Sixth Form Enrichment – University Life

Year 12 students were introduced to higher education on Thursday, with a visit from the University of Reading’s. Outreach Officer, Harvey Owen, who spoke to our students about the reasons for applying to university and provided an overview of different course options. Harvey was joined by a University of Reading student ambassador, currently in their third-year, who spoke about what student life was like, including a quiz on what societies were available!

Niamh (Year 12) said:  “I found it really helpful to listen to someone external, who knew exactly how a university worked and could give us more insight into options around courses, which can seem quite overwhelming with the sheer number available. Previously, I was unaware of the different categories that university courses fell into, and how this could be used to help us decide. Learning more about what it’s generally like to study at any university was very helpful, as some of us may not have had the opportunity to hear from an actual university student about their experiences before. Overall, I found the talk very interesting, and I was grateful for the opportunity to learn more about universities before we have to start applying for them”.

Alex (Year 12) said: “I found the talk really insightful and I’d say that it’s encouraged me to consider going to University, especially doing something featuring multiple subjects”.

The University of Reading will be visiting again in 2025 to meet with parents/carers.

MMI Preparation for Year 13 Aspiring Medics

End the end of last term, staff and our alumnus, Dr Rob Conway, hosted an evening of MMI preparation for a group of our Year 13s. MMIs (Multiple Mini Interviews) are the current type of interviews used by most medical and dental schools in the UK. Applicants complete a series of short interviews, each usually lasting somewhere between five and ten minutes, designed to focus attention on how the applicant performs in a series of standardised situations. They test the candidates aptitude at a number of essential attributes, such as empathy and ethics.

The evening gave our students the chance to experience and practise this format, as well as to receive verbal and written feedback in order to build confidence and focus their preparation in advance of the real interviews. Our thanks to Dr Rob Conway and all the staff, who gave their time to provide this importance opportunity for our medics. We asked students Sofia and Vaibavi about how they fared:

“The MMI session was set up by Mr Owen, with the help of some amazing teachers at the school, as well as Dr Conway. We went through eight different stations, which could come up at the interview. It was great to have the chance to practice under timed conditions and receive feedback on where our weaknesses may be. We have also had the opportunity to speak to and ask questions of two doctors. It was hugely helpful to all applicants, especially those of us who may have been unable to get as much work experience. Everyone in the Sixth Form team has been extremely helpful with our applications – whether that was help with personal statements, references or UCAT preparation. It would have been quite overwhelming without help or guidance from school.”

Sofia Hickmore (13C1)

 

“As a dental applicant, it is helpful that throughout Years 12-13 I have had work experience opportunities such as the West Berkshire hospital medical work experience day and the dental work experience day at Briar’s dental practice. These opportunities have helped to strengthen my application and provide me with a better insight into a career in healthcare. For all healthcare courses, interviews play a vital role in the application process. The mock MMI session provided me with good practice and constructive feedback, which ensured that I was prepared for my interviews. The Sixth Form team have been incredibly approachable and supported me throughout my application process.”

Vaibavi Lakshmi Narayanan (13P2)

Generate – Student Art Exhibition

We’re thrilled that nine of our talented students have had work selected to be shown in a professional gallery setting for GENerate 2025 at The Base, Greenham. The exhibition celebrates the imagination and creativity of young local artists from across West Berkshire, North Hampshire and South Oxfordshire. Congratulations to Rosie and Eugene from A Level Photography; Elliot, Danielle and Alice from A Level Art; Bernadette from A Level Graphic Communication; Lily from GCSE Art; Lily from GCSE Textiles and Tilly from Year 9 Textiles.

The exhibition is free to attend and will run from 10-26 January 2025. Opening hours are Tuesday –Sunday, 10am-5pm – for more information please click here.

First Tech Robotics Challenge

Before Christmas group of Year 8, 9, and 12 students attended a robotics scrimmage. This was the first event in the First Tech robotics competition, teaming up with other schools to build, refine, and test their robots. They received an inspirational presentation from the founders of Oxford Dynamics (Robotics company), who shared insights into robotics careers and future technologies. Throughout the day, our students built their robots, collaborated, problem-solved and learned valuable new skills. Most importantly, they had a great time and returned inspired to keep innovating!

St Bartholomew’s School, Andover Road, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 6JP

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