Year 12 ASSEMBLY

1. Year 12 ASSEMBLY Miss Lowney Thursday 24th January 2013

2. Why am I here? • You have all been identified as potential high achievers from your GCSE grades • This means that you all have the potential to obtain high grades at A level and go on to study at one of the leading universities in the UK • The aim of the session today is to introduce you to some of the opportunities available and to get you thinking about the next step

3. The Russell Group • The Russell Group represents 24 leading UK universities • Committed to maintaining the very best: • research • teaching and learning experience • links with business and the public sector.

4. The universities • University of Birmingham • University of Bristol • University of Cambridge • Cardiff University • Durham University • University of Edinburgh • University of Exeter • University of Glasgow • Imperial College London • King’s College London • University of Leeds • University of Liverpool • London School of Economics and Political Sciences • University of Manchester • Newcastle University • University of Nottingham • University of Oxford • Queen Mary, University of London • Queen’s University, Belfast • University of Sheffield • University of Southampton • University College London • University of Warwick • University of York http://www.russellgroup.ac.uk/

5. Why a Russell Group university? • Money - Research undertaken by the Centre for Economics of Education has identified an average wage premium of up to 10% for a graduate from a Russell Group university compared to a graduate from a modern university. • Teaching - leading UK universities are able to recruit and retain the top academics and tutors who are responsible for cutting edge discoveries and inspiring generations of doctors, engineers and entrepreneurs • The most recent Research Assessment Exercise found that: • two-thirds of the UK’s very best (‘world leading’) research took place in Russell Group universities • on average, twice as much of the research undertaken at Russell Group universities is ‘world leading’ compared to the rest of the sector • Russell group universities are recognised as world-leaders. Ten Russell Group universities feature in the Times Higher top 100 world universities, nine feature in the top 100 in the Academic Ranking of World Universities, and 17 in the QS World University Rankings.

6. Opportunities • Sutton Trust Summer school programme application • UNIQ Summer School • Lecture from Kings College London – Thursday 31st January. 3pm - 4pm in the lecture theatre.An opportunity to discuss: • Life at a Russell Group university • Finance • Applications • Any questions that you might have • Life education session (TBC) • Oxford and Cambridge information event • Possible trip to Oxford University

7. Oxbridge applicants • UNIQ summer school • Information event at Devonport High School for Boys – 22nd March – please apply by sending an email to rlowney@plymstockschool.org.uk. 4 places are available • Year 12 – Pathways Programme Study Days • provide students with an opportunity to visit Oxford and experience two academic seminars in a subject of their choice, with Oxford tutors. • The events take place on the 12th, 13th and 14th March. • Applications are open to year 12s who are predicted at least AAA at A Level • The deadline for applications is Monday 28 January. Accommodation will be provided for those travelling long distances. • www.ox.ac.uk/studydays - YOU WILL NEED TO APPLY YOURSELF. Application form is at the bottom of the study days page