Our Sixth Form UCAS Process
How we support you
At RHB Sixth Form we have an experienced Higher Education, Careers and Tutor team to support and guide you through the UCAS application procedure. We are confident that we are able to offer the best possible help to ensure that your application is successful and that you gain the university place for which you are best suited.
This is why our system works so well - we start early! Throughout Year 12 we work with the careers department who prepare our students for applying for their next steps. In the Spring Term, we launch the process with our ‘Next Steps Evening' with a variety of talks and presentations to support both students and parents in navigating the choices ahead.
In the Summer Term we focus on making decisions and preparing to apply. We help you to decide where to apply and guide you through the process. We encourage students to attend some University open days and we make time available for Work Experience.
We hold two Higher Education Preparation days which ensure that every student has the specialist help and guidance they need to help them apply for courses they will enjoy, at universities that will suit them.
- Advice is given on writing the Personal Statement and staff show students how to apply to UCAS online.
- Specialist staff give advice to those contemplating Medicine or Veterinary courses. There is also a seminar session and individual advice for those considering Oxbridge applications.
- Personal Statements are started at this point and members of the UCAS and Tutor team are on hand to offer individual guidance to each student.
- Advice is tailored to the needs of IB students to ensure a clear understanding of UCAS tariffs.
Each student is allocated a member of staff to act as a Personal Statement Mentor. This is the most appropriate person for their needs: they will usually be a subject specialist who knows the student well, or a member of staff with experience and expertise in particular applications. Tutors offer guidance at all stages of the application process and collate staff comments to compile the school reference.
We aim to complete all Personal Statements in the Summer Term, and to have the bulk of the reference written too. Students register on the UCAS website and start to input their details, ensuring a speedy application process in the autumn. This ensures that students will be able to concentrate on their A Level or IB2 studies once they return after the summer holiday.
Autumn Term – Year 13 – applying through UCAS
- After receiving their internal exam grades, students complete their personal statements, with the full support of their tutors.
- References are written, and tutors discuss these with the students at one- to-one meetings. References are based on reports from subject staff and others who are able to support a student: e.g. Housemistresses, PE staff, leaders of CAS activities, so that the reference is as full as possible.
- Students have individual help from the UCAS team during the application process.
- Anyone likely to face an interview is given specialist training in a small-group workshop session.
- Medical, Dental and Veterinary applicants, along with Oxbridge applicants, have individual help from specialist members of staff to aid them with their applications.
- As a result of our early deadlines for the whole process, students’ applications will reach admissions tutors early – offers are often made early for the more popular courses, and with the enormous increase in the number of applicants expected each year this could be a real advantage.
- Mock interviews are arranged for students likely to be interviewed by their chosen universities. These take place before the main university interviews begin so that students feel thoroughly prepared.
- The universities make their decisions. The UCAS team is available throughout the year to offer guidance about accepting offers.
Should there be any ‘hiccup’ over examination results in July (IB Diploma) or August (A Level) the same team is on hand to provide support and advice.
Our UCAS procedure ensures that every student gets the best possible individual help, drawing on the talents of the whole staff. We are proud of the help we offer students – it represents a genuine partnership between the student, tutors and teachers. We value the parent’s input as well.
Good luck with your application!
Mr T Hardcastle
Head of HE
