Excelling in your A-levels
IF you excel academically and have the drive to succeed, you may want to think about studying at the University of Oxford or Cambridge.
In addition to being two of the most respected academic institutions in the world, Oxford and Cambridge are also two of the most competitive and they demand the best from students.
Cardiff Sixth Form College (CSFC) has an excellent track record in placing its students at both these prized institutions.
This year, nine students from CSFC were offered places to study at Cambridge and Oxford.
The college’s executive director Yasmin Sarwar said: “We are delighted for these students, all of whom have worked exceptionally hard to secure places at such prestigious universities.”
The specialist preparation for Oxbridge entry provided by CSFC is extensive and effective. Firstly, it offers The Cambridge Pre-U Diploma which allows students to explore issues that are relevant to their lives and studies through in-depth research and advanced study skills.
The growing popularity of self-directed learning at the university level enables the ability to think across subject boundaries and to build a portfolio of research that is highly desirable.
Secondly, it offers a Critical Thinking and Philosophy Course. This is a general course that introduces students to some fundamental questions such as how do we acquire knowledge? Does altruism exist?
Throughout this course, thinking skills will be developed through close examination of the various philosophical positions. This course is a useful precursor to university aptitude exams.
Thirdly, CSFC incorporates additional classes/courses into its timetable for university aptitude tests. These aptitude tests are a vital part of the application process for several high-ranking universities and courses.
CSFC prepares its students for these tests, including UKCAT (UK Clinical Aptitude Test), BMAT (BioMedical Admissions Test), LNAT (National Admissions Test for Law), ELAT (English Literature Admissions Test), TSA (Oxford Thinking Skills Assessment) and STEP (Sixth Term Examination Paper).
The college also provides extended projects which are taken alongside A-Levels. This provides students with a balanced curriculum. Mock interviews are conducted by experienced university admissions staff and former students who have gained successful entry to Oxford and Cambridge, whereas continuous assessments in homework, tests and exams are carried out to ensure high standards of academia are maintained.
Regular meetings with careers advisors are available from the start of the course.
This aims to enrich students’ knowledge of current affairs and world events and mould them into well-rounded individuals.
It also helps develop cultural enrichment and communication skills.
Magdalene Ting, a former student of Lodge National School, Kuching, who scored 4A’s for Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics said: “There has been, since day one, an unwavering commitment from the college to ensure our university applications are of the highest standard.”
CSFC is offering scholarships of up to 100% on tuition fees for high-flying students who wish to study A-Levels with the college in either the September 2013 or January 2014 intakes.
For more information, look out for the British Council advertisement in this StarSpecial.