On Friday 15th September, 50 Year 11 pupils headed to the University of Birmingham for their annual ‘Achieve Conference ‘.
The Achieve Conference focus was to get students to learn about the importance of their GCSE qualifications, what Russell Group universities look for and what sixth forms and colleges expect from pre-16 students.
The messages from the day are deliberately designed to make students aware that Year 11 is a time that they need to focus their efforts and minds in order to achieve their target grades, if not to exceed them.
University staff talked students through the application process and what life at university would be like. It also involved ‘top tips’ for the GCSE season and ‘achieving your best’. Talks and tours from current university students completed the day.
It really made me realise how importance GCSEs are now and that an incredibly amount of Universities are looking at these results not just A-Levels.
I had never had given much thought to University before. I now know it’s something I want to pursue. The students told us about university life, the different societies you can join and about the nightlife!
