RMS Sixth Form Bulletin Edition 2: 11th March 2016 Message from Ms Weatherston… It has been another busy week in the life of the RMS Sixth Form with the emphasis both in school and outside our walls very much on looking to the future. National Careers Week was highlighted in many ways including our own very successful Careers Convention on Tuesday. I am sure that those of you who attended would agree it was an incredibly useful event. Thanks go out to Mrs Isherwood for organising and to all students and staff who helped to make it run so smoothly on the evening. I very much enjoyed joining some of the Year 13 English Literature students on a trip to the spectacular Jacobean playhouse at The Globe last night. We were treated to an atmospheric, candlelit production of The Tempest in a truly unique setting.
Nicole Weatherston, Head of Sixth Form
Important Notices for next week… Monday: 'In the news' presentations from the remaining three forms Tuesday: Form time - girls will start taking a look at what MOOCs are on offer. These are 'Massive Open Online Courses' which are written by universities. There are a huge variety ranging from 'preparing for university' to 'genetic modifications'. You can access the list available at www.futurelearn.com. After Easter, girls will start working on their chosen MOOC during form time. Form time is an opportunity for tutors to have individual talks with their tutees, whilst the rest of the class work on the given task independently. Wednesday: Chapel Thursday: James Soames; Marketing Director to speak about careers in marketing and branding Friday: School Assembly May I take this opportunity to remind you that attendance at these sessions is compulsory and girls are only permitted to leave school at 2:45 following these talks/assemblies if they are free. REMINDER: 2016 LEAVERS’ YEARBOOK You should all have received an email about the Yearbook. If you DO NOT want a copy, please make sure you email me ASAP Thank you Mrs Freeman
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News Star of the Fortnight Congratulations to Helen Chen who was awarded 'star of the fortnight' for her Chapel assembly on Chinese New Year.
Cultural Sixth Form Assembly Many thanks to Simran Radia who spoke with knowledge and passion about her home country of Kenya to the Sixth Form last week. We have girls in the Sixth Form from a variety of different countries around the world and we look forward to future talks from other members of the community next term.
Life Skills this term Life skills this term has been based around the idea of careers. We have been lucky enough to hear from professionals about a variety of careers, opening the girls' minds up to the variety of possibilities that exist. So far this term the girls have heard from; John Donovan - Vice President Cisco, to speak about STEM and possible careers Bethany Holden - GAP years Jason Shane - Head of IT Credit Suisse Camilla Tominey - Royal Correspondent at The Daily Express Jonathan Richards - Strategy & Planning advisor to Group Head of Intelligence, Security and Crisis Management Claire Curtin - Head of Research and investment at Trucost, a conservation consultancy company
What else happened this week? Monday: Talk from Claire Curtin, from Trucost Tuesday: Presentations from forms about an 'in the news' topic they have been researching in form time. Wednesday: Chapel Thursday: House Assembly Friday: Full school assembly
LEAD Unfortunately our speaker from RBS was ill so unable to do the talk on interview techniques and networking this week. I am trying to rearrange this for the start of next term and will let you know when we have a confirmed date. Groups are currently rising to the ÂŁ1 challenge, where they need to use the skills they have learnt to see how much money they can make out of ÂŁ1. The groups will present how they did it and what they learnt on the way during the week following the Easter holidays. Any money made will be donated to charity.
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News Sixth Form Physicists visit Rutherford Laboratory On Tuesday 1st March, the Year 12 Physics class went to Rutherford Laboratories for a Particle Physics master class. We had a series of lectures from research scientists, and were taken on a tour around the particle accelerator. Seeing Physicists in action was a great insight into the future job opportunities in the field, and seeing the facilities really brought to life the advancements and discoveries being made. After lunch we took part in a computing exercise which required us to analyse digital images of collisions within the accelerator. A prize was at stake for the pair that discovered the Higg's Boson first, and Hannah C and Laura B, Sophie F and Holly H were successful, winning a nifty pen and pack of physics playing cards each. The day was incredibly insightful and we would all like to thank Miss Black and Dr Bhatt for organising the trip. By Laura B
Literacy Ambassadors Many thanks to all of you who helped prepare and present the World Book Day assembly last week—you were brilliant, as was the film you made! Many thanks also to all those who helped with the book sale in the Resource Centre; again, you did a great job! Reminder: there is a meeting on Tuesday 22nd March at break in Room 14 for all Year 12 Literacy Ambassadors. Thank you Mr Dowds, Ms Solomons and Mrs Guiney
National Careers Week Lots of information on the National Careers Week is available by clicking on this link http://bit.ly/CareersWeekNews
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MOOCs
Want to stand out from the crowd on your Personal Statement? Why not try a MOOC? 10 new and returning courses—click on the images for more information eHealth: Combining Psychology, Technology and Health University of Twente How can technology make you healthy? Explore the design, application and evaluation of eHealth.
Disability and a Good Life: Thinking through Disability UNSW Australia Learn how disability is part of who we are as human beings, and how a good life is possible for everyone.
Preparing for University UEA (University of East Anglia) Develop key skills required for a smooth transition into university, such as critical thinking, or analysing and using data or sources.
Digital Storytelling: Filmmaking for the Web University of Birmingham Unleash your creative potential, and combine theory and practice to tell powerful stories through film online.
Archaeology of Portus: Exploring the Lost Harbour of Ancient Rome University of Southampton Learn how artefacts, excavation and technology are transforming our understanding of Portus.
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MOOCs (continued)
Intercultural Communication Shanghai International Studies University (SISU) Cultivate your awareness of your own and other people’s cultural identities. Perfect if you're travelling, studying abroad or working for a global organisation.
Empire: the Controversies of British Imperialism University of Exeter The British Empire continues to cause enormous disagreement among historians. Find out why and join the debate.
Our Hungry Planet: Agriculture, People and Food Security University of Reading Consider how the food we grow, buy, eat and throw away relates to the global issue of food security.
Crime, Justice and Society The University of Sheffield Explore the role of the state in the regulation of criminal behaviour. Understand the key parts of the criminal justice system.
The Science of Nuclear Energy The Open University Discover the science behind nuclear energy and its part in energy provision in the past, present and future.
Or choose a course starting this week
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Forthcoming Events Below is a series of forthcoming events that may be of interest to you—these are not ones to which the School is organising trips, but ones that you may choose to attend independently. If you do so, please could you report back to a member of staff of the relevant department so we can gauge how useful the experience has been, which will be valuable in future years.
Maths Workshop The details below are aimed at State school students, but it would be worth enquiring if you are interested.... http://mmp.maths.org/step-up-Y12girls-Apr16 Date: Monday, 18 April 2016 - 9:45am to 3:45pm Location: Centre for Mathematical Sciences, Wilberforce Road, Cambridge CB3 0WA This event is aimed at Year 12 girls taking A Level Maths who are considering applying to study Mathematics or a very closely-related subject at university, particularly universities which require or encourage applicants to take the STEP examination as well as A-levels (e.g. Cambridge, Imperial, Warwick). Although demanding, preparing for STEP gives you a chance to engage with interesting, challenging mathematics, to stretch yourself and to develop the mathematical reasoning, independence and confidence required for an undergraduate mathematics degree.
Why Study the Humanities? Professor A.C. Grayling Monday 21st March, 6.30pm Centenary Theatre, Berkhamsted School, Kings Road, Berkhamsted HP4 2BG In an age where the focus of education is on grades and future employment, we can sometimes forget to stop and think what 'studying' really means. For many students, studying the Humanities comes with a question mark over future employability: 'What can I do with a Philosophy degree?’ In this talk, Professor A.C. Grayling will argue a case for studying the Humanities on the grounds of immersing oneself in the 'great conversation of life'. To study the Humanities is to take off one's spectacles and think about our values, our history and the best way to live our lives. Professor Grayling is a world renowned philosopher who, in 2011, founded and became the first Master of the New College of the Humanities (http://www.acgrayling.com/). He is passionate about the importance of the Humanities and communicating how crucial the skills and learning developed in studying them is to employers, society and our economy. If your son/daughter is in the process of selecting which university courses, A levels or GCSEs to choose then this talk will help them weigh up the merits of different courses. This talk is suitable for pupils and parents in any phase of the school who are thinking proactively about the future of their education. There is no need to register in advance for this talk.
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Forthcoming Events continued
John Hampden Grammar School Question Time 14th April JHGS Question Time is back and with an exceptional panel: Isabel Hardman is assistant editor of The Spectator and editor of the magazine's Coffee House blog. She also writes a weekly column for The Daily Telegraph Roger Helmer MEP is a Member of the European Parliamnent for the East Midlands region. He was elected to the European Parliament in 1999, 2004, and 2009 as a member of he Conservative Party and in 2014 as a member of UKIP, having defected from the Conservatives to UKIP in March 2012. Gisela Stuart MP is a British Labour Party politician, who has been the Member of Parliament (MP) for Birmingham Edgbaston since1997. Born and raised in Germany, she moved to Britain in 1974. She increased her majority in 2015 in what was a traditional Tory seat. Tom McNally, Baron McNally, PC was the former leader of the Liberal Democrats in the House of Lords. He served as Minister of State at the Ministry of Justice during the last Coalition Government. He is currently Chair of the Youth Justice Board. Dan Hannan MEP is a Member of the European Parliament, representing South East England for the Conservative Party. The evening will be chaired by Baroness D'Souza, CMG, PC, who is a scientist and life peer in the House of Lords. She is currently Lord Speaker, having taken office on 1 September 2011. Tickets are available via the Box Office
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Forthcoming Events
Future Doctor Day For all students in Years 10-13 interested in medical careers The PreMed Projects Team (www.premedprojects.co.uk) have put together an experience day to show students in years 10 - 13 all the key attributes a successful candidate to study medicine needs to have and show students how to impress at each stage of the application process from making the personal statement stand out to sailing through the interview, we've got everything covered. Our one day courses take place in Bristol, Leeds and London, designed for students in years 10-13 to get a real understanding of what a successful med school applicant looks like.
When? London - 19th March 2016 - Guys Hospital London
What is included? Our one day course comprises a morning session covering all aspects of the personal statement and how to prepare for medical school, and an afternoon session teaching you how to be successful at the interview. It includes the following topics:
How to choose a medical school
What medical schools are looking for in candidates
How to make the best preparation for your application
How to write a personal statement that stands out from the crowd
Types of interview and typical questions
Recommended background knowledge, including a session on the principles of medical ethics (a common topic in interviews)
Approaches to answering difficult or unexpected questions
What the interviewers are really looking for
Demonstrations of good and bad interview techniques through role play
Want to sign up? It's quick and easy on this application page, simply select where and when you want to attend.
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Forthcoming Events
What is it like to work in a Museum? Careers Open Day at the Wallace Collection Wednesday 6 July 2016, 10.00am - 4.00pm FREE (booking required) Meet museum professionals during this open day designed for any student, aged 16- 18, interested in museums. Find out about the varied aspects of museum work and the qualifications required for working in museums. The day includes workshops about curating, education, conservation, fundraising, security, running events, press and marketing.
“Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant, I learnt a lot and had a great experience; it also gave me a kind of job experience too which is great.” Year 12 student Students can book their own place and do not need to be accompanied by a teacher.
For information http://www.wallacecollection.org/ms/learn/session/what-is-it- like-to-work-in-a-
museum-careers-open-day-one-day-only/ To book your place, call the Education Department on 020 7563 9551 or email learning@wallacecollection.org
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University of Oxford Events & Information Open Days The main University open days will be on Wednesday 29 and Thursday 30 June and Friday 16th September. On these dates, all departments and colleges that offer undergraduate courses will be open, along with libraries, museums and other services that support our students. In addition to the above, some departments are running course-specific open days in the coming months. These events offer applicants more detailed information specific to the course they're interested in. For all information about open days, please see ox.ac.uk/opendays and you may also like to check our events diary to see the full range of opportunities to learn about Oxford.
Events The Mathematics of Crime (public lecture) Wednesday 6th April Andrea Bertozzi, Professor of Mathematics at UCLA in the USA, will be showing how mathematics is a vital tool in crime management, helping identify crime hotspots and best targeting their policing. Year 12 and 13 students, teachers and parents all welcome. Details are on the Maths Department website. Medical and Life Sciences Study Day Tuesday 14th June (book by 4th May) University College (Univ) is running a series of Study Days focusing on different courses. The Medical and Life Sciences Taster Day is for year 12 students. It includes subject lectures in Medicine, Biochemistry and Experimental Psychology from some of Univ's tutors and postgraduate students. Please note that this event has been rescheduled to avoid AS Maths exams. For information and to book, please see the college website 2017 entry undergraduate prospectus Our undergraduate prospectus for entry in October 2017 is now available. Copies will be available from UCAS HE Fairs and Oxford open days and it can be ordered or downloaded from ox.ac.uk/study. Most courses now require candidates to take a test or tests as part of their application and all (except Law) will take place on 2 November 2016. For the first time this year, all applicants for Chemistry will be required to sit the Thinking Skills Assessment. If you have any queries about your part in this process please visit www.admissionstestingservice.org. The Julia Wood Essay Prize (History) St Hugh's College is offering a prize of ÂŁ500 for this history essay competition. It is open to Sixth Form pupils and essays should be between 2000 and 4000 words long. Details are on the college website. Deadline: Friday 29 July 2016
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