HEPI-HEA Conference 2013 . HEPI-HEA Conference 2013 University Admissions - the view from schools Mike Griffiths ASCL President,

HEPI-HEA Conference 2013

www.ascl.org.uk


www.ascl.org.uk

University Admissions - the view from schools

Mike Griffiths

ASCL President, 2013


www.ascl.org.uk

Personal Perspective

• taught A level for 40 years• state comprehensive schools• all with large sixth forms• examiner at O level, A level• sixth form tutor• lectured at Sheffield Hallam University• headship in Oxfordshire• head of Northampton School for Boys since 2001


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Northampton School for Boys

• 11-18 Boys’ comprehensive – 1500+ on roll• Girls admitted to 6th form• GM in 1993, Converter Academy 2010• Technology College since 1994• SCITT since 1999• 2009 - National Support School• 2011- Teaching School• National reputation for various sports, music & drama


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The Power of Choice

• Choice by students• why university?• which subjects?• which degree course?• which university?

• Choice by university• which applicants?


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Why choose university?

• financial investment?

• studying an area of interest to the highest level

• stepping stone to a career

• importance of value for money

• importance of Widening Participation


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What choice of subjects?

• importance of advice and guidance

• perverse incentive of accountability measures

• advice MUST be what is in best interest of the individual

• facilitating subjects

• openness and honesty re preferred combinations


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What choice of degree?

• WP - attraction for career-related?

• caution re ‘sexy’ titles designed to attract

• publish nature of employment, not just %


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What university to choose?

• marketing

• course? location? type? bar??

• student experience shared by social networks

• use community as ambassadors• student volunteers in schools• staff in visits, lectures, assemblies....


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Which applicants to choose?

• exercise responsibly

• no ‘secret garden’ of unwritten criteria

• confused• single minded academic or well rounded?• independent v state sectors?• is co-curriculum important?• is personal statement considered?


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Which criteria to choose?

• do you consider:

• past performance• GCSE• AS

• predicted performance

• uncoupling of AS from A. level - effect?


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A. levels are changing

• modules going

• re-sit culture going

• increased rigour

• results WILL dip! Are universities prepared?


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Contextual data

• Robust? Reliable? Relevant? Current?

• Concerns re use of:• school type

• state v independent• selective v comprehensive

• school Ofsted grade• post code• parent education


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UCAS

• owned by HE

• must serve needs of students/schools as well as members

• welcome developments:• bespoke personal statements• revised website - one-stop-shop• revision to scramble of clearing• easier to navigate


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What schools want is:

• Partnership between HE institutions• provide advice and support regionally

• Partnership between HE and groups of schools• talks on student experience (NOT just finance!)• specialist lectures• visits to HE at younger ages• undergraduates to assist on regular basis in schools

• Clarity to ensure appropriate IAG


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What schools do not want is:

• use of inappropriate contextual data

• secret gardens

• uncoupling of AS from A. level


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We want each student to make the right decision for him or her as to whether university is right for them

and

for universities to make fair decisions when choosing our students


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• Whilst the information provided at this event was correct to the best of the knowledge of the presenters and organisers, neither ASCL nor ASCLProfessional Development can accept liability if at a later date this should prove not to be the case. Nor can they be held responsible for any errors or any consequences resulting from its use

Documents

HEPI-HEA Conference 2013 . HEPI-HEA Conference 2013 University Admissions - the view from schools Mike Griffiths ASCL President,