Oxbridge Support Programme
The Oxbridge application process is extremely competitive and careful preparation is key; it takes consistent time and effort to develop a credible application.
Participation in the BGS Oxbridge Programme is by invitation only to high-achieving students due to the highly competitive nature of the application process.
Time Frame Lower Sixth Autumn Term
Activity and Areas of Focus Introduction to Oxbridge presentation.
Students are introduced to CASE logs (Creativity, Action, Service, Employability logs) and record all wider reading/super-curricular activities, with reflections and evidence.
Visit from alumna - presentation on their experience of applying to, and life at, Oxbridge.
Reflection sessions to determine if the current academic pathway will align with an Oxbridge application. Session to introduce the Oxbridge admissions tests.
Spring Term One-to-one meeting with Oxbridge coordinator to ensure current academic achievement is aligned to aspirations.
Oxbridge presentation for students and parents with external providers.
Reflections from Upper Sixth - how did they do it? Advice/guidance/reality. Interactive session with Lower Sixth students.
Presentation on super-curricular activities.
Students are encouraged to make final subject decisions.
Summer Term Post-Lower Sixth exams one to one meetings with Oxbridge coordinator and Head of Sixth Form - decisions made on subject.
Students meet with subject-specific teachers to support the preparation for admissions tests.
Oxbridge Workshop with external provider. Includes: the application process, a session with a subject-specific tutor, mock interview.
Ongoing support for students who need to submit written work.
Additional one to one mock interviews/admissions test support/critical-thinking skills with contacts of school and external providers.
July Lower Sixth UCAS day includes Oxbridge personal statement workshop.
Students draft personal statements over summer holidays.
Upper Sixth Autumn Term
Your Oxbridge Application presentationoutlining the year ahead.
Personal statements final drafts - guidance and support from the Oxbridge coordinator and The Bridge Careers team.
Students who need to submit written work meet with teachers/HoDs for discussions.
Mock admissions tests.
October UCAS early entry deadline.
My Cambridge Application form needs to be completed.
Written and verbal feedback provided on mock admissions tests by subject teachers.
Real admissions tests (in school). Mid October.
November Additional Harpur Trust Mock Interviews.
What to expect post-application presentation.
Pre-interview presentation for candidates invited to interview.
December Oxbridge interview period.
Post-interview support.
Spring Term Upper Sixth Mock examinations and feedback.
Offer Period. Requests for feedback on decisions can be made by either student or school.
Summer Term All UCAS decisions made.
Students sit IB and A-level public exams.
Support on Results Days. Successful students will receive information about the Shortland Jones Award; an annual financial award granted to BGS Oxbridge undergraduates for the length of their first degree.
BGS Support for students applying for Medicine, Veterinary, Dentistry and other allied Health subjects
These subjects, like Oxbridge, have specific application requirements which deviate from the standard UCAS application process. To ensure our students are best prepared, bespoke programmes and support run alongside the existing Careers provision. Students may start to access elements of this programme from Year 10.
Key Activities and Focus ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
Topics covered through bi-weekly sessions. Types of courses - traditional, Problem Based Learning, Evidence Based Learning and Case Based Learning. Work Experience. Interview techniques and mock interviews. Preparation for UCAT entrance exams and mock papers. Additional reading recommendations. MOOCs; Future Learn; NHS Academy. Reflections for alumnae. Phone calls with alumnae working in fields of interest. Lunchbox lectures. How to write an effective Personal Statement. Medical Ethics.
Additional activities: HT Medical Society; student led Science Discussion group.
Students applying for Music, Drama or Art and Textiles related courses also have access and support from the relevant departments for portfolio guidance.
Cardington Road, Bedford, MK42 0BX Telephone: 01234 361900 information@bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk www.bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk