Andrew’s Perspective
Being part of this programme at Carmel has been an invaluable experience, especially whilst completing my Oxbridge Application. Having the opportunity to visit these universities and also to speak to one of the language professors made the interview process feel a lot less daunting. The language tutors were also a big help when preparing for my interview. I hope to study French and Spanish at Cambridge University.
Critical Thinking Critical Thinking is different from all other subjects at AS/Advanced GCE. It doesn’t involve learning any facts, but as the title suggests, it is about learning how to think and reason, as well as how to write in a coherent and logical way. These skills are becoming increasingly important in university application tests and augment your reasoning ability across subjects. A Critical Thinking qualification will show that you have attained a national standard in skills that will be prized by universities and employers alike. You will also extend your ability to develop arguments and apply reasoning and logic in a range of situations. Activities where these skills will be applied will include debates, presentations and workshops. This part of the Critical Thinking course will develop your confidence and your ability to deal with the demands of interviews for the type of courses you are likely to be applying for. Critical Thinking skills form an integral part of the BMAT and LNAT aptitude tests, and the TSA aptitude test used by most of the Oxford colleges. Extended Project Qualification All students in the High Achievers programme will have the opportunity to complete the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). This allows you to choose a subject area you have a particular interest in and then, using your research skills, you will produce an in-depth 5000 word study. EPQ is highly regarded by leading universities.
Guidance and preparation for aptitude and admission tests Andrew Gorman De La Salle School Studying: French, Spanish, German
A number of HE courses now require applicants to sit aptitude tests as part of the application process. This can be a daunting prospect if you are not prepared. High Achievers will be given help to prepare in the event that this becomes a likely part of their application.
Subject Related And College-Wide Aspects Enrichment and Extension Activities There are numerous opportunities across college for you to enrich and extend your knowledge and understanding of your subjects. These include: • Debating/Speech Making • UK Maths Challenge • Merseyside Young Analyst Competition • English Master Classes • A range of trips and visits • Talks by visiting speakers
Lauren Chisnall, Geophysics, Imperial College London
• Dedicated High Achievers intranet site You will be kept up to date regarding developments through the college’s daily bulletin. However, if you have any specific questions or requests, please contact the relevant High Achievers Co-ordinator or one of our 9 dedicated staff.
Paul Swift, Natural Sciences, Cambridge
Talented Art students outside Bluecoat Gallery
Contact us Carmel College, Prescot Road, St Helens, WA10 3AG Tel: 01744 452214 Email: admissions@carmel.ac.uk Web: www.carmel.ac.uk
Sophie Fitzpatrick, Medicine, Manchester
High Achievers •
A structured programme of teaching, activities, events and support for the most able students
•
Provides the best possible preparation for applying to Oxbridge and for Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Medicine degrees
•
Also provides support for talented students in specialist areas such as Art, Music, PE and Performance
1987-2012 25 Years of inspiring individuals
Matthew’s Perspective
Despite the fact that I only go to college for a day and a half a week, it’s more than enough time to acknowledge the hard-working, friendly ethos at Carmel. The college has impressed me with its flexibility, allowing me to study two A Levels alongside a football scholarship at Everton. The teachers are really approachable and do their best to help you achieve your potential, and the classes are enjoyable. When I leave Carmel I hope to continue my career as a footballer, and then go on to study medicine after retiring from the game.
Who will benefit from the Programme? •
Typically, those students who wish to study at Oxford or Cambridge, or who want to study Medicine, Dentistry or Veterinary Medicine. These university courses are particularly demanding and successful applicants will be amongst the strongest academic all-rounders.
•
Students who have achieved a high number of Grade A or A* subjects at GCSE level.
•
Your school may have identified you as a high achieving ‘all-rounder’, for example, you may have been part of a ‘Gifted and Talented’ group.
•
The programme also provides a framework of structured support for talented students in specialist areas such as Art, Music, P.E. and Performance and works closely with the relevant specialist H.E. institutions for those disciplines.
When will the Programme take place? Obviously, your AS Level subjects will take up most of your timetabled week. Some parts of the programme will be timetabled; others will take place in the Enrichment session at various times throughout the year. Occasionally events will be organised to fit in with external organisations and will have to be scheduled accordingly. This may mean that you occasionally have to miss a lesson or attend events outside of the timetabled day. Advanced notice will be given when this is likely to happen. Interview Skills Workshops
Matthew Pennington St Gregory’s Catholic High School Studying: Chemistry and Maths
As you approach the time for applications and interviews, you will be given the opportunity to test out and refine your skills through practice interviews. A number of workshops will take place to develop the appropriate skills. Feedback will also be given to allow you to improve your performance in time for the real thing.
What activities will be offered within the Programme? CORE ASPECTS Oxbridge and H.E. Early Applicants Support Oxbridge (i.e. Oxford and Cambridge Universities) have an application process that is different to other universities. They both have an earlier deadline for applications (mid-October of your second year) and earlier interviews for places (December of your second year). Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science degrees also have an early application deadline. This means that potential applicants must be very well prepared and must have researched their chosen courses and universities/colleges at a relatively early stage in their time at Carmel. Carmel will provide the necessary support and will organise visits to allow you to make the right decisions as early as possible. For example, a residential visit, to both the Oxford and Cambridge Open Days, takes place in June of your first year. This follows on from the North West Regional Oxbridge Conference that takes place in March of your first year. On your return to Carmel after the summer holiday, you will begin work on your Personal Statement, which forms a vital part of any successful application. Again, dedicated and structured support will be on hand.
Russell’s Perspective
The High Achievers support that I have had at Carmel has been brilliant. I have been able to take advantage of some great opportunities and the encouragement I received from college gave me the confidence to apply to some of the top universities in the country. The mock interviews organised by the college were really useful too in helping me prepare for the real thing.
Support and advice for high achievers The High Achievers Co-ordinator is the central point of contact for any matter relating to the Programme. Carmel has a number of dedicated careers tutors who are able to give specialist advice regarding HE courses.
Russell Jones Wade Deacon Studying: History, Law, Government and Politics
Alice’s Perspective
Students visit Oxford & Cambridge
At Carmel I have been given many opportunities within the Art department to challenge and further my skills including extra workshops for High Achievers. I have also been involved in a competition run by the Blue Coat Art Gallery in Liverpool, which involved working from an independent design brief. After my A Levels I would like to do the Art Foundation degree course which is available at the college before progressing to university.
Alice Hughes Wade Deacon Studying: Fine Art, Graphics, History, English Lit, Critical Thinking