ST JOHN’S COLLEGE
The Inspire Programme for Years 12 & 13
St John’s College Oxford
WHAT IS THE YEAR 12 AND 13 INSPIRE PROGRAMME?
The Inspire 12 & 13 Programme is a two-year course for pupils in Years 12 and 13 designed to inspire, encourage, and support them during their final years of study before university.
ACADEMIC TASTER LECTURES
INSPIRE RESEARCH PROJECT
STUDY DAYS & SUBJECT EXPLORATION DAYS
Opportunities for you to explore your subject in greater depth and find new interdisciplinary links.
Investigate a topic of your choice and develop your ability to think critically and independently.
Explore your subject at St John’s College with current tutors and students.
2
“I love the Inspire Programme. It’s made me feel much more prepared for the application process as well as studying at university level.”
YEAR 12 INSPIRE STUDENT
RESIDENTIAL & VIRTUAL SUMMER SCHOOLS
STUDY & REVISION SKILLS SESSIONS
RESOURCES TO HELP YOU TRANSITION FOR LIFE AT UNIVERSITY
Stay at St John’s College, experience life as an Oxford student, and meet like-minded people.
Develop study skills and learn effective revision techniques useful to your A-level studies. Build your confidence and learn how to make competitive university applications.
Receive tools to start university with confidence, and support throughout your university career. Also, receive vouchers to purchase books to prepare for admissions tests.
3
4
YEAR 12
While you are in Year 12, the Inspire Programme allows you to explore your academic interests, develop your independent study skills, and encourages you to think about university applications.
In this first year, you’ll have the opportunity to take part in:
STUDY
AND UNIVERSITY SKILLS SESSIONS
STUDY DAYS & SUBJECT EXPLORATION DAYS
INSPIRE
ACADEMIC TASTER LECTURES
RESEARCH PROJECT
& VIRTUAL SUMMER SCHOOLS
RESIDENTIAL
5
Our inspiring academic taster lectures are released once a month, and are then available for you to work through at your own pace.
Every set of academic taster lectures includes talks from a range of subjects so that you can delve deeper into your favourite subjects, and discover new interdisciplinary connections. Each set of lectures are also accompanied by extra resources for you to explore, and include opportunities for you to get involved in, competitions where you can show off your knowledge, and events such as exhibitions and public lectures.
TASTER LECTURE TOPICS INCLUDE...
From the Big Bang to Biology: Finding Patterns Through Mathematics (Computational Modelling)
Our academic taster lectures have been specially developed by academics and researchers from the University of Oxford.
They’re exciting, engaging and cover a wide range of topics from the Sciences and Engineering, to the Arts and Humanities. You’ll get plenty of choice each month, meaning that you can tailor the programme to suit your own specfic interests.
Palmyra: An Ancient City in the Desert (Classical Archaeology)
Cancer Research: Accidental Discoveries, Yeasty Cures, and Mathematical Biology (Biomedical Sciences)
“I love the academic taster lectures. They’re always really interesting, and I can fit them around my A-Level revision really easily”
The Dystopian Order: How Imagining the Worst is Norm and Normal
INSPIRE STUDENT
YEAR 12
YEAR 12: ACADEMIC TASTER LECTURES
AND MANY MORE!
6
Our academic taster lectures are also accompanied by extra resources which encourage you to challenge yourself, including recommended readings from the academics who created the lectures, wider opportunities that you can get involved in, competitions, and events such talks and exhibitions which you could talk about in your university applications.
YEAR 12 INSPIRE STUDENT YEAR 12:
“It can be hard to find competitions and supercurricular resources by myself, so these documents have been really useful for exposing me to a greater range of resources on topics that I want to learn more about.”
YOURSELF
CHALLENGE
7
YEAR 12: STUDY AND UNIVERSITY SKILLS SESSIONS
Are you considering applying to a top university?
Whether you already know what you want to study or are just beginning to explore your options, we have lots of resources to help you make the right decision, and to make strong applications to competitive institutions. The Inspire Programme offers valuable skills workshops to help you think about your future choices, and your university applications.
TOPICS COVERED IN THE STUDY AND UNIVERSITY SKILLS SESSIONS INCLUDE:
How to Choose the ‘Right’ Course for You Understanding Student Finance
How to Create a Research Proposal
UCAS and University Applications
Oxford Admissions Tests
Personal Statements
8
YEAR 12: INSPIRE
RESEARCH PROJECT
The Inspire Research Project offers you the exciting opportunity to investigate a topic of your choice. You will develop your ability to think creatively, critically, and independently – skills which are important for university study. Students who take part and submit a winning Inspire Research Proposal are invited to St John’s College for a Research Skills Day where they can talk to researchers from the University of Oxford, receive access to Oxford University Press resources, and spend their book voucher prizes at the famous Blackwell’s Bookshop!
Those who go on to submit a full research poster will be invited to a celebration day at the College where their posters will be displayed. Taking part in the Inspire Research Project is an excellent way to show your intellectual curiosity and unique academic interests in your application for university.
12
£100 GRANT FOR EACH ACCEPTED RESEARCH PROJECT
If you are studying for an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), then you are also welcome to use the Inspire Research Project to support your research. Taking part in the Inspire Research Project is an optional element of the Inspire Programme.
WHAT HAVE PREVIOUS INSPIRE RESEARCH PROJECTS INVESTIGATED?
• ‘Can Mathematics Prove the Existence of Parallel Universes?’
• ‘Is Apathy Dystopia’s Greatest vanguard? – A Historical Perspective’
• ‘Why Do Untranslatable Words Exist?’
• ‘What can HS2 and Crossrail Tell Us About the Future of The United Kingdom and Transportation Infrastructure Around the World?’
… and many more!
YEAR 13
APRIL 2024
Write a short research proposal on a topic that you are interested in
JUNE 2024
Winning proposal authors are invited to a Research Skills Day, awarded £100 Blackwell’s voucher, and given access to Oxford University Press resources
YEAR
JAN 2025
Submit your Research
Poster
APR 2025
Celebration day at St John’s College for those who have submitted a poster
9
Inspire Study Days are immersive, subject-specific events that take place at St John’s College, and enable you to experience what it is like to study your chosen subject at university.
You will have the chance to meet Oxford tutors and current students in the subject that you are thinking of studying.
As a student on the Inspire Programme you have priority booking on these Study Days, and you can indicate which subject you would like to attend on your application form.
STUDY DAYS INCLUDE:
• Live lectures in your subject by Oxford academics
• The chance to meet Oxford students who are currently studying your subject
• Admissions guidance tailored to your subject
• The opportunity to explore St John’s and have lunch in our Dining Hall!
SUBJECT
STUDY DAYS &
EXPLORATION DAYS 2024
YEAR 12: STUDY DAYS & SUBJECT EXPLORATION DAYS
21 FEB 6 MAR GEOGRAPHY MATHS & COMPUTER SCIENCE HISTORY CLASSICS AND ANCIENT HISTORY ENGLISH CHEMISTRY MODERN LANGUAGES MAY 1 17 APR MEDICINE AND BIOMEDICINE (VIRTUAL) 10 MAY 5 JUN 12 JUN APR 27
“I really enjoyed talking with tutors and students about what they enjoy most about Oxford and how enriching it is both academically and socially”
11
YEAR 12 INSPIRE STUDENT
YEAR 12: RESIDENTIAL SUMMER SCHOOL
Our Residential Summer School is an exciting opportunity to see what student life is like here at St John’s College!
The Inspire Summer School is all about experiencing what university has to offer, academically and socially. Year 12s will have the chance to live like Oxford University students, explore the beautiful city of Oxford, and take part in some extraordinary activities like punting, academic taster sessions, and a formal dinner in the St John’s Hall! Students will also have the opportunity to visit some of the University of Oxford’s amazing museums.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SUMMER SCHOOL:
• Overnight accommodation at St John’s College
• Full catering, including an evening BBQ and a formal dinner in Hall
• Inspiring academic taster sessions delivered by Oxford tutors
• Meeting other like-minded students from different schools
• Tours of Oxford city with current students
• Visits to Oxford’s world-class museums and galleries
• Punting, croquet, and more!
CAN’T MAKE THE RESIDENTIAL SUMMER SCHOOL?
You can still take part in our Virtual Summer School, which offers academic lectures, skills sessions and careers advice. This summer school is accessible online and is designed to fit around your busy summer schedules.
“It was an amazing experience and an outstanding summer school!”
YEAR 12
INSPIRE STUDENT
12
13
INSPIRE YEAR 13
The Inspire Programme will continue to support you as you enter Year 13.
You will still receive new academic taster lectures, and our university application advice will focus on helping you to navigate the university admissions process, and developing your study skills ready for the upcoming revision period. You will also have access to our Moving toUniversity resources which cover a range of topics from time management to cooking on a budget!
ACADEMIC TASTER LECTURES
STUDY SKILLS SESSIONS
UNIVERSITY APPLICATION ADVICE
MOVING TO UNIVERSITY RESOURCES
“The example interview was great, as it removed all of my preconceived (and incorrect) notions about what an Oxford interview would be like”
YEAR 12 INSPIRE STUDENT
14
ACADEMIC TASTER LECTURES
In Year 13, you’ll get access to even more great academic taster lectures to build your interests and skills ahead of university.
UNIVERSITY APPLICATION ADVICE
The university application advice offered when you are in Year 13 will focus on helping you to navigate the process. This includes sessions on how to prepare for, and what to expect, in an admissions interview.
STUDY SKILLS SESSIONS
Our study skills resources will get you feeling confident for your upcoming exams, and ready to meet the rigour of university study. Study Skills Sessions include:
• How to make a good argument
• Critical Thinking
• Notetaking for Lectures …and much more!
MOVING TO UNIVERSITY RESOURCES
Moving to university is an exciting time, but it is not unusual to feel apprehensive too. To help you feel prepared for your next steps we have created an online hub of resources that will help your transition from college to university. The Moving to University Hub includes videos and resources in a range of topics, alongside lots of helpful advice from current students, too!
Topics include:
• Cooking at Uni
• Living on a Budget
• Your First Week
• Time Management
• Revision Skills
… and much more!
You’ll be able to access this content from Year 13, and it will remain available throughout your university experience!
15
WHO CAN TAKE PART IN THE INSPIRE PROGRAMME?
EALING
HOUNSLOW EALING HARROW SURREY
KINGSTON-UPON-THAMES BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
KENT
MEDWAY
The Inspire Programme is available to students in Year 12 at non-selective state schools from the local authorities indicated.
If you are not sure whether your sixth form or college is in an eligible region, please email us at inspire@sjc.ox.ac.uk.
GRADE REQUIREMENTS
Students should be predicted AAB at A-Level or equivalent.
We accept applicants on a caseby-case basis. If you feel you have experienced exceptional circumstances which mean you haven’t been predicted grades that reflect your true potential, please email us at inspire@sjc.ox.ac.uk
HOW TO APPLY
EAST SUSSEX
BRIGHTON & HOVE
WEST SUSSEX
ISLE OF WIGHT HAMPSHIRE
SOUTHAMPTON
PORTSMOUTH
We look forward to receiving your application to the Inspire Programme!
Click here to apply for a place on the Inspire Programme for 2023/24. Applications close on the 31st January 2024.
FOREST OF DEAN 16
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How much does it cost?
All elements of the programme are free.
Am I eligible to join the Inspire Programme?
For a full description of our eligibility criteria, see page 14. If you’re still not sure, then send us an email at inspire@sjc.ox.ac. uk and we’d be happy to help.
Will it get in way of my school work?
We recognise how important your A-Level studies are, and we would always encourage you to prioritise your studies. All parts of the programme are flexible, and you can determine which parts of the programme you would like to take part in.
What kind of help does St John’s offer for me to take part in the Inspire Programme?
Inspire Travel Awards and Digital Assistance Awards are available for eligible participants to ensure that everyone is able to get the most out of the Inspire Programme.
Do I get to visit the University of Oxford?
Yes, you can take part in Study Days and Subject Exploration Days, the Inspire Research Project, the Residential Summer Schools and the Open Days, all of which are in-person events held at St John’s College.
Will I get to meet undergraduate students from the University of Oxford?
Undergraduate students will be present at the in-person events.
Do I have to reapply for Year 13 if I already enrolled in Year 12?
When you apply in Year 12, you are automatically enrolled on the programme for two years and will be registered for the Year 13 programme the following year.
Can I join if I am already in Year 13, but did not take part in Year 12?
Yes, you can! To sign up, contact us at inspire@sjc.ox.ac.uk.
Do I need my school’s permission to take part in the Inspire Programme?
No, registration is carried out by the student.
Do I need my parent or carer’s permission to take part in this Inspire Programme?
We will ask you to provide confirmation that your parents/carers consent to you taking part in the programme.
17
If you have any questions about the Inspire 12 & 13 Programme, or any of the other Inspire Programmes we run here at St John’s, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with us at inspire@sjc.ox.ac.uk
OLLIE HEDGES
Inspire 12 & 13 Project Lead
Email/Teams:
oliver.hedges@sjc.ox.ac.uk
Call: 01825 277355
You are also welcome to call our programme leads during their weekly drop-in hours:
15.30 - 17.00 every Tuesday
“As part of the Inspire 12 & 13 Programme you will have the opportunity to explore academic subjects, both old and new, beyond the school curriculum. Along the way you will also learn about the university application process and participate in fantastic opportunities that will help you build a strong CV. The programme is here to support and inspire you to achieve your Higher Education goals. I am looking forward to welcoming you on the programme and helping you along on this exciting journey”
You can also find us on social media:
sjc_access @sjc_access StJohnsCollegeOxford
St John’s College Oxford
