EXCELLENCE ACADEMY

RUSSELL GROUP

The Russell Group represents 24 leading universities who are at the cutting edge of academic research and provide an outstanding teaching and learning experience for their students. Many of our students go on to attend Russell Group universities, studying subjects such as English, History and Maths, or Dentistry, Medicine and Veterinary Science. Russell Group universities, like Oxford, Cambridge, Leeds, Manchester and York are the most competitive HE institutions in the country. The Russell Group have high expectations of their undergraduates, particularly focussing on academic achievement.

Our careers team have helped thousands of students get places on degree courses at these universities and, along with the support from Progress Tutors and subject staff, are well placed to maximise your chances of success.

EXCELLENCE

ACADEMY The Excellence Academy is a dedicated tutorial system for Gifted and Able students who typically achieve levels 7, 8 and 9 across their GCSE subjects. Led by specialist tutors, the Excellence Academy is specifically designed to develop, engage and support students in their applications to the UK’s elite universities, as well as outstanding support for those students applying to degree apprenticeships. The Excellence Academy tutorial system is for students who have achieved a GCSE points score of at least 6.6

You’ll have access to: n support with your UCAS application and personal statement n work experience opportunities n the Extended Project Qualification n talks from former Excellence Academy students n talks from Russell Group universities n opportunities to apply for summer schools with elite universities.

HOW WILL THE EXCELLENCE ACADEMY HELP ME?

Entry to the best universities can be highly competitive and students need the correct advice and support when it comes to preparing applications to them. Obviously, exam results are vitally important, but they are only one of several factors which top universities will take into account when they consider student applications. Here is what the Excellence Academy will help you with:

RAISING ASPIRATIONS PROGRAMME

The Raising Aspirations Programme focuses on supporting students in successful applications to competitive courses and universities such as the Russell Group, including Oxford and Cambridge. The programme offers dedicated advice, information and skills development related to all aspects of the application process from a specialist team, allowing students to maximise their chances of not only securing places at centres of academic and excellence, but of thriving once they are there.

WIDER READING

n What to read in your chosen subject n How to make the most out of your supercurricular additional reading

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

n Develop confidence in public speaking n Discussions on current affairs

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

n Work experience n Extra courses (summer schools,

Extended Project Qualification,MOOCs)

OXBRIDGE PROGRAMME

n Residential visits to Oxford and

Cambridge n Interview advice and practice n Admission test information (including

BMAT, TSA and Law Test)

MEDIC, DENTIST AND VET GROUP n Aptitude test information (BMAT &

UKCAT) n Support with interview preparation through mock Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs) n Talks from ex-New College students and other medical professionals n Support with arranging work experience/voluntary work required for university applications

EXTENDED PROJECT QUALIFICATION (EPQ)

n How to find and evaluate appropriate sources and to reference them correctly n Reading and note-taking strategies n Interpreting data and analysing evidence n Academic writing n Presentation skills