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Seren Network: Supporting Talented Students in Wales

Seren Network was set up by Paul Murphy MP to improve Welsh applications to Oxford and Cambridge. It aims to inspire students, provide workshops, and create a peer group of high achievers. The NPT/Bridgend & Powys Hub has been established to support students in these areas. Seren offers workshops, guidance on university applications, and opportunities for extra-curricular activities.

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Seren Network: Supporting Talented Students in Wales

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  1. Why was Seren set up? • Initiated by Paul Murphy MP • Tasked with improving decline in Welsh applications to Oxford and Cambridge universities • Presented report to Education Minister Huw Lewis who called for a “national network of partnership hubs” to support talented students across Wales

  2. Objectives of Seren Network • To inspire students about future career aspirations  • To provide ‘stretch and challenge’ workshop activities • Create a peer group of high achieving, like-minded students

  3. Objectives of Seren • Link students with leading universities • Preparation for university applications • Support teachers in providing activities

  4. Creation of NPT/Bridgend & Powys Hub • Hub consists of students in NPT, Bridgend and Powys • Selection criteria is based on GCSE Score performance of best 8 GCSE results (not including BTEC) • A*=3 A=2 B=1 • 240 pupils invited to take part in the first year of the Hub rising to 260 last year.

  5. SEREN Hub Launch

  6. What can Seren do for your child? Programme Aimed at A*/A grade students Expert advice on applying to competitive universities Interview preparation and mock interviews Presentations delivered by guest speakers e.g. Cardiff Medical School, Oxbridge Admissions tutors Opportunities to take part in extra-curricular activities and super-curricular activities e.g. Oxford visit and subject relevant debates.

  7. The Commitment Expectations & Commitment • Enthusiasm, motivation and engagement • Intellectual curiosity • Workshops are ‘free’ • Time – workshops are twilight • Travel • Willingness to be open minded and take every opportunity

  8. What is offered on Seren? • Super Curricular workshops in a variety of subjects including; Medicine, Maths, English, Law, Biology, Science, Critical Thinking, Languages, Politics, Engineering and more. . • Information and guidance on applying to top universities and writing a personal statement. • Help and guidance on application tests and interviews. • A variety of information on events and opportunities that would benefit pupils but are not part of the Seren program.

  9. Next Steps . . . Calendar • November – April 2018 – pupils will be offered a program of opportunities based on the subjects they are studying. These will be held in up to 4 places throughout the Hub at various times in the year. • A National Conference organised by Welsh Government to bring together hubs across Wales (Dec 6th or 7th 2018)

  10. IS ‘READING AROUND’ ENOUGH? CHALLENGING ABLE STUDENTS

  11. What should students be able to do? (1) Understand why your subject is important and what it offers (2) Be honest about evidence (3) Do not believe all that you are told: be skeptical (4) Be interested in discussing ideas (5) Be aware of debates and issues in your subject (s)

  12. Next steps as parents … • Open Days • Wider reading • Work Experience • Encourage • Be supportive • Register with us to receive updates on potential opportunities • Be aware of and sympathetic to the pressures your child may face. • Be aware that not getting into Oxbridge is not the end of the world. • Be a “Taxi”

  13. The Welsh Government has produced a booklet called: “Supporting Wales’ Brightest” to find this go to www.gov.wales/seren Pupils will be provided email addresses for coordinators in year 12 or contact myself, Jayne Bevan at jayne.bevan@powys.gov.uk

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