Sixth Form Guide - The Acquisition Of Key Skills And Wider Experience
University Departments are looking increasingly for evidence in Personal Statements and in References that applicants have acquired a number of key study skills during their Lower Sixth year. The onus is therefore on you to develop such skills at every opportunity. Several of these skills relate directly to your academic work: they include the ability to organise your files effectively, to make notes on a range of material, and to conduct investigations and research exercises. Beyond this, you should be able to provide evidence of communications skills (e.g. the preparation and execution of at least one formal presentation to a class) and of ICT skills (use of computers in the preparation and completion of work assignments; building up of useful databases; familiarity with CD-ROMS and internet material, etc.). All university applicants should also arrange suitable work experience and should be familiar with career options, together with what is involved in particular careers.
To this end, all sixth-formers should consider the following:
Work Experience
Most parents and boys are able to organise this for themselves. It is recommended that you find a 'work placement' for one or two weeks during the Easter or Summer holiday in the Lower Sixth. It is helpful if you are able to find work experience directly related to your chosen subject at university (and for subjects like medicine and architecture it is essential) but all work experience is good experience. The school can sometimes offer limited assistance in finding places, but you should not rely on this resource.
Taster Courses
Most take place in the Easter and summer holidays, and you are strongly advised to attend at least one in your Lower Sixth year. These are designed to give you a 'feel' for university teaching styles and a glimpse of university life.
Careers Evenings
These careers evenings consist of talks by outside speakers on particular career areas and are arranged in a two year cycle. The three or more speakers at each evening often include an admissions tutor, an employer and a recent OT studying or working in that area. Boys will know of recent titles but the main areas are Law, Financial Services, Medicine, Journalism, Marketing, Geography, Science, Design, Engineering and Languages, amongst others.
The Gap Year
You might wish to consider whether you would like to take a 'Gap Year' between leaving Tonbridge and going to university. This is welcomed by some, but by no means all, university departments, and it represents a unique opportunity to do something challenging and mind-broadening. There is a section in the university and careers centre full of literature, and we hold an annual Gap Fair where you can visit stands and hear speakers.
The Wider Personality
A recent survey 'What makes a graduate employable?' underlines the importance of acquiring skills over the course of your time in the Sixth Form. A wide range of employers were interviewed, and skills particularly highlighted included: spoken communication, literacy, personal and transferable skills, the ability to work in a team, previous work experience, numeracy, IT and computing skills, adaptability, problem-solving skills. These are precisely the skills that university admissions tutors are increasingly looking for, over and above your academic record and potential. Employers also look for evidence of other interests such as cultural and sporting achievements, community service and voluntary work of all kinds. It is worth reviewing your overall profile, with your parents and housemaster, on a regular basis.