Year 12 Begin Their University Pathways Journey

Choosing a university course is about much more than deciding what to study after A Levels. At OIC, university preparation begins early, giving students time to explore their interests, understand what competitive universities are looking for and build a strong academic profile throughout Sixth Form.

During the session, Year 12 were introduced to OIC’s four Global Strategic Pathways: Clinical & Life Sciences, Physical & Applied Sciences, Computational & Data Sciences, and Social & Commerce Sciences.

Students explored the range of university subjects and careers connected to each pathway, from Medicine, Dentistry and Biochemistry to Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Economics, Law and PPE. The session encouraged them to think beyond individual degree titles and consider the wider fields, questions and challenges that genuinely interest them.

Building a Strong University Profile

Students were also introduced to some of the people and resources that will support them throughout their university journey, including Dr Kirsten Dickers, Director of University Admissions & Careers, and Pathway Advisors Toby Blundell and William Goulder.

The session explored how UCAS and Unifrog can be used to research courses, universities, entry requirements and key application dates. Year 12 also looked ahead to the different elements that can form a competitive university application, including predicted grades, references and evidence of academic engagement beyond the classroom.

Importantly, students were encouraged to begin developing their wider knowledge from the very start of Year 12. Through carefully chosen electives and opportunities such as OIC Amplify and OIC Fusion, they can explore subjects in greater depth, undertake academic projects and begin building experiences relevant to their future ambitions.

Students were also introduced to SCITs – School-Centred Invigilated Tests – and the role that formative and summative assessment will play in demonstrating academic progress and informing predicted grades.

University Preparation Starts Now

The session marked the beginning of a much longer process. Rather than waiting until Year 13 to think about university applications, Year 12 will begin working within their pathway groups, supported to make deliberate choices about their academic development, supercurricular activities and future direction.

With their pathways beginning to take shape, the focus now turns to exploring possibilities, developing academic depth and building the foundations for the university applications they will eventually make.

At OIC, university preparation starts from the moment students begin their Sixth Form journey.