Headmaster's Bulletin 2014-15 (33)

Our Upper Sixth Formers are currently applying for universities; some have already sent their applications, and we hope that most will be ready to do so shortly after half-term- please ‘chivvy’ where necessary!

The process began in the Lower Sixth with introductory talks and guidance; students have since attended open days to explore diverse settings and courses, and have benefited from further advice and direction from their Form Tutor, subject teachers and Mrs Tumber, Head of Sixth Form. It is an exciting yet potentially perplexing time, such is the array of different options, including the possibility of apprenticeships and training contracts. All applications finally end up with me, and I look particularly at the school reference, so that we can lend our best support to our students.

It is actually a favourable landscape at the moment, with some universities prepared to entice students with unconditional offers, and others willing to accept slightly lower grades than in the past; universities need the fees and want to attract the best students. However, the most competitive courses remain as challenging as ever, and unequivocally require top grades. Our students are well prepared for the process, not only achieving very good offers, but generally also entering universities of their choice- as long as they work resolutely to meet those offers!

Some agonise long and hard over their personal statement, and risk becoming very confused when they ask too many people for advice; at the end of the day, the clue is in the title- it is their own personal statement! They need to display a genuine interest in their chosen course, and relate their strengths and experiences to this. They also need to give the reader some idea of the sort of person they are. This is a self-evaluative process, as they describe their aspirations, and reflect on where they have come from and where they are going in life- and as they determine how they will achieve their goals. All our pupils can do the same as they pause for thought over half-term. In what aspects of my life and my endeavours am I thriving, and where do I need to make improvements in order to realise my dreams?

It has been another action-packed half of term, and the two-week holiday provides an opportunity for rest, reflection and consolidation. I hope you will all be able to spend some time together as a family.