving Lives by Jonathan Glover • Scientific periodicals such as New Scientist and Student BMJ are important ways of keeping up to date with current scientific and medical issues.

Veterinary Medicine: • Should the UK vaccinate cattle against TB? • What is the role of a vet in modern livestock farming? • Should you agree to put a healthy dog down because the owners no longer want it? • What sort of veterinary practice do you want to work in and why?

Good websites for you to look at For applying for Medicine at Cambridge: • www.cam.ac.uk/cambuniv/undergrad/medvet

Any tests/exams required? Many universities require applicants to sit the BMAT or UKCAT tests. More details can be found at: www.admissionstests. cambridgeassessment.org.uk/adt/bmat, and www.ukcat.ac.uk/about-the-test/whoshould-take-the-test. Both tests are designed to focus on scientific abilities relevant to the study of medicine.

For applying for Medicine at Oxford: • www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/courses General websites which will be of help include: • British Medical Association: www.bma.org.uk • Department of Health: www.dh.gov.uk • Student BMJ: www.student.bmj.com • World Health Organisation: www.who.int.

The UKCAT test must be taken prior to the start of Year 13, whilst the BMAT is taken in school in October of Year 13.

Questions that have been discussed in interviews The interview will challenge you to think through difficult scientific and medical concepts. They are looking to see how you approach a difficult idea. Recent questions have included:

Other things to think about When selecting applicants, admissions tutors first look for evidence of academic excellence, not just for its own sake but because a medical course is long and demanding, and the ability to survive and apply oneself is extremely important. Oxbridge medical courses are research led and candidates must first and foremost be interested in science.

Medicine: • The frequency of alleles for cystic fibrosis in the population have not decreased – why not? • How do plants know when to stop growing? (with questions following on apoptosis). • How does reverse transcriptase work? • a girl under 16 requests to go on the pill – what must be considered? • How do you deal with stress? • Blood pressure is measured in mm of Hg – how would that work? • What is the difference between an ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke? • Why is prevention better than cure?

Keep up to date with current issues in medicine such as; ‘Rationing and NICE’, ‘Patient choice’, ‘NHS spending’ and ‘Modernising Medical Careers’ for instance. Work experience and volunteering in medical environments are vital. Will universities require you to submit work? No.

Modern and Medieval Languages What should you read? Studying MML at Oxbridge often involves the study of a huge range of literature. You should read at least three or four texts, either in the original language or in translation, from a range of authors, alongside those texts you study in your literature lessons.

• An aspect of your stated interests as laid out in your personal statement. This will probably include reading you have done (eg, "who is your favourite author" and "how are women portrayed in their books?") • You may be expected to talk in the language(s) you plan to study • Why you want to study at Oxford / Cambridge, also questions like “how is French different from German?” and “compare French cinema and Literature.”

You should see as many French/Spanish/ German plays and films as possible. You may also be interested in the area of linguistics (how language works and how it changes over time) which is available as an option at both Oxford and Cambridge. Some useful introductory books on this topic are ‘Linguistics’ by Jean Aitchison, ‘The Language Instinct: The New Science of Language and Mind’ by Stephen Pinker and ‘Language: The Basics’ by R. L. Trask. These are all widely available.

Any tests / exams required? Oxford: A language aptitude test must be taken in November if you wish to study either linguistics or a new language ab initio. Cambridge: You will be set a written test in which you read a brief passage in English and then answer two or three questions about it in a language that you are applying to study. The exercise is a combination of comprehension and free composition and is designed to test your grammatical knowledge as well as your vocabulary and ability to express yourself clearly. There is a specimen exercise available online.

You should be very confident in the grammar of your chosen language(s), and you should expect to be tested on it during the interview process. Good websites for you to look at You should be reading and listening to French/German/Spanish news regularly.

Will you be required to submit work? At both Oxford and Cambridge you will be asked before interview to send two or three marked essays. Requirements vary from college to college. Given the deadline for these essays (around the October half term of Year 13), you should start thinking about this at the end of Year 12, and ensure that early A2 work is of a high standard.

You can find an exhaustive list of foreign newspaper websites at www.onlinenewspapers.com, and we have some in the Senior School Library. For French, look at Le Monde, Le Nouvel Observateur and TF1. For Spanish see El Mundo and El País. For German, look at Der Spiegel, Deutsche Welle and Kölner Stadt Anzeiger.

Other things to think about You should have at least one modern language to A Level if you intend to apply for this course. For Cambridge, you should expect to achieve at least one A* at A2.

Questions that have been discussed in interviews You may have more than one interview. Interviews for MML vary widely in content but here are some general areas of discussion: • Usually, but not always, a piece of unseen literature – maybe in the language you plan to study or English. • Important events or movements in the history and culture of the country, such as cinematic movements or art (eg, "would you expect to find Portuguese speakers in Tanzania?")

Your personal statement should reflect not only a love of learning languages but also a real enthusiasm for discovering more about the culture of the country. You should show evidence of further reading and demonstrate that you can engage with literature.

Music What should you read, play and listen to? You should aim to build up your knowledge and understanding of the music you are studying and performing by: • applying your academic knowledge (eg. of structure) to the music you encounter outside the classroom. • accumulating background knowledge from books such as the Master Musicians series and the BBC Music Magazine. • listening to a variety of recordings of the music you are studying. • reading good writing on music. Mozart’s Women by Jane Glover is interesting and very readable and anything written by HC Robbins Landon will give you a perfect model of how to write and talk about music with a blend of knowledge and enthusiasm. Try Mozart’s Last Year (reads quite like a detective story and is fascinating) or Mozart: The Golden Years. It does not matter what you have read but you should be able to talk about it and engage with the subject Any tests/exams required? A number of universities will want to hear you play, especially those where practical activities are a major element of the course. At Oxford, interviews are likely to revolve around an analysis they give you to prepare and/or an article they give you to read. Cambridge colleges vary widely in their individual requirements and may set harmony and keyboard tests. Read their websites very carefully.

Good websites for you to look at and broadcasts for you to listen to All major performing groups, record companies, broadcasters and concert halls have their own websites which often have articles to read or clips of current repertoire for listening. Consider a subscription to the Naxos Music Library or Spotify. www.bbc.co.uk/radio3 is always worth a browse. Serious music programmes are to be found on Sky Arts and BBC 4 television or, of course, BBC Radio 3 and Classic FM.

Other things to think about For most universities an excellent personal statement is required showing extra reading/ playing, passion and some thought. Before you even apply think about what kind of a course you want to follow. It is unlikely that you will be accepted for a course for which you are patently unsuited.

Questions that have been discussed in interviews • How have your academic studies helped your studies as a performer (or vice versa)? • An aspect of your stated interests or reading as set out in the personal statement. • You may be given a journal article to read or a piece of music to analyse/discuss/identify. • Why university and not conservatoire? • What do you think of the thought that Shostakovich’s music was worse when he conformed to Stalin’s regime? • How far does religion play a role in Bach’s writing?

Will universities require you to submit work? There will be no requirement to submit work at most universities, though they may invite you to send/bring compositions and may then ask you about them at interview. Oxford and Cambridge often want to see marked essays and harmony.

Good websites to look at • www.philosophers.co.uk/religion.php • www.skeptic.com • www.faithandphilosophy.com/ • www.faithandphilosophy.com/ • www.philosophersnet.com/ Questions that have been discussed in interviews Universities are looking for candidates who can analyse and solve problems using logical and critical approaches, assess the relevance of information and present a clear and effective argument, and who are flexible and willing to consider alternative views. Examples of philosophical issues are: • What is art? • Do communities of people need governments? • Is it rational to sacrifice your own interests to promote the welfare of others? • Is reincarnation a logical possibility? • Why do we think that there’s a physical world independent of us or that there are minds other than our own? • Do human beings have minds in addition to bodies? • Is there an objective standard for what’s right and good? Is evil subjective? • Could there be alternative systems of logic or mathematics?

Philosophy The courses At Oxford Philosophy must be combined with another subject. Possible combinations are: PPE (with politics and economics), Physics, Modern Languages, Classics, Mathematics, Theology and PPP (with Psychology and Physiology). At Cambridge you can apply for Philosophy on its own, but it can also be studied with other subjects as part of the Tripos system.

Any tests/exams required • Most Cambridge colleges require a written test to be taken at interview. For the Philosophy and Linguistics course at Oxford you must take the two hour Thinking Skills Assessment in November.

What you should read Cambridge University website has a useful reading list • www.phil.cam.ac.uk/teaching_staff/Smith/ students/reading.html • The Story of Philosophy - Brian Magee • What is truth? – Peter Vardy – (Philosophy of Religion) • Invitation to Philosophy – Martin Hollis • It’s not about the Bike – Lance Armstrong (Philosophy of Religion)

Other things to think about • Because courses vary a lot, look at the modules you would be studying each year and decide which appeal most to you. • Look at the Government and Politics page for information about political philosophy.

Oxford reading lists can be found at: • www.philosophy.ox.ac.uk/undergraduate • www.psy.ox.ac.uk/undergrad/ epsuggestedreading (scroll down to Philosophy)

Will universities require you to submit work? Some Cambridge colleges will require you to submit school essays.

Physics Range of courses • Physics • Natural Sciences (Physics) • Physics and Philosophy • Physics with Theoretical Physics What should you read? Anyone with an interest in Physics at this level will be familiar with some ideas well beyond their A Level course and they should refer to this interest in their personal statement and be prepared to discuss these ideas at interview. This interest may be classed as 'Theoretical Physics' if it relates to Relativity, the structure of Quantum Mechanics or String Theory, or it may be a branch of the subject with more direct applications such as semiconductors, superconductivity or quantum computing. • If you have a sunny but very cold winter day, just after a rainy day, the next day most probably will be foggy. How can you explain that? • Cloudy winter nights are generally warmer than clear sky winter nights. How can you explain that? • You have a plastic container. It has a mass of 4kg and it can hold 50 litres of water. You fill it in with water. You probably cannot lift it easily. Do you think you could lift the full container if it was put at the bottom of a swimming pool?

Each of these areas has its own popular literature but the following make good reading: • Six Easy Pieces by Richard Feynman • Surely you’re joking, Mr Feynman by Ralph Leighton • In Search of Schrodinger’s Cat by John Gribbin • The Elegant Universe by Brian Greene Good websites for you to look at • For applying for natural sciences at Cambridge: www.cam.ac.uk/admissions/ undergraduate/courses/natsci/ • For applying for Physics at Oxford: www.physics.ox.ac.uk/admissions/ undergraduate/index.htm • The Institute of Physics: http://www.iop.org/

Any tests/exams required? • Oxford requires candidates to take the PAT (Physics Aptitude Test) in early November. This comprises a Pure Maths part and a Physics part with equal weightings. • Some Cambridge colleges may set their own tests at the interview.

Questions that have been discussed in interviews • Do you believe in the Big Bang? • What colour is an iron atom? • Particle accelerators are immensely costly: are they worth the expense? • Show me on a diagram or sketch, all the forces acting on an object that is thrown upwards • What is the source of any electromagnetic radiation? • What is the reasoning behind colliding particles to understand their inner structure? • If you hang a homogenous cubic mass from one of its corners and cut horizontally through the middle, what would be the shape of cross sectional area? • Why is it very difficult to walk on ice?

Other things to think about Admissions tutors speak of 'teachability' as what they are looking for in the selection process. Whilst crude A Level grades give some indication of this, the other aspect is a passion for the subject, a hunger to learn. You will have attended courses or lectures because you are interested. As with your wider reading, this will be referred to in your personal statement and could be used for discussion at interview. Will universities require you to submit work? No

Psychology The courses The University of Cambridge offers two undergraduate courses in which psychology can be studied in depth – the Psychological and Behavioural Sciences Tripos and the Natural Sciences Tripos.

Good websites to look at For Psychological and Behavioural Sciences at Cambridge, more information can be found here: • www.psychol.cam.ac.uk/Natural Sciences Tripos • www.cam.ac.uk/about/natscitripos/ • www.cam.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/ courses/natsci/index.html • www.psy.ox.ac.uk/undergrad/block1

• Psychological and Behavioural Sciences (PBS) provides the opportunity to study all aspects of Psychology. Typical offers for the course are A* A A. In general it is not essential for you to have studied any particular subject, though you will find Mathematics, science subjects, and humanities subjects useful preparation for the course. • Natural Sciences allows you to study a range of sciences with the link to Psychology being the ability to study Evolution and Behaviour. A typical offer is A* A* A or equivalent. You must have at least two science/mathematics A Levels (or equivalent) and you will find it helpful to have a strong knowledge base across a wide range of science and mathematics subjects.

Questions that have been discussed in interviews • Students were given an experiment ‘short term memory in English and Welsh speakers’ and they had to answer questions about the experiment eg can you think of an alternative explanation for the results from this study? • Is being hungry the same thing as wanting to eat? • Should there be an intelligence test to decide who could vote? • Why do humans have two eyes? • Would taxi drivers use a different part of their brain to remember routes?

At Oxford University: if you wish to study Psychology, you can apply to either their Experimental Psychology degree or the Psychology, Philosophy and Linguistics course. The typical entry requirements are A* A A with at least four A*s at GCSE too. They strongly recommend that applicants have studied one or more of the science subjects eg, Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Psychology and Mathematics to A2 Level. For the Psychology, Philosophy and Linguistics course, English is recommended too.

Any tests/exams/written work required • University of Cambridge – see individual colleges www.study.cam.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/pbs/ • Oxford University – Applicants who wish to study Experimental Psychology (EP) or Psychology, Philosophy and Linguistics (PPL) at the University of Oxford are required to sit the Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) in November. Those who apply to study Linguistics as part of PPL will also be required to sit a separate Linguistics Test. www.psy.ox.ac.uk/undergrad/epadmissionstest

What you should read • For Natural Sciences with Psychology at Cambridge, the suggested reading list can be found at: www.cam.ac.uk/about/natscitripos/ prospectus/reading.html • Oxford University suggested reading list visit the ‘Suggested Reading List’ under ‘Further Information’: http://www.psy.ox.ac.uk/study/ undergrad

Religious Studies

(also referred to by other titles such as Theology, Divinity, Biblical Studies) What should you read? Follow your interests. eg. religious art and architecture; the sacred feminine; any specialist topics covered by articles in recent magazines. You should be aware of the differences between the major world religions and it would be good to read some theology and Christian ethics, building on your studies at A Level. The following are recommendations: • Bowke, Jr: God: A Brief History • McGrath, A: Christian Theology: An Introduction • Magee, B: The Story of Philosophy • Vardy, P: What is Truth? • Vardy, P: Being Human • Vardy, P: The Thinker’s Guide to Evil • Hollis, M: Invitation to Philosophy • Hick, J: The Existence of God • Cook, D: The Moral Maze • Swinburne, R: Is There a God? • Law, S: The Philosophy Files • Woodhead, L: Religions in the Modern World • Dawkins, R: The God Delusions – Is there a God? • Law, S: The Philosophy Gym • Beckerlegge: The World Religions Reader

For Philosophy of Religion look at www.dialogue.org.uk For theology there are articles on www.theologywebsite.com Also look at: • www.miraclestudies.net • www.philosophers.co.uk/religion.phpnews • bbc.co.uk • www.bristol.ac.uk/philosophy • www.faithandphilosophy.com • www.philosophypapers.com/index • www.skeptic.com • www.philosophicalinvestigations.co.uk Questions that have been discussed in interviews • Questions relating to your A Level syllabus and areas of interest highlighted in your personal statement. • Questions on current theological and ethical topics eg the ordination of gay priests /women bishops in the Anglican Communion; views of world religions on euthanasia. • How do you think you will apply Theology to your future career? • Do you agree with the National Lottery? • Defend a Christian approach to deontology. • Students who have studied the New Testament should expect to be questioned on that material, so make sure you are familiar with more than a few directly exam relevant passages – ideally the whole gospel you have studied at least. • At Cambridge: Do you believe we should eradicate Christmas on the basis it offends other religious groups? • At both Oxford and Cambridge: the ability to defend your opinions and willingness to engage in a lively dialogue are both important.

Journals – articles in Dialogue and RS Review give you the chance to read beyond your specification and also to explore general interest topics in Religious Studies. YouTube – don’t assume that there is no help to be had here. Look for clips from The Examined Life series, and interviews and debates with leading theologians and philosophers of religion, for example: • www.youtube.com/results?search_ query=ayer+and+magee • www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWOZi_OUQL8 (Dawkins and Hitchens). Documentaries such as Baby Bible Bashers or Louis Theroux’s The Most Hated Family in America offer some insight into what is happening within non-mainstream Christian groups worldwide.

Other things to think about For most universities an excellent personal statement is required showing extra reading, enthusiasm and some thought.

Good websites for you to look at The following will give you a good overview of major world religions: • www.buddhanet.org • www.jewfaq.org • www.virtualreligion.net • www.hindunet.org 30

Subject name: The courses

What you should read

Good websites to look at

Questions that have been discussed in interviews

Any tests/exams required

Other things to think about

Will universities require you to submit work?

Key interview preparation notes Key notes for basis of personal statement Main Messages Why I want to do this course

More Detail: Bullet points

Formative experiences

Relevant Work Experience Any print-outs or report summaries to take to interview or weave into personal statement

Relevant books I have read: Author/main message/my opinion/criticism.

Courses attended

Other notes

Key features of my reference Main Messages

So prove it: what I do, the way I do things

What I need to sell What I need to sell Subject Reading

Detail

Lectures Attended

Work Experience

Sport

Theatre/Exhibitions

My subject in the News eg, Recent Nobel Prize winners?

Recreational Reading

Key information: finding out about the university/college and my subject Why go there?

Recent research carried out/ published.

Names of interviewers and their specialism. If this is not available then find out about key research done in the department

Why should the university offer me a place?

Any special features of the course that draws me there / any options within the course I am interested in

What I want to do after finishing the course.

Any other information

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World Class Universities Handbook