ACADEMIC I N F O R M AT I O N 2023 - 2024
AC A D E M I C I N F O R M AT I O N
WELCOME I am delighted to show you, via this publication, the richness of our academic offering here at Oakham School. As well as showcasing the many different academic pathways and options available to your child, this brochure also outlines the wealth of support that we offer to help your child achieve their potential both at School and beyond. We have also included academic highlights from the previous academic year, 2022–2023, with a breakdown of GCSE and post-16 (IB Diploma/A-level/BTEC) examination performance by academic subject and grade. We are immensely proud of all of our pupils, not just those who have achieved the top grades, but everyone who has put so much effort into their learning. It has not always been an easy path for our pupils, with periods of real uncertainty and disruption due to Covid, but they have shown real resilience, adaptability and good humour throughout. To show you how these results compare with previous years, we have provided a 5-year summary of examination performance. This includes teacher-assessed grades in 2021 and centre-assessed grades in 2020 and shows how consistently well our pupils perform in their exams each year. Dr Leo Dudin Deputy Head (Academic)
CONTENTS Academic life at Oakham 4 Academic highlights 2023 7 The Lower School Curriculum – ages 10–13 8 The Middle School Curriculum – ages 13–16 10 GCSE results 2023 11 The Upper School – academic pathways at 16+ 12 A-level, Pre-U, BTEC results 2023 14 IB results 2023 15 Supporting academic progress 16 Careers and Higher Education 18 Leavers’ destinations 2023 20
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AC A D E M I C I N F O R M AT I O N
AC ADEMIC LIFE AT OAKHA M
AN E XCEP TIONAL LE ARNING ENVIRONMENT We offer a rich and varied curriculum: from Classical Greek to Computer Science, with 6 languages and 5 Art and Design specialist courses. Outstanding subject faculties and specialist academic facilities: our university-standard library houses in excess of 30,000 books. Our teachers are passionate subject specialists in their chosen field and we boast many examiners amongst our staff.
Whatever their age, Oakham offers its pupils an exciting and dynamic academic learning experience. Our aim is to equip our pupils with the knowledge, attitudes and skills to thrive at School and beyond.
We provide an international, interdisciplinary approach to teaching and learning. • Pupils in Forms 1–3 follow the acclaimed IB MYP curriculum. • Pupils can choose from 26 GCSE subjects. • We offer two distinct pathways at 16+: the IB Diploma Programme or A-level and BTEC courses.
Through our outstanding academic curriculum, we encourage our pupils to become creative, critical, and reflective thinkers who can make links across the different subjects they are taught. Like many schools, we are able to help our pupils to achieve outstanding results in their examinations; the Oakham difference is that our genuinely holistic approach to education via our Connected Curriculum teaches our pupils how to take their studies further and rise to the intellectual challenges that they will encounter in their later lives.
Our superb Careers Department ensures our students win places at the best universities in the UK and worldwide, as well as supporting students who wish to pursue specialist Art/Drama courses and apprenticeships.
Our Connected Curriculum enables pupils to focus on their academic studies whilst also dedicating time to learning outside of the classroom, through our pastoral learning programme and wide co-curricular offering.
We enrich our pupils’ learning through our academic societies and clubs; from Dissection Club to Spanish Society, there are over 20 academic societies and clubs for pupils to join. We run a rich programme of regular lectures and seminars from leading academic thinkers and we organise many inspirational educational visits and cross-curricular projects.
2,40 0 360
20 0 -SE AT
square-metre Library
members of teaching staff
150
classrooms, studios and laboratories
university-style lecture theatre
4
Through the Connected Curriculum we teach our pupils the knowledge, skills and values to help them thrive
“The thing I enjoy most academically is how the teachers encourage and challenge me to broaden the scope of my learning.” FA R I D
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6
AC A D E M I C I N F O R M AT I O N
AC ADEMIC HIGHLIGHTS 2022-2023 UKMT Maths Challenge Success: Pupils won an impressive 11 Gold certificates in the Senior Maths Challenge. In the Junior Maths Challenge 44 pupils achieved awards, including 7 Gold, 13 Silver and 24 Bronze.
Overall
42%
of all exams taken (at A-level, BTEC, Pre-U or in the IB Diploma) were awarded A* or A grades or equivalent (66% A*/B grades)
The 2022–2023 academic year saw the launch of Oakham School’s new pupil-led literary magazine. Each issue of SpOken is designed and edited by a student editorial team and contains poems and stories written by Oakhamians.
68%
Debating success: Upper School students received high praise for their debating skills at three MUN conferences. At the Wycombe Abbey conference, Form 7 student Ben won the Outstanding Delegation Prize.
A*/B grades at A-level/ Pre-U/BTEC
Form 4 pupils achieved two Gold, six Silver and seven Bronze awards, as well as 22 Highly Commended and Commended certificates in the annual UKBC Biology Challenge.
In the IB Diploma
15%
of pupils achieved 40 or more points out of a possible 45, equivalent to 4 A* grades at A-level
Two talented Form 3 linguists achieved first prize and a commendation in the Anthea Bell Prize for Young Translators, a prestigious national competition run by The Queen’s College, Oxford University.
At GCSE
49%
Six Form 6 students successfully competed in the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge with two Copper, two Silver, and two Gold Awards.
of pupils gained A*/A/9–7 grades
FIVE-YE AR SUM M ARY OF RE SULTS Year
Overall Form 7 Results IB/A-level/ BTEC/Pre-U A*/A %
Combined A-level/ Pre-U/BTEC A*/A %
IB Average Score (out of 45)
IB Higher Level 7/6 %
GCSE 9-7/A*/A
2023
42
36
34.5
58
49
2022
57
55
35.5
67
58
2021
63
62
35
70
66
2020
60
56
37
77
60
2019
48
38
35
68
52
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AC A D E M I C I N F O R M AT I O N
THE LOWER SCHO OL CURRICULUM (AGE S 10 –13)
Free from the constraints of teaching for Common Entrance or National Curriculum assessment, we offer an exceptional and distinctive curriculum in the Lower School, following the acclaimed International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IB MYP). Exploring deeper, conceptual and debatable questions gives students a thorough disciplinary and interdisciplinary understanding: they still learn the subjects one would expect, but see the links between them to enable them to forge new ideas and use what they learn in less familiar situations.
Benefitting greatly from the resources and teaching expertise of the wider School, pupils are taught in small teaching groups, allowing scope for plenty of one-to-one attention and pupilteacher interaction. Our innovative approach encourages links between different subjects, showing our pupils how to see beyond the narrow requirements of a particular exam and transfer their learning skills to new situations.
The majority of pupils join Oakham in Form 1 (Year 7) but some choose to join in Lower 1 (Year 6). Lower 1 is the equivalent of the final year of primary school and particularly suits children who are ready to access the School’s more specialist facilities and teaching a year early. Lower 1 pupils follow a timetable that is grounded in primary teaching and each class has a primary specialist class teacher and a classroom base, on the separate Jerwoods campus where pupils are taught the majority of their lessons. Lower 1 pupils also enjoy learning beyond the classroom by participating in a range of trips and activities that include welcoming Vikings to Oakham School, visiting a coal mine, and going on a residential trip in the Peak District.
Overarching this is the IB Learner Profile, which helps students to develop as people, and to become responsible and reflective global citizens with an international outlook. The IB MYP is a curriculum organised by big ideas, with conceptual learning allowing students to make connections across the curriculum for deeper understanding. Pupils begin their IB MYP journey with a two-day introduction to conceptual ways of thinking and learning and how to relate them to their own experiences. They visit the National Space Centre in Leicester, where they explore deep, conceptual and debatable questions about life, the universe, and our place within it. They follow this on the second day by looking at global issues faced by many communities around the world, including their own, and considering how individually and collectively they can make a difference to solve these issues.
Subject specialists teach Form 1 in a dedicated suite of classrooms on the Jerwoods campus, with pupils benefiting from the wider facilities of the School for the Creative and Performing Arts subjects, PE, and Science. In preparation for the transition to Middle School, Form 2 pupils have their lessons in the wider School campus. Pupils study English, French, Geography, History, Computer Science, Mathematics, Religious Education, Science, Latin (most pupils) and Creative and Performing Arts. In Form 2 they add Spanish and German, selecting one during the year for further study. Afternoons are divided between sport and a wide choice of activities within and beyond the timetable. Trips enhance what has been learned in class and the annual Form 1 Exploring Learning Camp is an important way to consolidate new skills.
Our innovative approach encourages links between different subjects, showing learners how to transfer their learning skills to new situations.”
Lower School pupils do not need to take an entry examination in order to progress to the Middle School, although we do expect pupils to reach a standard equivalent to a Common Entrance pass of 55% or better.
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AC A D E M I C I N F O R M AT I O N
THE MIDDLE SCHO OL CURRICULUM
26
subject options at GCSE
(AGE S 13 –16)
Art GCSE options include Sculpture, Textiles, Painting and Mixed Media
AC ADE MIC ENRICHMENT We expose pupils to a rich cultural environment, providing an exciting programme of projects and visits to enhance learning beyond the classroom and the exam syllabus. These give Oakhamians stimulating experiences outside the School boundaries, often fostering lifelong interests. The Form 3 Project, for example, includes a visit to the First World War battlefields in France, Creative and Performing Arts elements, completing a library-led independent research project, and a summer activity camp.
Thirteen-year-olds arriving new at Oakham or progressing from our Lower School quickly settle into the busy but supportive atmosphere of the Middle School. Teaching is stimulating and thorough and designed to inspire and encourage pupils to find aspects of the curriculum that really excite and engage them. Pupils learn to deal with the new challenges they face, both academically and emotionally.
The Form 4 Project introduces pupils to the many new subjects they can study in the Upper School, whilst building presentation, confidence and teamwork skills.
GC SE As the time approaches to make the important GCSE subject choices, we run advice sessions for both pupils and parents. Teachers, Tutors, Housemasters and Housemistresses also give their recommendations and advice throughout, to help pupils make choices that develop key characteristics and play both to their strengths and their academic ambitions. The majority of pupils take 9 subjects at GCSE or IGCSE with the option to study 8 or 10. This gives them a broad and balanced education and keeps their options open.
Nearly half (49%) of pupils gained
straight A*/ A/9-7 grades
All pupils take English Language, English Literature, DualAward Science (which comprises Biology, Chemistry and Physics) and Mathematics, together with a choice from History, Geography, Religion and Philosophy, French, Spanish, German, Drama or Music and a variety of Creative Arts subjects (Fine Art – Painting and Mixed Media, Textile Design or Sculpture, or Design Technology focusing on Electronics Products, Resistant Materials or Graphics Products). Other academic options include: Citizenship Studies, Classical Civilisation, Computer Science, Greek, Latin and Physical Education.
9 students gained top grades in the Algebra Award and the Further Mathematics certificate as well as their GCSE Maths
In some of the subjects we have selected to follow the IGCSE syllabus, which we consider a better qualification at this level. They have equivalent status to GCSEs for universities and employers.
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GC SE RE SULTS 2023 Subject
Total
9%
9-8%
9-7%
9-6%
9-5%
9-4%
Art and Design
62
19
46
62
83
100
100
Biology
75
20
33
45
72
84
100
Chemistry
73
25
39
54
72
90
98
Classical Civilisation
9
22
22
33
66
66
88
Computer Science
20
20
40
60
70
85
85
Citizenship Studies
26
15
15
27
54
73
96
Drama
25
12
16
36
76
92
100
DT
29
17
38
55
72
75
89
English Language
153
16
45
59
79
91
96
English Literature
152
18
34
56
74
92
98
French
78
13
37
55
61
74
84
Geography
120
20
30
48
66
84
96
Greek
4
100
100
100
100
100
100
German
9
-
44
55
55
100
100
History
83
23
41
57
79
92
97
Latin
23
52
78
82
95
95
100
Mathematics
158
13
26
44
59
77
94
Music
13
15
38
92
100
100
100
Physics
73
25
39
51
69
81
99
PE
40
5
18
28
51
79
92
Religion and Philosopohy
44
20
27
50
89
91
100
Science (Dual Award)
83
8
18
23
49
76
94
Spanish
60
7
22
44
59
74
89
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THE UPPER SCHO OL – AC ADEMIC PATHWAYS AT 16+
A - LE VEL S A-levels and BTECs offer flexibility of choice and options can be tailored to the individual. Most students will study three subjects which they will pursue through to the end of Form 7; these will sit alongside innovative and impactful opportunities for academic enrichment and research within, across and beyond the curricular subjects.
A - LE VEL SUBJEC T OP TIONS
• A - LE VEL S / BTEC • IB DIPLOM A PROGR A M ME
Oakham’s Upper School is an important and exciting time for our students, representing a period of transition towards university and post-education careers. The journey towards real independence picks up pace: we expect students to show a desire for self-motivated study and to take increased personal responsibility for their success. We work with them to build the skills to thrive as the challenge and expectations upon them increase. Intellectual curiosity and a willingness to engage with challenge are qualities hugely valued both at university and in business, and these are key characteristics that we seek to instil.
CHO OSING THE RIGHT PATH WAY Students choose either to study A-levels and equivalent standalone qualifications or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. Few schools offer this choice and we are very proud of the results our students achieve when pursuing either route. A-levels tend to suit students who are very certain of their strengths and wish to pursue them in greater depth. The IB Diploma Programme suits students who want to keep their options open as well as those who are keen to specialise but are reluctant to give up other subjects. We help both parents and students to make an informed choice depending on aptitudes and future education and career plans.
12
•
Art: Critical and Contextual Studies
•
Classical Greek
•
History
•
Art and Design
•
Latin
•
Biology
•
Mathematics
•
Business (A-level and BTEC)
•
Further Mathematics
•
Chemistry
•
Music
•
Classical Civilisation
•
Philosophy
•
Computer Science
•
Physical Education (A-level and BTEC)
•
Design Technology
•
Physics
•
Drama and Theatre Studies
•
Politics
•
Economics
•
Psychology
•
English Literature
•
Religion and Philosophy
•
French
•
Spanish
•
Geography
•
German
AC A D E M I C I N F O R M AT I O N
IB DIPLOM A PRO GR A M ME Oakham is recognised as one of the leading IB schools, both within and outside the UK. Our results are consistently excellent. The IB Diploma Programme is a prestigious international qualification, highly regarded by academic institutions and employers throughout the world. It marks a very high level of achievement. The IB Diploma Programme offers a broad and challenging academic education, whilst encouraging pupils to be understanding and thoughtful global citizens. Students who gain the IB Diploma head out into the world as well-rounded individuals, as thinkers, as passionate, lifelong learners, and as participants.
IB SUBJECT OPTIONS Students study six subjects, one from each of six subject groups. Three subjects are studied at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL). Additionally, all students take the three Core Elements of the Diploma: Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay and a programme of Creativity, Action and Service.
Group 1
Group 2
Group 3
Group 4
Group 5
Group 6
Language
Language (Other)
Individuals and Societies
Sciences
Mathematics
Arts/Electives
English A Literature (HL/SL)
German A Language & Literature (HL)
Business Management (HL)
Biology (HL/SL)
Theatre + (HL/SL)
French B (HL/SL)
Economics (HL/SL)
Mathematics: Analysis & Approaches (AA) (HL/SL) Mathematics: Applications & Interpretations (AI) (SL)
French B (HL)
German B (HL/SL) Spanish B (HL/SL) Italian ab initio (SL) Spanish ab initio (SL) Classical Greek (HL/SL)
Chemistry (SL) Computer Science (SL)
Geography (HL/SL)
Design Technology (HL/SL)
Global Politics (HL/SL) History (HL/SL)
Environmental Systems & Societies (SL)
Philosophy (HL/SL)
Physics (HL/SL)
Psychology (HL/SL)
Sports, Exercise & Health Science (HL/SL)
For full details of our post 16 academic courses, please see our Upper School Choices Booklet.
13
Visual Arts (HL/SL)
Latin (HL/SL) Economics (HL) Geography (HL/SL) History (HL/SL) Chemistry (HL)
A - LE VEL RE SULTS 2023 Subject
Total Pupils
A*
A
B
C
D
E
U
%A*-A
%A*-B
Art & Design
22
9
5
6
2
-
-
-
64
91
Art Critical and Contextual Studies
9
3
1
3
1
1
-
-
44
77
Biology
21
4
4
4
5
2
2
-
38
57
Business
43
-
4
21
14
4
-
-
9
58
Chemistry
19
1
9
3
3
1
1
1
53
69
Classical Civilisation
4
-
1
2
1
-
-
-
25
75
Computer Science
4
-
2
1
-
1
-
-
50
75
Design Technology
9
-
1
5
2
1
-
-
11
67
Drama & Theatre
10
1
1
6
2
-
-
-
20
80
Economics
31
-
11
10
6
3
1
-
35
67
English Literature
15
2
3
6
2
2
-
-
33
73
French
8
2
1
4
-
-
1
-
38
88
Further Mathematics
4
1
2
-
-
1
-
-
75
75
Geography
38
6
5
15
2
10
-
-
29
68
Greek
1
-
1
-
-
-
-
-
100
100
German
4
-
-
2
2
-
-
-
-
50
History
22
1
7
10
2
2
-
-
37
82
Mathematics
30
3
10
6
1
9
1
-
43
63
Physics
12
-
3
4
1
2
2
-
25
58
Physical Education
11
-
4
3
2
2
-
-
36
63
Philosophy
6
1
1
2
1
1
-
-
34
67
Politics
20
2
3
7
6
2
-
-
25
60
Psychology
34
1
2
12
9
5
5
-
9
44
Religious Studies
8
-
2
4
-
2
-
-
25
75
Spanish
5
1
3
-
-
1
-
-
80
80
BTEC RE SULTS 2023
Business Studies
Sports Science (equivalent to two A-levels)
Subcode
The overall pass rate at A-level/ Pre-U/BTEC
36%
pupils achieved straight A*/A grades
10 0% Five students achieved perfect marks in their Art A-level and two students in their CCS A-level
D* = Distinction* - equivalent to A* at A-level | D = Distinction | M = Merit | P = Pass | NP = Near Pass
Total Pupils
D*
D
M
P
NP
U
15
4
8
3
-
-
-
Total Pupils
D*
D
M
P
NP
U
13
15
5
5
1
-
97% D*/D BTEC overall
PRE- U RE SULTS 2023 Music
10 0%
Total Pupils
D1
D2
D3
M1
M2
M3
P1
P2
P3
U
%D1-M1
%D1-M3
2
-
-
1
1
-
-
-
-
-
-
100
100
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AC A D E M I C I N F O R M AT I O N
IB DIPLOM A RE SULTS 2023 Subject Points Table
7 HL
7 SL 6 HL
6 SL
5 HL
5 SL 4 HL
4 SL
3 HL
3 SL 2 HL
2 SL
1 HL
1 SL
Group 1: Language A English A Literature
2
3
3
13
5
17
2
1
-
-
-
-
-
-
German A Language and Literature
1
-
4
-
1
4
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
French
1
2
3
1
-
1
1
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
German
2
1
-
1
-
1
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Italian ab initio
-
-
-
3
-
-
-
3
-
-
-
-
-
-
Spanish
-
3
3
2
1
2
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Spanish ab initio
-
1
-
1
-
1
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Latin
-
1
1
-
-
-
-
-
-
1
-
-
-
-
Group 2: Language B
Group 3: Individuals and Societies Business Management
2
-
7
-
3
-
1
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Economics
2
-
6
1
1
2
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Geography
2
1
1
2
3
1
2
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Global Politics
-
-
4
-
1
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
History
5
2
3
2
2
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Philosophy
2
-
1
-
2
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Psychology
1
-
3
1
1
1
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Biology
1
1
3
-
9
-
5
1
2
-
-
-
-
-
Environmental Systems and Societies
-
2
-
3
-
-
-
2
-
-
-
-
-
-
Chemistry
1
-
4
-
1
-
-
1
2
-
-
-
-
-
Design Technology
-
-
2
-
2
2
-
-
-
1
-
-
-
-
Physics
-
1
1
-
2
-
-
1
3
-
-
-
-
-
Sports, Exercise and Health Science (SEHS)
1
-
1
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1
2
3
8
2
13
-
8
2
5
-
2
-
-
Visual Arts
-
-
3
1
2
1
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Theatre Arts
-
-
-
3
-
-
-
-
-
-
Group 4: The Sciences
Group 5: Mathematics Mathematics Group 6: The Arts
45
One student achieved full marks putting them in the top 1% of students worldwide
T WO
students achieved near perfect marks, scoring 44 and 43 points respectively out of 45 15
SE VEN
students achieved 40 or more points (equivalent to 4A*s at A-level)
10 0%
The overall pass rate in the IB Diploma Programme
AC A D E M I C I N F O R M AT I O N
SUPP ORTING AC ADEMIC PROGRE SS
AC ADE MIC MENTORING We consider it essential that students with a particular interest and ability in an academic field are able to develop fully. We offer participation in scholarly events and departmental societies, and mentoring schemes whereby individuals are paired with older students, younger students, and specialist teachers, to explore their areas of intellectual passion beyond the classroom. Key to all this is our Senior Academic Mentor, who guides the intellectual development of our most academically able pupils throughout their School careers; from helping them to identify and expand their academic interests through guided reading and discussion via the Scholars Society, to equipping students to make strong applications, including guidance for any admissions tests, to the top universities in the UK, including Oxford and Cambridge.
LE ARNING SUPP ORT Our experienced team of dedicated Learning Support teachers works with individuals, small groups and in some classes to help pupils to achieve their potential. Housed in a new purpose-built suite of classrooms boasting the latest technology, the department provides a safe haven for pupils who require additional support with their studies. We welcome the opportunity to discuss with you how the School can best cater for your child’s interests, and identify any challenges they may face. So, at the initial enquiry stage, please let us know about any learning difficulties your child may have and send us copies of any assessments.
To ensure all our pupils reach their academic potential during their time at School, we provide support tailored to their individual needs and challenge them in a variety of ways.
SUPP ORTIVE TUTOR S Tutors play a vital role at Oakham in helping pupils to maintain a balance between academic, creative and social activities. Each pupil has his or her own Tutor and all Houses have Resident and House Tutors to give additional support. Working with Housemasters, Housemistresses and parents, Tutors have an important role helping pupils fulfil personal goals, guiding them with strategies to manage their busy lives and ensuring they are both academically and socially stimulated. Our small tutorial groups – between 7 and 8 pupils per group – enable Tutors to get to know their tutees very well, so they are well placed to help with any issues – academic or pastoral – that may arise.
ENGLISH A S AN ADDITIONAL L ANGUAGE (E AL) Our team of two highly qualified EAL teachers help to support and develop the achievements of pupils for whom English is not their first language through small group teaching, individual lessons and in-class support.
TR ACK ING PERF OR M ANCE
They also offer IELTS test preparation lessons to students who do not have an English Language GCSE qualification, and who enter Oakham in Form 6 to study on the A-level courses. This qualification is an entrance requirement for UK universities.
Tracking performance, through detailed assessment and target setting by both teachers and the pupils themselves, is an essential way to understand progress towards personal goals. If we think there is an issue that may hamper success, we will flag this up immediately and take remedial action. We keep in regular contact with parents through Housemasters/Housemistresses and Tutors and also more formally via Progress Reports (PRs) that are published twice a term and an annual parents’ evening for each year group.
AC ADE MIC ENRICHMENT We enrich our pupils’ learning through our academic societies and clubs. • From Dissection Club to Spanish Society, there are over 20 academic societies and clubs for pupils to join. • We run a rich programme of regular lectures and seminars from leading academic thinkers. • Our Academic Scholars are stretched further by their Senior Academic Mentor to encourage wider academic reading and research.
16
AC A D E M I C I N F O R M AT I O N
“The thing I have enjoyed the most academically at Oakham is that I really enjoy the creative and active lessons!” POPPY
17
C AREER S AND HIGHER EDUC ATION
We are fully committed to providing exceptional careers advice to our pupils throughout their time at Oakham and achieve this by delivering an in-house Careers Programme to support students in: • • •
C AREER S PRO GR A M ME PRO GRE SSION FORM 3 • Pupils complete the Morrisby Careers Profile to inform GCSE options.
Making well-informed decisions at key points of academic progression in Forms 3, 4 and 5 Developing the skills and professional awareness needed to navigate the world of work in the 21st century Applying for opportunities post-Oakham, including UK university applications, overseas study and apprenticeships.
FORM 4 • Full Morrisby Profiling, relating an individual’s aptitudes and learning styles to possible career aspirations.
The Careers Department is led by Dr Rachael Pearson, our full-time Head of Careers and Progression, who is a qualified careers advisor registered with the Careers Development Institute (CDI). In 2023 Rachael became a THE (Times Higher Education) Accredited Counsellor in recognition of her extensive careers’ knowledge and expertise. We are also fortunate to have a fulltime Careers and UCAS Co-ordinator and a dedicated Work Experience Officer, in addition to further co-ordinators for Oxbridge and Clinical applications. This allows Oakhamians access to a broad range of specialised advice from experienced staff, regardless of their career and study goals. We provide both internal and external support for students applying to study abroad; the School is also a SAT test centre, allowing students to take the admissions tests for US universities on site.
FORM 5 • One-to-one guidance interviews with a specially trained member of the Housebased pastoral staff; sessions on interview skills and producing a CV. •
Work experience placements.
FORM 6 • ‘After Oakham’ course where pupils research courses and careers, look at employment skills, applying to university, non-university destinations and Gap years.
Having a full-time Head of Careers means that we can ensure that our careers advice is up-to-date and relevant in today’s fast-changing job market and the constantly evolving world of university provision. This makes it easier for students to choose a career path that is right for them.
•
Specialist support for Oxbridge applicants, clinical courses including Medicine, and preparation for American SAT tests.
•
Work experience placements.
FORM 7 • Completing university applications, mock interviews (where appropriate). •
Help with university places post results.
BEYOND OAKHAM • Oakham’s Careers Department offers support with university applications for up to three years after pupils have left the School. •
The Oakhamian Connection alumni network, offers careers advice, introductions, mentoring, and support on numerous levels.
CAREERS EVENTS Annual Careers and HE Fair, a Science Guest Night, Careers Week, and University Day.
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AC A D E M I C I N F O R M AT I O N
SPECIALIS T SUPP ORT
LIFELONG C AREER SUPP ORT
We offer a busy programme of events and activities for Oxbridge aspirants and pupils who are looking to study clinical courses, including Medicine.
We continue to offer help and advice even after Oakhamians have left us. We are delighted that so many Oakhamians maintain lifelong links with the School. As well as hosting regular social events, our Old Oakhamian Club enables our former pupils (OOs) to keep in touch with each other, developing valuable contacts both socially and professionally.
For pupils who are interested in applying to American universities, we offer specialist support and preparation classes for American SAT tests and the School has recently been approved as an SAT test centre.
Our OO Club website, The Oakhamian Connection, allows our alumni to find old friends and colleagues, sign up to events and reunions while also being able to access career opportunities. Offering careers advice, introductions, mentoring, and support on numerous levels, The Oakhamian Connection continues where school left off. Whether this means having a conversation with an OO who has just left university and would like to know more about a specific industry, expanding your business links, or searching for suitable interns, The Oakhamian Connection aims to give all OOs access to an extensive network, with which they already have a unique link.
We also provide excellent preparation and support for pupils who wish to study Drama or Music at university, specialist drama schools and prestigious music colleges.
WORK E XPERIENCE We encourage all students to undertake work experience after their GCSEs and during the summer following Form 6. Work experience enhances employability and greatly benefits university applications. Our Work Experience Officer helps pupils with all aspects of their work experience; from sourcing and organising placements to assistance with writing CVs, preparing covering letters and applying for internships.
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AC A D E M I C I N F O R M AT I O N
LE AVER S’ DE STINATIONS 2023 University success continues to be excellent, with pupils having secured places to study at leading universities across the UK and overseas.
M OS T P OPUL AR UNIVER SIT Y COUR SE S:
IN 2023:
86%
of applicants are into a university of their choice, with the remainder taking a gap year Business and finance 27
These include 11 S TUDENTS going to what have become known as the ‘golden triangle’/G5/’Loxbridge’ universities (Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, Imperial and UCL)
History, Politics and International Relations 16
Art and Design 12
1 S TUDENT has secured a place on a specialist Drama course at the Oxford School of Drama
6 S TUDENTS are studying specialist clinical courses, including Medicine and Veterinary Science
12 S TUDENTS are studying specialist Art and Design courses, including Art Foundation, Product and Industrial Design, Fashion Marketing, and Animation
Medicine and Medical Courses 6
Psychology 6
Agriculture and Agribusiness 6
Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences 4
77 S TUDENTS are studying at Russell Group universities
21 PUPIL S are at international universities, including IE Madrid, Maastricht, Erasmus, Rotterdam, University of Toronto, Michigan State University, King University, Tennessee, and ESADE Law and Business School in Spain
1 S TUDENT has accepted a place to study Music at Durham University
1 PUPIL is embarking on a prestigious Apprenticeship study programme in Hamburg, Germany 20
Newcastle University
P OPUL AR SUBJEC T CHOICE S AT UK UNIVER SITIE S 2023
Agri-Business Management (2), History (2), English Literature and History, Combined Honours (2), Sociology, Business Accounting and Finance, Geography and Planning
Durham University Sport and Exercise Sciences, Psychology, Politics and International Relations, Music, Biological Sciences, Geography, Marketing and Management
University of York
St Andrews University
Criminology, Politics, Mental Health Nursing – Masters, Philosophy, Archaeology, Law, Business Management
French and German and Russian, Chemistry w/Medicinal Chemistry, Chemistry, International Relations
University of Leeds Biochemistry, International History and Politics, Film, Photography and Media
The University of Edinburgh French and Spanish, Sustainable Development
University of Nottingham Law, Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, Liberal Arts
University of Sheffield History and Politics, Modern Languages and Cultures, Psychology
Nottingham Trent University Interior Architecture and Design, International Business, Fashion and Fashion Marketing (3), Psychology w/Sociology, Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management, Business Management, Politics and International Business
University of Manchester Civil Engineering, Biochemistry, Classics
University of Liverpool Geography, Medicine, French, Veterinary Science
University of Hull
Harper Adams University
Business Management, Geography
Agriculture and Farm Business Management, Agriculture w/ Farm Business, Veterinary Bioscience, Food Science and Innovation, Agriculture
Loughborough University Textile Design, Sport Management, Business, Economics and Finance, International Relations
University of Birmingham Computer Science, Economics, Psychology in Education, Sport Exercise and Health Sciences (2)
University of Leicester Physics, Medicine, Criminology
University of Warwick
University of Cambridge
English and History, Mathematics and Philosophy
Economics, History and Politics
Imperial College
Cardiff University
Mechanical Engineering, Physics
Physiotherapy, Spanish and Japanese, Business Management
LSE History and Politics
University of Bristol History, Anthropology
University of Exeter Computer Science, International Relations, Marketing and Management, Medicine, Anthropology, Flexible Combined Honours (2), Business Management, International Business and Modern Languages, Sociology, Politics, Georgraphy
UAL
University of Oxford French and Arabic
Fine Art: painting, Animation, Foundation Diploma, Product and Industrial Design
UCL
Oxford Brookes University Anthropology/Philosophy, Business Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, Business and Finance, Real Estate (2), Marketing and Events Management, Sport and Exercise Science
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Creative Arts and Humanities, Arts and Sciences, Medicine, Chemistry, Russian and History
University of Reading International Business and Management, Investment and Finance in Property, Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Business and Management
AC A D E M I C I N F O R M AT I O N
ARR ANGE YOUR VISIT To arrange an individual visit or join us for one of our Open Events, please contact our Admissions team on: Tel: Email:
+44 (0)1572 758758 admissions@oakham.rutland.sch.uk
Oakham School Registered Office Chapel Close, Market Place, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 6DT Registered Charity No: 1131425 Company Limited by Guarantee Registered in England and Wales No: 06924216 The information in this publication is correct at the time of printing. Changes may be made for educational or other reasons.
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Pupils fulfil their potential and achieve extremely well, acquiring the relevant skills and knowledge to move to the next stage of their education with success.” ISI Inspection Report
Contact us now to book an Open Event or individual visit +44 (0)1572 758758 admissions@oakham.rutland.sch.uk
OAK HA M .RUTL AND. S CH.UK @OakhamSch
@oakhamschool
@OakhamSchool
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