Course Catalogue

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The Top-Up programme is a preparation course for Higher Education that is designed for students who are currently applying for, or considering applying for, higher education courses. The Access to a Career Programme is a preparation course for Higher Education that is designed for S4-S6 pupils currently applying for, or considering applying for, Teaching, Accountancy & Finance and Engineering.

Timetable consists of the following:

S4 - 2hr in-school taught class

S5 - 3hr in-school taught class and a 5hr campus session at the University of Glasgow campus including lectures, seminars and taught classes

S6 - Online UCAS personal statement feedback. Interview preparation workshop at the University of Glasgow campus for applicants to Teaching professions

S5/S6 - Pupils must complete the Top-Up Programme. The timetable consists of 1 x 1hr UCAS workshop, 1 x 1 hr Top-Up Workshop/Talk, 10x1hr in-school taught classes/tutorials and one 6hr session on campus which includes participation in a seminar and lecture.

Participants must attend a University of Glasgow target school, be in S4- S6 and intending to apply to University to study Accountancy and Finance, Teaching or Engineering. See the following webpage for more information on participating schools - http://www.gla.ac.uk/about/wideningparticipation/programmesummary/targetschools/#/ 

None

Assessment is conducted using the following methods -

Submission of two essays which illustrate an understanding of the question and present a range of arguments with supporting evidence which is properly referenced - 55% weighting

A student's quality of argument and general contribution to group discussion during a seminar or equivalent set exercise e.g. workshop, at the Access campus session and the Top-Up campus session - 10% weighting

A student's overall ability, understanding and motivation over the programme is recorded by course tutors during taught classes in school and during the two campus session and this is supplemented by a reflective portfolio - 35% weighting

The Access to a Career programme (Top-Up Programme) aims to raise aspiration and prepare participants for the transition to, and success in Higher Education (HE) by:

■ Introducing pupils to the professions and the required qualifications.

■ Equipping participants with the essential learning skills required to become successful independent learners

■ Providing opportunities and experiences to develop and apply key skills learned through a range of academic tasks

■ Providing an understanding of career pathways and support with every aspect of the application process and advice from staff and students on becoming an accountant, teacher and engineer.

■ To provide an access route into Teaching, Accountancy & Finance and Engineering.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Conduct independent research from a range of source materials to inform understanding of an academic topic/subject of choice

■ Critically evaluate source materials in preparation for writing an academic essay

■ Confidently present on a given subject, using evidence based arguments, during a group discussion in an academic seminar (or equivalent) environment

■ Understand and apply the rules and conventions of academic writing: employing a referencing system; presentation and structure; and grammar and syntax

■ Convey research on a chosen topic/subject in a piece of academic writing which adheres to HE standards in terms of its critical approach and use of supporting evidence

■ Work with others in ways typical of undergraduate teaching styles common to the subject - this may include, but not be limited to, seminar discussion, group projects, or presentations

■ Develop an understanding of the UCAS application process, and conduct independent research regarding HE, course options and career pathways