Realising Opportunities An opportunity for you Realising Opportunities

Realising Opportunities An opportunity for you?

Realising Opportunities • Realising Opportunities – what is it? • What are research intensive universities? • The RO programme and benefits • Eligibility criteria • How to get involved

RO – what is it? • National programme • 14 research intensive universities • One common programme

What is a Research Intensive University? • • • They have academics who are experts in their field Facilities are cutting edge They provide vibrant learning environments where teaching is research led • Research is carried out to help solve problems in the wider world, or improve things! • • Students develop the skills employers are looking for They have high employability rates

Realising Opportunities Programme Realising Opportunties Programme Local launch event. The skills 4 uni online study skills module. Ementoring. National Student Conference. Either the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) or the Realising Opportunities Academic Assignment. Range of events and activities at partners universities. Benefits All partner universities will potentially give an alternative RO offer for successful applications to them through UCAS, worth up to 2 A Level grades or equivalent (some course exemptions apply). All RO universities will give additional consideration to an application to them through UCAS Skills Development. Informed decisions about their future. Understand what research intensive university can offer them. Access to information on careers from professionals currently employed in the field.

Benefits • Increase knowledge and understanding of what a research intensive university can offer • Increased access to all 14 partner universities FOR STUDENTS WHO SUCCESSFULLY COMEPLETE: • All 14 partner universities will potentially give an alternative RO offer for successful applications to them through UCAS, worth up to 2 A Level grades or equivalent • All partners will give additional consideration to UCAS applications

Benefits • Skills development: - academic, employability and study skills • Support from a dedicated ementor • Access to events and activities • Position to make informed decisions

Local Launch Event Gives students: • • • An understanding of the RO programme Clarify what students have to do Meet staff at partner university Understand support available Visit a university campus Taking place on: tbc Friday 12 th January 2018

Extended Project Qualification or Academic Assignment Enables students to: • • • Demonstrate their potential Develop and acquire new skills Increase preparation for HE level study Explore new areas of knowledge Be independent learners

Extended Project Qualification • Available if your school/college offers you this as an option • School/college support this and mark it • Must achieve at least a Grade C • Skills 4 uni and the online Knowledge Bank offer useful resources

Academic Assignment • Assessed piece of work, approximately 1, 500 – 2, 000 words • Around 20 – 30 hours independent work • Develop your own titles or choose one of the generic assignments available • Will be supported by academic tutor • Skills 4 uni and Knowledge Bank offers support

Skills 4 uni – online study skills module www. skills 4 uni. bham. ac. uk • • • Interactive site to work through Multiple choice test Develop key skills for independent learning Increase your confidence with research based projects Gain a greater understanding of what to expect from university Help support you with the EPQ or Academic Assignment

National Student Conference • All partner universities represented • Chance to meet other students taking part in the RO Programme • Series of workshops to choose from to develop skills and personalise the programme

Events and Activities • All partners will open up a range of events and activities to RO students • Residential visits, master classes, subject tasters, Open Days and more • Recommend you attend at least one event (in addition to launch and conference • Travel costs may be reimbursed with prior arrangement

Ementoring www. realisingopportunities. ac. uk • You will be matched with current undergraduate from one of the partner universities • Will follow a programme offering key guidance at key times • Advice and interactive activities • Someone to ask your questions about university life

Who is eligible? • Students must attend an eligible school/college • You must meet both of the following criteria: You must have achieved at least 8 A* to C grades at GCSE (or equivalent, eg GNVQ, BTEC Certificate) including English Language and Mathematics with a minimum of 5 GCSEs or equivalent at grades A*/A or B AND You must be a Home/EU registered student AND. . .

Who is eligible? And meet AT LEAST TWO of the following criteria: • Live in a ’low participation’ neighbourhood or an area of high financial, social or economic deprivation. This is defined by your home postcode. • Be in receipt of, or entitled to, discretionary payments/16 -19 bursary at school/college • Be in receipt of, or entitled to, free school meals • Neither of your parents attended university in the UK or abroad in the last five years OR Alternatively, if you are living, or have lived, in local authority care, or are a young carer you do not need to meet two of the criteria from this list. OR If you do not meet all of these criteria or the academic criteria but have experienced a difficult family or individual circumstance that may have affected your performance in exams or the likelihood of you going to university, your application may still be considered on an individual basis. Circumstances considered include, but are not limited to, students who live independently from their families, those experiencing significant family issues or those students who have a disability/health condition which may have affected their educational achievements.

Comments from RO students

What Next? • • • Read the student information leaflet Visit the RO website www. realisingopportunities. co. uk/apply Complete the online application form using the application key code that your school/college contact will give you Ask your parent/carer to complete the Parent/Carer downloadable permissions form Your teacher will then complete their section of the online application form Places on the Programme are confirmed by 8 th January 2018

Any Questions? University of Sheffield rosheffield@sheffield. ac. uk Realising Opportunities Central team info@realisingopportunities. ac. uk