Course Catalogue

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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. The online module will allow students to orientate themselves at the University of Glasgow, introduce them to Moodle, to the University library, and develop students' note-taking, referencing, and reflexive skills.

Timetable consists of the following:

S4 - 2hr in-school taught class

S5 - 3hr in-school taught class and a 5hr campus visit at the University of Glasgow campus including lectures, seminars and taught classes. During the campus visit pupils will be given a two hour induction session introduce Moodle and how to use the online course. They are instructed to work their way through a set of materials each week, which they must do in a set order. Online, pre-recorded lecture-style materials make up between one and five hours of the course each week. Students are also expected to read handouts and other learning materials each week and complete online activities, some of which are assessed.

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

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 an essay which illustrates an understanding of the question and presents a range of arguments with supporting evidence which is properly referenced and a reflective essay - 30% 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 day and participation in study group discussion through Moodle forum (categorised above as 'oral assessment' because the study groups are set up in a virtual environment with a view to providing a seminar experience in distance learning format).- 12.5% 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 campus day and this is supplemented by a reflective portfolio - 7.5% weighting

Set exercises conducted as part of the online study skills module. Specifically: 4x Assessments at the end of each week's materials (equivalent to an in-class test, adapted for online learning); using the library assessment; note-taking assessment and referencing assessment. At the end of the last week there is a fifth subject specific online assessment which is based around an academic source relating to one of the three professions - 50% weighting

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. For non-Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below. 

The Access to a Career programme (Summer School Academic Skills Module) 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.

■ Introduce the UoG campus and student services and ensure students are aware of how and where they can find support throughout their studies.

■ Enable students to gather information and resources for study, using the University library and its online resources, and to make critical judgements on these resources when using them in their own work.

■ Teach a range of note-taking techniques and allow students the opportunity to practise these in a lecture format.

■ Introduce the different assessment methods and marking criteria commonly used at University level, and ensure students are fully aware of referencing methods and academic good practice in written work.

■ Encourage each student to critically appraise their own learning methods and to use this appraisal to set realistic development targets for their undergraduate studies.

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

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.