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Oxbridge, Russell Group and Medicine Programme

At SFX we believe in supporting students to exceed their potential and achieve excellence. Students who show the capability to progress onto highly-selective universities will be eligible for the REAch pathway. Students who are selected to follow the REAch pathway in the Autumn term of year 12 will benefit from a programme of bespoke support sessions, designed to hone the skills which are sought by the top universities.
REAch stands for:
 
Russell Group and Oxbridge programme
This will maximise your chance of progressing to a top university. You will gain an insight into the university admissions process and acquire tips, advice and feedback on all aspects of your application including personal statements. The programme also includes a range of speakers from universities, placements on university master classes, summer schools and work experience, practice interviews and visits to universities.
-Humanities focus: subject specific tips on university applications; members of Parliament and local councillors have hosted talks as well as a variety of university professors; expert support for university applications, with past success in securing places at Oxbridge and other Russell group universities.
-Science/Healthcare focus: Medical, dentistry, veterinary and healthcare degrees are some of the most challenging and competitive degree courses. At SFX we support students in applying to these courses by assisting them in securing work experience placements, lecture sessions in universities and running practice interviews.

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
Students complete an independent research project on a topic of their choice. This qualification counts as half an A-level and will develop your critical, reflective and problem-solving skills and to support your application to university. Many Russell Group universities consider this a valuable addition to a student’s UCAS application and may even lower their grade requirements for course entry.

Achievement
Our REAch tutors will work with you to develop your problem solving, critical thinking and time management skills, which will support your achievement in your chosen Level 3 courses. We appreciate that the demands of A-level represent a significant step up from GCSE; we will guide you to develop the independent learning skills needed to thrive.
 
“The Russell Group has been really useful for me as it has provided support from the beginning of year 12 in encouraging me into higher education, which before joining SFX I was somewhat reluctant to do. The experience has given me the opportunity to become more informed on topics outside of my school subjects, including doing online courses. On top of this the teachers involved have been very helpful throughout the UCAS process helping me to make applications to 5 Russell Group universities.” Year 13 student, Russell Group University Offer Holder

Past talks & visits have included:
  • Oxford and Cambridge universities
  • King’s university
  • Surrey university
  • London School of Economics
  • St George’s university hospital
  • Newcastle university outreach sessions
  • University College London Open day
  • Cultural trip to London
  • Alternatives to Medicine conference
  • Humanities and Science trips to the British Museum and Wellcome Collection
  • Visiting talks from MPs e.g. Chuka Umunna - MP for Streatham
  • Visiting talk from Amnesty International
  • Visiting talks from successful former SFX students including medical students.
Selection for the HE programme
Selected students who fulfil the criteria of an excellent GCSE score will be invited to join the programme at the start of the Autumn term. Students must maintain outstanding attendance, punctuality and academic excellence throughout the year to remain on the programme.

For further information on the HE programme please contact:
Dr Koursarou (HE Mentor)
d.koursarou@sfx.ac.uk

Mr T Spindler (EPQ Coordinator)
t.spindler@sfx.ac.uk