NOTREDAMECOLL.AC.UK 16 ENHANCING EXCELLENCE NOTRE DAME’S ENHANCING EXCELLENCE PROGRAMME SUPPORTS AND ENCOURAGES STUDENTS OF HIGH ACADEMIC POTENTIAL TO APPLY TO OXFORD, CAMBRIDGE AND OTHER WORLD TOP 30 UNIVERSITIES AND/OR TO MEDICINE, DENTISTRY OR VETERINARY SCIENCE DEGREES. Throughout lower sixth, these students attend subject area discussion and development groups, engaging in weekly activities to prepare them for the rigorous tests and interviews required by these universities. They become more independent learners, researching beyond their A-level curricula by reading, watching online lectures or documentaries, attending residentials and conferences, or engaging in work placements. A proportion of these students apply to Oxford or Cambridge, and similar numbers apply to medicine, veterinary science or dentistry. In 2021/22, our students attended a webinar series with undergraduates and doctors from the University of Leeds Medical School, exploring ethics, situational judgement, and other skills required for a career in medicine. Our students have also been involved in a wide range of activities including Sutton Trust Summer Schools, the Hull York Medical School Summer School, the North-West Medical Work Experience, the Newcastle University Bitesize Course and the Super curricular Reading Group from Worcester College, Oxford. This year we have seen the return of the popular Oxford and Cambridge trips, which provide the opportunity to visit our link colleges and discuss the interview process and life at university with admissions. EPQ The Extended Project Qualification provides a fantastic opportunity to deepen your knowledge of a subject, perhaps one that you want to study at university or didn’t have space to take at A-level. Equivalent in UCAS points to half an A-level, the EPQ can be based on your hobbies or extra-curricular interests, providing time away from your academic subjects. If you choose to take an EPQ you will have one lesson a week in your timetable with a supervisor who will give you support and advice throughout the process. Achievement of the EPQ is highly regarded by universities and employers, with many students offered lower grade requirements for entry to a wide range of courses including some of the most competitive. Cambridge HE+ Programme Run in partnership with the University of Cambridge, the prestigious HE + Programme is designed to academically challenge the brightest young people in our inner cities, to raise aspirations, and encourage applications to very selective universities. Notre Dame is perfectly placed to prepare widening participation students for applying to Cambridge, or to any of the UK’s Russell Group universities. As one of the University of Cambridge’s HE+ institutions, we aim to engage students in a sustained programme, which includes academic extension classes, subject masterclasses, information and guidance sessions, and a residential to Selwyn College, Cambridge. 8 29 STUDENTS PROGRESSED TO AN OXBRDIGE UNIVERSITY IN 2021 STUDENTS ACHIEVED PLACES ON MEDICINE, DENTISTRY, OR VETERINARY SCIENCE COURSES IN 2021 Students Ace Cambridge Chemistry Challenge; with 17 students awarded a copper medal, five a silver medal and three won gold Biology students took part in the Intermediate British Biology Olympiad, with four awarded a gold medal.
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