Beyond Urmston Enrichment Programme

    Though the primary focus for our sixth form students is studying for their A Levels, our 'Beyond Urmston Enrichment Programme' plays a huge part in equipping students with the knowledge, skills and experience needed to become model citizens and lead successful careers in their life after UGS Sixth Form. 

    The following are some of the key aspects of the Enrichment curriculum in our sixth form.

    Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

    Every year approximately 30-40 students choose to study the EPQ. This provides the opportunity  to conduct an in depth research project on a theme of their choice. With the support of a supervisor, students are empowered to expand their knowledge way beyond the scope of their A Level subjects and conduct empirical research into their field of interest. The skills developed through the EPQ are invaluable when progressing onto Higher Education and many students opt to focus on an area which they intend to pursue at degree level.

    In 2022 83% of our EPQ candidates achieved A*-B grades and 100% achieved A*-C grades. Many of these students received reduced university offers as a result of their strong performance in their EPQ.

    University preparation

    Careers forms a regular part of weekly form time lessons. Typically between 80-90% of our students pursue further study at university beyond the sixth form and ensuring each individual is well prepared to submit a strong application for their chosen degree course is a high priority. We welcome guest speakers into many of our assemblies to speak on themes such as UCAS, Student Finance and University Access Programmes.

    Increasingly more students are pursuing Apprenticeships and Degree Apprenticeships, or they may opt to take a gap year. 

    PSHE

    PSHE education is a planned programme of learning through which young people acquire the knowledge, understanding and skills they need to manage their lives. Our vision is to provide a hands-on and engaging curriculum that offers a platform for pupils to explore, debate and discuss real life topics such as Health and Well-being, Relationships and Sex Education, Finance and to develop the qualities and attributes pupils need to thrive as individuals, family members and members of society.

    PSHE is delivered through Tutor Time activities and lesson time. 

    CAREERS

    Careers education forms yet another important part of the wider curriculum in the sixth form. Students build their employability skills through interview workshops, have a range of meaningful experiences with a host of different professionals and participate in a week long work experience programme in the summer of Year 12.

    Our careers advisor Amy Marshall has 1:1 interviews with all students in the sixth form, offering impartial careers advice support tailored to each students' needs.

    Wednesday Afternoon Electives

    Every Wednesday afternoon all Year 12 students participate in our electives programme. This is designed to equip students with the experience and employability skills needed to succeed in their future careers. Many students opt to use this time to engage in their own work experience placements. Volunteering in primary schools, care homes, vets, pharmacies, GPs and dental practices, as well as shadowing solicitors and architects. These are just some examples of the workplaces our students have attended in recent years. Students may also opt to participate in some of the enrichment courses provided in school. Examples of the different opportunities include:

    • Italian
    • The ASDAN award
    • Engineering 
    • Sports and Fitness
    • Muay Thai
    • Criminolgy
    • Surgical Sutures
    • Creative Drawing

     

    MDV Programme

    Our Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science (MDV) Programme provides helps prepare students for these extremely competitive degree courses. The programme consists of:

    • Presentations on the application process
    • Guest speakers from GPs and Surgeons
    • Support in securing work experience placements
    • Super-curricular opportunities such as lectures and seminars
    • Support sessions to prepare for UCAT and BMAT assessments
    • A 'Multiple Mini-Interview' (MMI) Workshop
    • 1:1 Interview Preparation

    In 2021 over 75% of our applicants were successful in securing offers to study Medicine at universities such as Birmingham, Bristol, Dundee, Exeter, Hull-York, Keele, Nottingham, Sunderland, Lancaster and Manchester.

    Oxbridge Programme

    Our Oxbridge programme helps our students considering applying to either Oxford or Cambridge negotiate the competitive application process. Our programme consists of:

    • Visits to the Oxbridge convention at Haydock Racecourse
    • An annual Oxbridge conference with Admission Tutors hosted at Altrincham Grammar School for Boys
    • Visits to our link Oxbridge college 
    • Tailored support for aptitude assessments such as the BMAT, PAT, MAT and MLAT
    • Tailored support in preparing essays for submission
    • Tailored support in writing Personal Statements
    • Tailored interview preparation
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