Widening Participation Office University of Bath On Track to Bath A free two-year curriculum enhancement programme for A Level students
On Track to Bath On Track to Bath is a free, two-year programme for A Level students aiming to study at the University of Bath or another leading university. The programme gives you the opportunity to work with university staff and students to explore subjects you are interested in as well as finding out how to make a competitive application to university. The programme is divided into five tracks; Business and Entrepreneurship, Computer Science, Languages, Science and Social Science. We like our On Track to Bath students to aim high and around 80% apply to at least one high tariff university. We are even more excited when our On Track students come to Bath. Last year nearly half the On Track students applied to Bath and all those who applied were given offers for a course at the University. Marian Mackintosh WP Research & Evaluation Officer Widening Participation Office University of Bath What you can gain from On Track to Bath: Lectures and workshops to enhance your subject knowledge, broaden your understanding and help you to achieve the grades that you need at A Level First-hand experience of life at university (including a four-day residential stay on campus) Opportunities to develop your independent learning and research skills through a project on a topic of your choice An Alternative Offer - if you successfully complete and achieve an A or above in your On Track project and apply for a University of Bath course you will receive both the typical and alternative offer. See Page 11 Practical research experience to equip you for success in the Extended Project Qualification and prepare you for university study The knowledge you need to find out about and compare university courses and make informed choices Expert advice from our Admissions staff on making a competitive UCAS application The confidence and skills to succeed in Higher Education 2
Science Business Computer Science Residentials Languages Social Sciences 3
The Programme Year 1 The first year of the programme includes three compulsory components: regular sessions at the University of Bath designed to broaden your understanding of your chosen subject area the completion of a research project on a topic of your choice designed to develop the independent learning and research skills which are so important for success at A Level and university. The project will be particularly useful preparation for students taking an Extended Project Qualification or who are thinking of applying to a course at the University of Bath (see page 11 for details). The project requires you to complete a written report of 3000-5000 words. The written report for the Languages Track will be in your target language so will be 750-1000 words attendance at a four-day residential at the University of Bath in July that will give you first-hand experience of university life and prepare you for that first step into Higher Education (Tuesday 10th to Friday 13th July 2018) Year 2 The second year of the programme involves: workshops to help you make a competitive UCAS application, write a strong personal statement and develop your interview skills study skills and revision practice designed to broaden and enhance your knowledge and understanding, and help to raise your attainment at A Level opportunities to discover more about student life including how to make the most of your budget, what to expect from the social life at university, leisure opportunities, academic and personal support, and tips and advice on survival 4
Support Throughout both years you will have a Co-ordinating Tutor to guide you through the programme. They will support your learning and development and provide advice to help you to progress to university and achieve your personal and academic goals. You will also have access to the University Library as well as online resources and forums. During Year 2 of the programme you will have contact with our Admissions staff who can provide expert advice and one-to-one support on your personal statement as well as answer any admissions questions you might have throughout the year. The University will ensure that your application is given additional consideration if you do decide to apply to study at the University of Bath. If you achieve an A or above in your On Track project any offers you may receive will include an alternative offer. (See page 11 for details). On Track to Bath is supported by University of Bath Student Ambassadors, current students who are there to assist during workshops and the residential to provide information about opportunities and courses. They will be able to share their first-hand experiences of what it is really like to study at the University. Cost On Track to Bath is a FREE programme for successful applicants. However, we do not normally cover travel costs to and from the University. Your commitment To gain your On Track to Bath certification you must: complete all compulsory parts of the Year 1 programme and have a good attendance record throughout both years of the programme Watch this video to see what previous participants have to say about On Track. http://go.bath.ac.uk/wp-on-track 5
Business and Entrepreneurship Track Take advantage of the opportunity to develop your learning within the University of Bath s internationally renowned School of Management and discover the challenges of business, management and entrepreneurship in an ever-changing international market. Hammad By completing this course, it has given me broader exposure to the business world, allowing me to increase my knowledge outside the classroom. Working in a group to complete a Dragon Den themed project has given me the opportunity to work with people from all backgrounds and nationalities, developing vital skills that will be utilised in employment and Higher Education in the future. By joining On Track to Bath s Business and Entrepreneurship Track you will begin to develop the necessary knowledge and skills to make a success in business and management at university and beyond. As part of a team you will explore the essential ingredients to building a successful business whilst equipping yourself with tools and practices to boost your chance of exam success. You will also receive support and advice on how to make the most of your experiences to strengthen your UCAS application. Suitable for those considering taking a degree in such subjects as Economics, Management, International Management, Business Administration, Accounting & Finance, Management & Marketing or International Management & Modern Languages. To be eligible for the Business and Entrepreneurship Track you do not have to study any particular A Level subjects but preference is given to those studying a combination of mathematics/sciences with humanities/essay-based subjects. You must also have at least a grade B or 6 in GCSE English and Mathematics. If you are interested in our Accounting and Finance degree then you must be studying Mathematics at A Level. If you are interested in our International Management and Modern Languages degree then you must be studying your target language at A Level. 6 Please see our undergraduate prospectus for full details: www.bath.ac.uk/study/ug/prospectus/
Computer Science Track Discover what it means to be at the forefront of Computer Science. Take part in collaborative research projects and evaluate your findings with the University of Bath s outstanding teaching staff and discover the world of possibilities a Computer Science degree affords. By joining On Track to Bath s Computer Science Track you will gain first-hand experience of Computer Science in practice whilst enriching your subject knowledge and understanding of its relevance to a degree in Computer Sciences. You will receive advice and support in making a successful application and progression to university from computer scientists. Suitable for those considering taking a degree in subjects such as Computer Science or Electrical Engineering. To be eligible for the Computer Science Track you must be studying A Level Mathematics. You must also have at least a grade C or 4 in GCSE English. If you are interested in our Computer Science and Mathematics degree then you must be studying Further Mathematics at A or AS Level. If you are interested in one of our Electrical Engineering degrees then you may need to be studying a science or technology subject. See our undergraduate prospectus for more details: www.bath.ac.uk/study/ug/prospectus/ Chloe I am currently studying A Level Computer Science, Maths, Physics and Chemistry at New College. Working with the University of Bath On Track to Bath programme has enabled me to gain an insight into university life, and the style of work that is completed during a degree. I have thoroughly enjoyed the whole project and the opportunity to meet new people whilst gaining important life skills along the way has been exciting. My favourite part of On Track has to be creating my own project using the Arduino as it was rewarding to see an idea come to life! My advice to you would be work hard, aim high, and anything is achievable. 7
Languages Track Share your love of your chosen language with our distinguished academic staff and current undergraduates. With ample opportunity to practise your target language in both formal and informal settings, you will enjoy the exploration of film and culture in your chosen language using our world-class facilities. Agnes Mason Languages Co-ordinating Tutor Widening Participation Office University of Bath I am so excited to launch the new Languages track at a time when the number of graduates are falling yet demand for linguists is growing! As a former A level languages teacher I can thoroughly recommend this programme to improve your essay writing, speaking and research skills and find out what studying languages at university is really like. By joining our Languages Track you will enhance the key skills required in your A Level exams including essay writing and oral presentations. You will hear first-hand accounts of what it s like to experience a placement year abroad, find out about the fantastic range of degrees that are available to language students at university and strengthen your UCAS application by demonstrating a clear development in key language skills. You can opt to take the Languages Track in French, German, Italian or Spanish. Suitable for those considering taking a degree in subjects such as International Management and Modern Languages, Language and Politics, Modern Languages and European Studies. To be eligible for the Languages Track you must be studying the language you opt for at A Level. Please be aware that each degree involving languages at the University of Bath requires specific languages to be taken at A Level and will require specific GCSE grades. See our undergraduate prospectus for more details: www.bath.ac.uk/study/ug/prospectus/ 8
Science Track Develop your science knowledge and skills with world-renowned University of Bath academics and gain hands-on experience in our state-of-the-art laboratories whilst discovering the world of pioneering research taking place at the University. Consistently ranked amongst the top 10 in the UK, the University of Bath s competitive science programmes attract some of the highest-achieving students from diverse backgrounds. By joining On Track to Bath s Science Track you will enhance your understanding of science and its challenges, gain experience of what it is like to study science at university, receive regular support in your academic study, develop your lab skills and learn how to make a successful application and transition to Higher Education from specialists in the field. Suitable for those considering taking a degree in subjects such as Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, Chemistry, Natural Sciences, Pharmacy and Pharmacology or Physics. This is not suitable for those considering studying Medicine or applying for a degree in Medicine. To be eligible for the Science Track you must be studying at least one science subject plus another science or Mathematics subject at A Level. Please be aware that each science degree at the University of Bath requires a specific science/ specific sciences to be taken at A Level and may require specific GCSE grades. For example our Chemistry Degree programme requires students to have grade B or 6 in GCSE Mathematics and Chemistry/Science. See our undergraduate prospectus for more details: www.bath.ac.uk/study/ug/prospectus/ Katie I m currently studying towards A Levels in Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics at Matravers School. I applied to the science track alongside some friends from school. These friends didn t get accepted and going alone made me feel nervous. However I knew it would help me develop invaluable skills so I had to take this opportunity with both hands. Once I attended the first session I knew there was nothing to be worried about. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming and I knew it was going to be such an enjoyable year. The project days were great fun and I learnt a lot about myself. The work load was a lot alongside my exams, but there were support systems in place which really helped and made the journey so worthwhile. I have made so many new friends from the On Track programme as well as learning so many new skills, I m so glad I had the opportunity to take part and get real first-hand insight as to what it s like to be a university student. Taking part has definitely helped me grow as a person and helped me create lifelong friends as well as memories. And I highly recommend this to anyone interested in a future within science. You won t regret it. 9
Social Science Track Access the expert teaching and strong interdisciplinary research collaboration between our Social Science departments. Experience lectures and seminars with our academics and PhD researchers whilst developing fresh insights into topical issues and enjoying the rich resources and world class facilities that can be offered on campus. Anya At the moment I study Psychology, Sociology, Philosophy and Ethics at Sheldon School. The On Track to Bath programme has allowed me to experience a small sample of university life first-hand through both its seminars and lectures, as well as its projects and reports. On Track to Bath has shown me how different content is taught in universities and how to carry out my own independent studies. It s not always easy, but the outcome of seeing what you have achieved is well worth it. I have met so many new and different people who have similar interests to me about the subject area, and I have made friendships that will remain long after the programme is over. I was able to ask lecturers and Student Ambassadors what life was like at the University of Bath. Although the course was challenging, I fully enjoyed pushing myself to see what I could do and I was pleased to see the results of what I had managed to accomplish by the end. On Track to Bath has been an incredible experience that I would recommend to anyone. By joining On Track to Bath s Social Sciences Track you will have the opportunity to develop the necessary skills and abilities to be a successful Social Scientist, including enriching your critical thinking, evaluation and writing skills and enhancing your ability to analyse and communicate effectively. You will strengthen your UCAS application by demonstrating a proven development in the key skills required for studying the Social Sciences. Suitable for those considering taking a degree in subjects such as Psychology, Education with Psychology, Sociology, Social Policy, Social Sciences or Social Work. To be eligible for the Social Science Track you must be studying at least one humanities subject at A Level. You must also have at least a grade C or 4 in GCSE English and Mathematics. If you are interested in our Psychology degree then you must have at least grade B or 6 in GCSE English and Mathematics, and preferably an A or 7. Please also see our list of desirable A Level subjects and A Level subjects that we cannot consider*. See our undergraduate prospectus* for more details: www.bath.ac.uk/study/ug/prospectus/ 10
Our Alternative Offer All students who successfully complete On Track to Bath and apply to a University of Bath course will receive additional consideration at the point of admission. All students who complete the programme, attend satisfactorily, apply to a University of Bath course and achieve an A or above in their project are eligible for an alternative offer. This means that if you are made an offer then you will receive both the typical offer and the alternative. The alternative offer is usually a reduction by one grade in one of your A Levels. For example AAA would become AAB with an A in the On Track Project. There are a few exceptions where we are not able to make an alternative offer that includes your On Track Project grade A: - our Mathematics and Economics & Mathematics courses give out an alternative offer based on achieving a grade 2 in a STEP paper rather than the On Track Project - our Foundation Degree in Sports Performance does not issue alternative offers - we may not be able to make an alternative offer if you are not studying three A Level qualifications e.g. if you are studying a combination of A Levels and BTECs Details of the alternative offers that we make can be found on the entry requirements section of each course on our online prospectus: www.bath.ac.uk/study/ug/prospectus/ The level of offer that you could expect is the same as if you were applying with an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). By Wednesday 12th October 2016 11
Who can apply? Our Widening Participation Programme aims to encourage students from all backgrounds to study at the University of Bath. Priority is given to students who are currently under-represented in Higher Education. You must also have achieved: At least 6 A*- B / 6 or above grades at GCSE with Mathematics and English at least at grade C or 4 and meet the subject specific requirements for each Track (please see pages 6-10 for details). How do I apply? To take advantage of this opportunity you must complete the On Track to Bath application form which you can get from your teacher or download from our website at: http://go.bath.ac.uk/wp-on-track Please make sure that all parts of the application form are completed and signed by your school and parent/carer and then return it to: Hillary Brummitt The Virgil Building Room 3.1, University of Bath, Manvers Street, Bath, BA1 1JW By Wednesday 11th October 2017 12
An overview of your first year The 2017 Launch takes place on 8 November from 1.00pm-5.00pm All sessions are held at the University of Bath. Most sessions take place on Wednesday afternoons between 2.30pm and 5.30pm. There are three project days in February and a residential in July. Please see next page for full details. The programme starts with an initial Welcome and Induction event to which you and your parents/carers are invited. You will have the opportunity to meet your tutors and get to know the other students on your Track as well as current students of the University of Bath. You will be able to find out more about the programme, get to know the University and start your research while making new friends and becoming part of the On Track community. The first year consists of five afternoon sessions and three full days at the University where you will attend subject specific sessions, work on your projects and get to know the other students. Your project work is submitted in April. In July there will be a four-day residential stay at the University of Bath to give you a taste of what it is like to live on campus, experience student life and familiarise yourself with opportunities you can take advantage of on campus. This is a fun, relaxed experience with plenty of time for you to enjoy university life with your friends on the programme and current university students. The final evening will include our On Track Celebration event. This is an informal evening where we invite parents/carers, teachers and university staff to come together to discuss, see and celebrate the work that has been achieved and to see how the year has gone. See page 14 for key dates. 13
Key dates and times for Year 1 Calendar 2017-2018 NOVEMBER Wednesday 8 1pm 5pm* Welcome NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2017 JANUARY 2018 FEBRUARY 2018 Wednesday 22 2.30pm 5.30pm* Wednesday 13 2.30pm 5.30pm* Wednesday 31 10am 5pm* Thursday 1 10am 5pm* Project Project Project Project FEBRUARY 2018 FEBRUARY 2018 MARCH 2018 APRIL 2018 Friday 2 10am 5pm* Wednesday 21 2.30pm 5.30pm* Wednesday 21 2.30pm 5.30pm* Wednesday 25 2.30pm 5.30pm* Project Project Project Project JULY 2018 JULY 2018 JULY 2018 JULY 2018 Tuesday 10 10am* Wednesday 11 Thursday 12 Friday 13 7.30pm* Residential Residential Residential Residential * The times shown are approximate. Specific details, times and timetables will be sent out nearer the event. 14
The University of Bath At Bath we are known for excellence in both teaching and research; a superb student experience; and providing outstanding preparation for the workplace. But this isn t all. The evidence shows that Bath provides quality in all the areas that matter. You will have a fulfilling time here, and a great future. We have an excellent reputation overall and a high league table position. Bath is a top five UK university (Guardian University Guide 2018) and is rated Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework. 15
Watch this On Track to Bath video to see what previous participants have to say about the programme. http://go.bath.ac.uk/wp-on-track-to-bath The information in the publication is correct at the time of going to print. For the latest information about On Track to Bath, see the above website. P-WP0219-0717 For more information please contact: Widening Participation Office Virgil Building Room 3.1 University of Bath Manvers Street Bath BA1 1JW 01225 386587 widening-participation@bath.ac.uk