04
A Pathway to Architecture
06
A Pathway to The Arts
08
A Pathway to Biological Sciences
10
A Pathway to Business & Economics
12
A Pathway to Engineering
14
A Pathway to Global Development & International Relations
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A Pathway to Law
CONTENTS
Oxbridge Applications
18
24
A Pathway to Media US University Applications
20
A Pathway to Medicine
22
A Pathway to Physical Sciences
26
INTRODUCTION
Careers & Higher Education Pathways, deconstructed A-Levels, degree, career... the decisions you will be making in the near future can feel overwhelming. The Aspire Series aims to be a practical guide for choosing A Level subjects, and gives an idea of the Higher Education and Career pathways available to you as a Roedean Sixth Former. Whether your passions and aspirations lie in Engineering or the Media, or you have your heart set on Medical School or Art School, or perhaps you’re undecided; we will deliver the support, guidance and opportunities that will provide you with a solid and powerful springboard to the next stage of your education, and onwards into the 21st Century, joining a host of inspiring women who have left Roedean to become leaders in their field. The following pages offer practical guidance, timelines for applications to UCAS, Medical Schools, Oxbridge and US universities, and include examples of Old Roedeanians or visiting speakers from popular industry sectors and fields of interest, who present their own pathways to success to inspire the next generation.
A Pathway to
ARCHITECTURE Advice, Support and Opportunities
SubjectChoices 01
An Art and Science A- Level mix is preferred. Although Art & Design A Level may not be a requirement, most universities will require a portfolio. Some competitive universities may require Maths or Physics
Electives 02
We have a range of Electives you can opt for in Year 12, that cover the Arts and Sciences. Life Drawing would be useful, and the Royal Opera House Design Challenge would be a great project!
Co-curricular 03
Co-curricular activities are there to spark interests and to fuel passions. So pick whatever interests you! However, you need confidence in Maths for Architecture, so you could join the Senior Maths Society.
Leadership 04
Architects need to be able to present their ideas and vision with confidence. Girls joining the prefect team benefit from the opportunity to be trained externally in leadership skill.
YEAR 12 SPRING TERM • • • • •
1-1 Meetings with Head of University Admissions Attend Taster University Classes Higher Education Information Evening Careers Fair Personal Statement Training
YEAR 12 SUMMER TERM
• University Open Days • Confirm your courses • Admissions Assessments classes begin for students who need to take these tests • Finalise your Personal Statement
YEAR 13 AUTUMN TERM
• Begin to submit UCAS applications, having discussed with your Tutor and Head of University Admissions Mock Interviews
YEAR 13 SPRING TERM
• Offers arrive, with 1-1 support on which to accept • Student Finance support
A Pathway to
SubjectChoices
01
THE ARTS
Advice, Support and Opportunities
Co-curricular 03
The Royal Opera House Design Challenge is designed to complement study in a range of areas, such as Art & Design, Textiles, Fashion, Productions Arts and Graphic Design, and can also be taken as a focus EPQ. This inspiring programme provides students with a real practical insight into the creative processes that go into producing an amazing theatrical experience. Choose from Set Design, Costume Design, Hair, Wigs and Makeup Design, or Marketing Strategy and Design and all entries are submitted to the competition. Life Drawing, LAMDA, Senior Printmaking, Senior Etching, Senior Textiles and Technical Theatre are just some of the Co-curricular activities offered in the creative arts.
For visual arts, there are two routes: dedicated art universities and colleges, such as UAL, and art schools within traditional universities, such as Edinburgh. Whilst almost all courses will require a strong portfolio, the dedicated art schools are likely to be less focused on academic attainment, whereas the traditional universities will require a strong A Level grade profile.
Visiting Speakers 02
We are lucky to have a huge range of Old Roedeanians and parents who are pleased to visit and share their experiences with you. Recent examples include Ivor Flint, Lead Tutor Classical Singing and Course Leader of Voice Performance at the London College of Music; Julia Crew, Course Leader: Fashion Accessories Design and Prototyping; Martin Tricket, Group Head of Digital at Warner Bros. Int. TV Production; Jane Chan, Dance Artisit and Choreographer and James Kelly, Tour Manager.
Alumnae & Careers 04
In the last two years, students have gone on to study a diverse range of courses, such as Graphic Design, Photography, Architecture, Fashion Textiles, Film-making, Animation, Game Design, Illustration and Landscape Architecture at a number of prestigious Art universities such as Central St Martins, Chelsea School of Art and Edinburgh School of Art.
Originally trained as an architect and at the Royal College of Art, OR Anabela Chan worked as a specialist in print and embroidery with Alexander McQueen before opening her own boutique in London, where she is now an award-winning jewellery designer and artist, producing unique pieces worn on the red carpet by Beyonce, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Anne Hathaway, Julia Roberts, Lupita Nyong’o and
ArtsAmbassador
A Pathway to
BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES Advice, Support and Opportunities
SubjectChoices 01
Biology is essential, and usually Chemistry, although some universities may specify two science subjects. Further Maths can be useful as a fourth A Level. Other complementary subjects include Geography, Maths, Physics and Psychology.
Co-curricular Visiting Speakers 02
There are a wealth of activities offered at Roedean that will test your skills and spark your interests... why not try the Senior Chemistry Olympiad? Or perhaps join the Senior Maths Society?
03
We are lucky to have a huge range of Old Roedeanians and parents who are pleased to visit and share their experiences with you. Recent examples include Dr Andrew Shore, Senior Admissions Tutor; Dr Emma Palmer-Cooper, Lecturer in Psychology; Helen Kitching, Chartered Psychologist and Associate Fellow; Prof Francis Balkwill OBE.
YEAR 12 SPRING TERM • • • • •
1-1 Meetings with Head of University Admissions Attend Taster University Classes Higher Education Information Evening Careers Fair Personal Statement Training
YEAR 12 SUMMER TERM
• University Open Days • Confirm your courses • Admissions Assessments classes begin for students who need to take these tests • Finalise your Personal Statement
YEAR 13 AUTUMN TERM
• Begin to submit UCAS applications, having discussed with your Tutor and Head of University Admissions Mock Interviews
YEAR 13 SPRING TERM
• Offers arrive, with 1-1 support on which to accept • Student Finance support
A Pathway to
BUSINESS & ECONOMICS Advice, Support and Opportunities
SubjectChoices 01
For degrees in Business and Management many universities have no A Level subject requirements, although the most competitive universities require Maths. For degrees in Economics many universities require Maths and occasionally Economics. For the most competitive universities Further Maths can be an advantage.
Co-curricular 02
There are a wealth of activities offered at Roedean that will test your skills and spark your interests... why not try the Tycoon Enterprise Competition? Or join the National Shares Competition?
VisitingSpeakers 03
We are lucky to have a huge range of Old Roedeanians and parents who are pleased to visit and share their experiences with you. Recent examples include Prof Michael Ben-Gad, Professor of Economics; Mona Shah, Directore of Stonehend Fleming Investment Management; Sarah Wood OBE, Entrepreneur; Jonjo Hobbs, Managing Director of Capita.
Headmaster'sLecture The second in our Headmaster’s Lectures series features Dr Cheng speaking from America, and her talk is entitled ‘From Roedean Prefect to Chicago Professor: A Mathematician’s Manifesto for Rethinking Gender in a Male-Dominated World.’
04
Sitting on the School Council is a great opportunity to learn leadership skills, as you work alongside your peers in making decisions about your school.
Leadership
Eugenia is currently Scientist in Residence at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and Honorary Visiting Fellow of City University of London. Not only has she taught Mathematics at universities in 3 different countries, she is also a concert pianist, has published four books, and runs a thriving YouTube channel with over 15 million views. An invaluable listen for anyone heading into a traditionally male-dominated career where you have to fight to make your voice heard. Please click on the link to watch the conversation.
Aspire Series
Investigating the exciting world of ‘Female Innovators in Economics’, this Aspire Series video gives you a fascinating insight into the interesting, rigorous discussions you will have while studying A-level Economics at Roedean, and a tantalising glimpse of the creative, original Economist you could become!
A Pathway to
s e c i o h C t c Subje
ENGINEERING Advice, Support and Opportunities
Visitin Speak g ers
02
01
Maths and Physics are strongly recommended (and sometimes required), and could be complemented by Biology, Chemistry, Further Maths and Geography.
We are lucky to have a huge range of Old Roedeanians and parents who are pleased to visit and share their experiences with you. Recent examples include Kiana Kamalian, Apprentice Engineer and Elaine Yip, Appentice Civil Engineer.
Co-curricular Activities 03
F24 Car Project This is an exciting opportunity to continue working on the F24 electric car which has been built by Roedean students over recent years. You will learn how the car works, and investigate ways to improve performance and aerodynamics, as well as get a chance to race the car against other teams at Goodwood motor circuit.
YEAR 12 SPRING TERM • • • • •
1-1 Meetings with Head of University Admissions Attend Taster University Classes Higher Education Information Evening Careers Fair Personal Statement Training
YEAR 12 SUMMER TERM
• Open Days • Confirm your courses and finalise your personal statement ‘Hi, I’m Jane, I’m in Year 12 and I love STEM at Roedean because I find it really extends beyond the curriculum, so I can do it in my spare time. One way I’ve involved myself has been with the F24 Club, where we have been building a green-powered car. We use 3D design software, as well as 3D printers and other practical manufacturing, and then, once built, we will take it to the Goodwood race course and compete against other schools. It’s been really fun to see the vocation side of STEM, and also build teamwork skills with my friends.”
YEAR 13 AUTUMN TERM • Submit your UCAS applications
• Mock Interviews • First offers begin to arrive
YEAR 13 SPRING TERM
• Receive information on confirmation, clearing and adjustment • Student Finance applications made by the end of May
YEAR 13 SUMMER TERM
• Receive information on confirmation, clearing and adjustment • Student Finance applications made by the end of May
A Pathway to
SubjectChoices
01
Advice, Support and Opportunities 03
If you are curious about the world around you but don’t know where to start, the Culture Society or Politics Club are great starting points to discover more. The Debating Society will give you the opportunity to learn the structure and style of British Parliamentary style debate. At the Model United Nations activity, learn how the UN operates, where countries come together to protect human rights and uphold international law. This is another excellent opportunity to learn about international relations and to sharpen your debating skills.
Co-curricular
GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT & INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
There are usually no A Level subject requirements for this type of field, but taking at least one essay-based subject would be useful, such as History, Politics, Geography, Psychology, Philosophy and Economics. Other useful subject combinations could include Maths, Biology and Chemistry.
Visiting Speakers 02
We are lucky to have a huge range of Old Roedeanians and parents who are pleased to visit and share their experiences with you. Recent examples include Bangyuan Wang, International Public Health Practitioner; Tanya Streeter, Free Diver, environmentalist and filmmaker; Stephanie Pujol, Assistant Manager for the Office of Faculty Development and Diversity for NYU’s Abu Dhabi campus.
LeadersoftheFuture 04
Roedean students are leaders of the future. Therefore, an understanding of leadership and the diverse range of roles available to senior students are essential elements of the Sixth Form experience. Our democratically elected Prefect and Senior Prefect Team take part in a spirited hustings, and are offered external leadership training. We also offer external leadership training courses to Year 13 students which help develop confidence and communication skills. Roedean has previously hosted a hustings of parliamentary candidates hoping to be elected as Member of Parliament for Kemptown, who answered questions posed by our Sixth Form Political Scientists. This exciting event brought political theories and current topics to life in a real setting for well over 100 students in the audience.
The second in Roedean’s Aspire Series, this video sees OR Saffron talking about her journey from Roedean to her current role as a Digital Publisher at ITV Daytime News. Citing her Politics A Level at Roedean as the motivation to go on to read Politics at Royal Holloway, Saffron then freelanced until she landed a role helping to cover the 2019 elections with ITV News. Follow Saffron’s journey by watching the video:
AspireSeries
A Pathway to
LAW
ct 01 e j b u S s e c i o Ch
Advice, Support and Opportunities
03
Co-curricular Activities
Volunteering& Leadership
04
There are usually no A Level subject requirements to read Law, but taking at least one essay-based subject is recommended, such as History.
There are a wealth of activities offered at Roedean that will test your skills and spark your interests... why not try the Debating Society? Or the Model United Nations? Or perhaps join the Eco Council?
02
An example of an elective offered at Roedean that you may wish to opt for in Year 12 could be: ‘Student Researchers: Debating Global Issues’
Electives
The House Prefects, School Council or the Roedean Mission Committee could be the role for you. Not to mention Prefect and Head Girl positions in Year 13, who benefit from the opportunity to be trained externally in leadership skills.
YEAR 12 SPRING TERM • • • • •
1-1 Meetings with Head of University Admissions Attend Taster University Classes Higher Education Information Evening Careers Fair Personal Statement Training
YEAR 12 SUMMER TERM • • • •
Visiting Speakers 05
We are lucky to have a huge range of Old Roedeanians and parents who are pleased to visit and share their experiences with you. Recent examples include Judge Amanda Kelly and Michael Atkins, Legal Director of the Parole Board.
University Open Days Confirm your courses Finalise your Personal Statement Register for the LNAT (Law National Admissions Test)
YEAR 13 AUTUMN TERM
• Begin to submit UCAS applications, having discussed with your Tutor and Head of University Admissions Mock Interviews
YEAR 13 SPRING TERM • Offers arrive, with 1-1 support on which to accept • Student Finance support
A Pathway to
MEDIA Advice, Support and Opportunities
SubjectChoices 01
There are generally no A Level subjects requirement for media-related courses, although some courses may require English. Psychology may also be useful, along with Art, Craft & Design, Drama & Theatre Studies, MFL Subjects, History, Latin, Philosophy, Photography and Politics.
Co-curricular 02
The Student Magazine At this weekly club, you can work on the the termly Student Magazine. You will be able to help plan the content and work on the material you want to include. This will be great if you are interested in a career in journalism and researching and writing articles.
This year Roedean is delighted to have launched the termly Headmaster’s Lecture series, with the inaugural lecture featuring a conversation with Sarah Jenkins. Sarah is Managing Director of Saatchi & Saatchi London, shaping the strategic direction of the agency. She is a passionate advocate for greater diversity in the advertising industry; she has been instrumental in the work of the Advertising Diversity Task Force, which encourages collaboration between forwardthinking and progressive agencies to make the communication industry more diverse. To watch Sarah’s lecture, which includes some brilliant questions from our own Sixth Formers, click on the link:
Headmaster's Lecture 03
We are lucky to have a huge range of Old Roedeanians and parents who are pleased to visit and share their experiences with you. Recent examples include Martin Trickey, Group Head of Digital at Warner Bros. Int. TV Production; Abadesi Osunsade, Founder of CEO of Hustle Crew; James Kelly, Tour Manager; Georgina Wheatley, Artist Manager.
Visiting Speakers
01
A Pathway to
MEDICINE Advice, Support and Opportunities
Take Chemistry and Biology. If you also take either Maths or Physics, you will keep all medical schools open to you. If you don’t take either Maths or Physics, you will keep the vast majority of medical school open to you.
SubjectChoices
Co-curricular 03
MedSoc If you have an interest in Medicine, Dentistry or Veterinary Sciences, this student-led society can be tailored to focus on what you want and what will be most beneficial to you during the application process, and is incredibly helpful for anyone looking to make an application to study one of these subjects at university.
Visiting Speakers 02
We are lucky to have a huge range of Old Roedeanians and parents who are pleased to visit and share their experiences with you. Recent examples include Michael Pollitt, Undergraduate Admissions Manager; Dr Jonathan Richenberg, Consultant Radiologist; Natasha Sigala, Neuroscientist; Dr Aren Okello, Consultant Neurologist.
Leadership 04
Being a Senior Prefect or on the Head Girl team gives a fantastic range of opportunities for you to practice your leadership and presentation skills – both will be useful additions to your application, the latter will help at interview, and both are brilliant foundations for your future career!
YEAR 12 SPRING TERM • • • •
1-1 Meetings with Head of University Admissions BMAT test training day at school delivered bY Medic Portal Advice given regarding universities and Medical Schools Personal Statement Training
YEAR 12 SUMMER TERM
• UCAT and BMAT test training days delivered by Medic Portal • Mock BMAT & UCAT assessments
The route to a successful Medical School application can be overwhelming. In this video for the Aspire Series (featuring two recently successful applicants) you will get a sense of the timeline ahead, as well as pick up some useful tips as to how to make your application stand out from the crowd. As one of our ORs, Ellen, puts it... don’t give up!
AspireSeries
YEAR 13 AUTUMN TERM
• Discuss your choices with Head of University Admissions • Confirm University choices and submit applications based on UCAT score and BMAT test score • Multiple Mini-Interview training day at school • Panel Interview training • Lancing Interview exchange event • OR and Parent MMI event at Roedean
YEAR 13 SPRING TERM
• Receive information on confirmation, clearing and adjustment • Student Finance applications made by the end of May
A Pathway to
PHYSICAL SCIENCES
01
For Chemistry degrees, most universities require Chemistry and would like Maths and one other science subject. Further Maths can be useful as a fourth A Level. For Physics degrees, you will need a Physics A Level.
Advice, Support and Opportunities 03
Subject Choices Trip Opportunities
The Geography and Physics trip to Iceland has become a regular fixture, with girls seeing the real-life impact of geology and geophysical processes within a stunning landscape.
FemaleLeaders in Science Co-curricular 02
Astronomy Club allows students to explore some of the wonders of the night sky with our 5 telescopes, such as the Moon, Mars, Venus, Jupiter, or even other galaxies. If you relish the challenge of solving problems and want to stretch your understanding of Chemistry beyond the scope of your course, then join the Senior Chemistry Olympiad, where you can get training in how to tackle Olympiad problems from the Royal Society of Chemistry’s international competition.
At our International Women’s Day in 2021, amongst our guests we were lucky to host a diverse range of leaders in Physical Sciences. Professor Ellie Highwood, former Professor of Climate Physics for 26 years at the University of Reading, now spends her time working with organisations to improve equality, diversity and inclusion - something that became a passion when she was one of only 12 women on her physics degree (out of 125). Professor Jacqueline McGlade, previously UN Environment’s Chief Scientist, focusses on (amongst many other things!) developing nature-based solutions to climate adaptation, ocean health and the impact of pollution on human and eco-system health. One of Roedean Ambassadors, Dr Suzie Imber, Associate Professor of Planetary Science, specialises in studying space weather and gave a fabulous lecture titled ‘Adventures in Space.’
OXBRIDGE APPLICATIONS Timeline
Roedean Sixth Formers have access to high quality guidance for Oxbridge applications, where you will receive additional support with entrance tests, interview prep and personal statement preparation. We make the most of our OR network and contacts, who return to Roedean to talk to Sixth Form about the process and help make it less overwhelming, whilst trips to visit the Oxford and Cambridge campuses help bring the application to life!
• Interview prep and mock interviews with a range of teachers and professionals
YEAR 12 AUTUMN TERM • UCAS process begins
• Personal Statement Support • 1-1s with the Head of Higher Education
YEAR 12 SPRING TERM
Additional Support
• Oxbridge Evening
YEAR 12 SUMMER TERM
• Confirm that you are considering Oxford or Cambridge • Oxbridge Applications training day
YEAR 13 AUTUMN TERM • • • •
Applications to be submitted in the first two weeks of September Mock admissions tests for Oxbridge provided by external Oxbridge specialist Oxbridge tests usually sat late October / early November Oxbridge interviews in December
YEAR 13 SPRING TERM • Offers begin to arrive
Aspire Series
Watch OR Rosie’s video for the Aspire Series, ‘My Pathway to Cambridge’ for some practical tips on an application to Cambridge.
US UNIVERSITY APPLICATIONS Timeline
A number of students each year apply to universities outside of the UK, primarily to the US; examples of successful applications in recent years have been to New York University and the University of California. It is important to note that applications to the US are applications to the university rather than to a course at the university. Therefore, it is impossible to do an undergraduate degree in Medicine or Law in the US. Most US universities offer a Liberal Arts programme of study where courses are taken in a variety of subjects before a decision is taken after two years to focus on a main subject (known as a major).
YEAR 12 SPRING TERM
• 1-1 meetings with the Head of University Admissions • Talks by outside International Admissions Officers from leading US universities • SAT exams preparation begins
YEAR 12 SUMMER TERM
• The US Common Application opens on 1st August; students applying to the US begin work on their supplementary essays for specific universities.
YEAR 13 AUTUMN TERM
• Head of University Admissions 1-1 feedback on US application essays • October - Common Application form to be submitted by 31st October if you are applying to the US Early Decision / Action • November – non-early US applicants begin to submit their applications (deadline for regular applications is at the end of December)
YEAR 13 SPRING TERM • Advice on student finance
YEAR 13 SPRING TERM
• April – US Regular Decision applicants receive their decisions • August – Transcripts of results sent to US universities
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