Application Guidance
Taking the Next Step This booklet is designed to help you understand the application process at One and what to expect from putting in your application through to enrolling with us in August.
Open Events This year our open events take place on: Saturday 15th October 2016 9.30am-12.30pm
Where do I Start?
Thursday 20th October 2016 5pm-8pm
Choosing what to do after you have finished High School can be tricky. There are lots of Post 16 options and sometimes it can be hard to decide which route to take.
Wednesday 23rd November 2016 5pm-7pm
The first step is to explore what opportunities there are for you and one great way to do this is to attend college open events and see what each of them has to offer.
Monday 27th February 2017 6.30pm-8pm
Our events are carefully designed to ensure that you can find out about what One has to offer. You can speak to our specialist staff about our courses and this will help you choose a course that is right for you.
How Does the Process Work? Once you have attended an Open Event you need to fill in an application form online. When we receive your application we will invite you in for an interview. Your interview will take place with a subject specialist staff member who will be able to offer advice and guidance about the best courses for you. This is also a chance for you to ask questions about the courses you have selected and check you are happy with your programme.
Once you have had your interview we will be in regular contact with you throughout the year, updating you on performances and events you can attend and any other information you need to know such as:
Year 11 HE Event Our HE event takes place in February. This is a chance for you to speak with University staff about their outreach events, many of which will be available to you after your GCSE exams. Curriculum staff from One will also be present to discuss your subject choices, offering advice and guidance about any aspects of college life.
Reformed GCSEs Our entry requirements recognise the changes in GCSE Maths and English grading. We are aware that this transition phase is difficult for students, their parents and carers and for schools. If you have any questions in relation to your predicted grades, please talk to us. Exams in reformed English Language, English Literature and Maths GCSEs will be taken for the first time in 2017.
aThese will be graded from 9 to 1, instead of A* to G aStatistical predictions will be used in 2017 to ensure there is alignment between the new and current grading structures, such that: »» broadly the same proportion of students will achieve grade 4 and above as currently achieve grade C and above »» broadly the same proportion of students will achieve a grade 7 and above as currently achieve a grade A and above »» broadly the same proportion of students will achieve a grade 1 and above as currently achieve a grade G and above
Following the Steps of your Application Here is the typical timescale for students who apply to One.
Start October/November Attend Open Event
October/November Apply Online
December
Attend Interview
This timeline will give you an idea of what to expect but may change depending on when you apply to us.
January
Our first Post 16 Parents Information Evening
February
Year 11 HE Event
April/May
Exam Revision time (Check out our website for revision tips)
June
One Day
August
Enrolment
September
Induction and the start of your academic journey with us
Getting your Application in Early It’s a good idea to get your application in early, knowing what courses you would like to study in September will mean you know the entry grades you need to aim for and will allow you to set goals ready for your exams in May.
During your GCSE exam period we know that you need to take the time to revise. If during that time you do have any questions or need to come in and see us then just email: admissions@suffolkone.ac.uk
Our Online Application Process Once you have decided on the courses you would like to study you need to go online and fill in our online application form. We ask for: • Your contact information • Any special educational needs/requirements you have •
The grades you are predicted to achieve in the summer
Top Tips for your Application:
aIt’s really important that this information is filled out in full, it helps us to understand you as a student and makes sure that we sign you up to the right course. Please make sure you provide us with all of the GCSE courses you are taking/have taken and your predicted/ actual grades. Failure to do so will result in a delay in your application being processed. If you are hoping to study A Levels, please ensure you pick a minimum of 3 A Level courses on your application form. BTEC Subsidiary courses count as 1 A Level and BTEC Extended count as 3 A Levels so please keep this in mind when filling out your application form.
a a a
Course Structure
At One you have the option of taking A Levels or BTEC Vocational courses. Below are the answers to some frequently asked questions that students ask when choosing their courses:
How many A Levels should I choose? Usually students will take a four A Level programme, in some circumstances three and in exceptional circumstances five. Four is the standard number of A Level courses you are enrolled on to. In your second year of study you will normally drop an AS course and complete three full A Levels.
What’s the difference between an Extended Diploma and a Subsidiary Diploma? A BTEC Extended Diploma counts as three A Levels, a Subsidiary counts as one A Level, you can take a combination of one or more Subsidiary courses with A Level courses to make up your four subject programme. You can only take one A Level alongside a BTEC Extended Level 3 course.
Can I do a BTEC and A Levels together? Yes you can, if you pick a BTEC Extended Level 3 course you can take this alongside one A Level.
What is a Level 2 Course? A Level 2 course is the equivalent of GCSE Level. Students who need to improve their GCSE English and/or Maths grade or need a year to improve their grade profile are enrolled onto a Level 2 course. Once the Level 2 course has been completed many of our students stay with us and move onto a Level 3 programme.
Will my GCSE results affect my subject choices? To ensure you are on the right course we set entry criteria for our courses. Therefore your GCSE results in August need to meet the specific entry requirements for each course you wish to enrol onto.
What if I don’t get the results I expected to? If in August you do not receive the results you were expecting please come and see us at enrolment. We offer a range of courses which means we are likely to have another course to suit you.
What if I’ve chosen the wrong subjects, how do I change the subjects I’ve selected? If you change your mind about a subject after your interview you can email the admissions team and request a course change. You can get in touch with the admissions team by emailing: admissions@suffolkone.ac.uk Course changes can be made up until early June, we then stop course changes so we can prepare a timetable for One Day. After One Day if you decide a course is not right for you a course change can be made until the first week of July. After this time all other course changes can be requested at enrolment.
One Day In June we offer you a chance to spend the day with us where you will get to try out your chosen subjects and experience what student life is like at One. This will help you to decide if your chosen courses are right for you.
Enrolment Enrolment is the last stage of your application process before you start in September. Enrolment takes place on GCSE results day in August. On results day you will be asked to come to One with your GCSE results and enrol onto your chosen programme. We will ask you to sign your enrolment paperwork, take your photo for your ID card and give you information about induction and the start of term. It is really important to take Enrolment day into account when booking a summer holiday.
I am away for enrolment, what do I need to do? If you are away for enrolment it is really important that you contact us with the dates you are away. We will then let you know the process you need to follow, failure to follow our procedure may mean we are unable to offer you a place in September.
Get in Touch We have a number of ways for you to contact us throughout the application process. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or queries you have.
Phone: 01473 556600
General Email Enquiries: admin@suffolkone.ac.uk
Admissions Email Enquiries: admissions@suffolkone.ac.uk Twitter: @suffolkone
Facebook: /suffolkone
Transport Queries: transport@suffolkone.ac.uk
Finance and Bursary Queries: finance@suffolkone.ac.uk
Key Dates Open Events.......
Saturday 15th October 2016 - 9:30am-12:30pm
Thursday 20th October 2016 - 5pm-8pm
Wednesday 23rd November 2016 - 5pm-7pm
Monday 27th February 2017 - 6:30pm-8pm
01473 556600
admin@suffolkone.ac.uk www.suffolkone.ac.uk
One, Scrivener Drive, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP83SU