PAST & PRESENT Hear from past & present students about their experiences throughout

FAQs Your questions answered p.10+11

EDUCATION We speak to Minister for Education,

CONFERENCE Find out about Seren’s annual conference Seren

An introduction to Seren Welcome to Seren, a programme specifically dedicated to supporting ’ brightest students to apply to leading universities in Wales, the UK and overseas. It gives pupils life-changing opportunities Seren works closely with partner designed to expand their horizons and organisations to help deliver a fantastic develop a lifelong passion for learning. variety of activities and opportunities for each Fully launched by 2016, Seren has made a student during their time on the programme. huge impact on increasing the number of From legal placements with LEDLET to Welsh state school pupils both applying residential visits at Cambridge University, to and receiving offers from Oxbridge. work experience with the Social Mobility This year alone, Cambridge made the highest Fund to tours of American universities number of offers in its history of working with with the Fulbright Commission, I’d the programme (67) to Welsh state-educated urge all students to take advantage of students – an offer rate of 31%. Applications these life-changing opportunities. from Welsh state-educated students to Closer to home, Seren has formed Oxford University have increased by 13% partnerships with leading departments at since 2016 with 69 offers extended this year. the Welsh Universities, all making strides “I found out about the Jesus Summer School at As a result of its success, Seren is in their areas of academic specialism Oxford on the Seren Facebook page and jumped expanding to include younger year and supporting Seren students through groups through the creation of Seren workshops, masterclasses and events. at the chance to apply to go. I was amazed Foundation which aims to develop students We know that Wales’ brightest students have when I got offered a place and enjoyed every academic interests ahead of GCSEs. big aspirations. Seren is proud to support Many Seren students have also gone on those aspirations and make them a reality. second of my week there. It gave me an insight to receive offers from some of the UK’s into life at the university while also giving me leading universities as well as further afield at prestigious institutions including Kirsty Williams AM a flavour of what the course would be like.” Harvard, Stanford, Princeton and Yale. Minister for Education One of the most exciting events in the Darcy Holland calendar for Year 12 Seren students are the summer study schools to the Seren- Jesus Summer School at Oxford University, Harvard and Yale in the US and China. Seren students get a taste of university life during these summer study visits where they live like an undergraduate, attending lectures, seminars and tutorials and completing assignments. Thanks to growing private investment in these schemes, Seren has seen these programmes expand year-on-year.

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The Seren hubs The programme Seren spans the length and breadth of Wales, divided into 13 regional hubs. Each hub has a dedicated member of staff to coordinate all hub events. Seren Academy is for academically able students in Find your hub coordinator’s contact details on the map below. years 12 and 13, offering further support with activities including university admissions workshops, interview preparation sessions and visits to leading universities.

Flintshire & Wrexham Divided into regional hubs across Wales, • Workshops from Oxford and Debra Hughes, 01978 295446 Anglesey each Seren hub invites the brightest Cambridge outreach officers [email protected] students from state schools and FE Swansea Flintshire • At least one university visit in year 12 Fiona Beresford, 01792 890714 colleges to join the programme at the Conwy [email protected] start of each academic year. Selection is • Access to Seren admissions test Denbighshire Rhondda Cynon Taf & Merthyr Tydfil based on outstanding GCSE results. preparation workshops such as Stephen Parry-Jones, 07855 186536 Wrexham TSA, HAT, ELAT, BMAT, PAT [email protected] Hubs are led by a dedicated Seren Carmarthenshire & Pembrokeshire coordinator who designs and organises a • Interview support for Oxbridge and Julian Dessent, 01267 246644 Gwynedd calendar of events. There are also cross- other leading universities for MMI [email protected] hub events which allow students to for aspiring medicine students EAS Consortia Siân Farquharson, 07904 644757 attend an even wider range of activities. • Personal statement guidance [email protected] Here’s a flavour of what to • Super-curricular activities for humanities, Cardiff Gillian James, 029 20788392 expect in your hub: life sciences and STEM subjects* [email protected] or [email protected] • Launch event to welcome new • Support for summer activities (e.g. summer year 12 students onto the Seren Neath Port Talbot reading recommendations and reflection) Karen Thomas, 07581 467684 programme – Autumn 2019 [email protected] • Subject specific masterclasses Invitation to the national Seren conference, Conwy & Denbighshire Ceredigion Powys • *These activities may be delivered through held annually each December – 3rd, Christine Wynne, 07785 942 381 day-long conferences or after school sessions. [email protected] 4th and 5th December 2019 Anglesey & Gwynedd Elfed T Morris, 01286 679925 [email protected] Ceredigion Sian Bowen, 07890540395 Lois Williams [email protected] Pembrokeshire Carmarthenshire University: Oxford, Jesus College Vale of Glamorgan Nisha Shukla, 01446 709457 Area of study: French Blaenau Monmouthshire [email protected] Merthyr Gwent Tydfil Neath Torfaen “I used to think Oxford wasn’t for someone like me, I Powys Swansea Port Talbot Rhondda Jayne Bevan, 01597 826695 Cynon Caerphilly hadn’t heard of many people from my area that had [email protected] Taf Newport been through the process of application, let alone people Bridgend Bridgend who had been students there. I remember the long car John Fabes, 01656 642663 Cardiff [email protected] Vale of journey I took not really knowing what to expect. Once Glamorgan there, I realised Oxford was full of students of all backgrounds, young people just like me. I think programmes like Seren are hugely important in dispelling myths, breaking down barriers and boosting the confidence of students just like me.”

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Our partners A word from our partners… Seren provides experiences that go beyond the Dr Matthew Williams, Access and Career Ami Shah, Associate Director for curriculum, raising aspirations, widening horizons Development Fellow, Jesus College, Oxford External Affairs for Yale Young and introducing students to a wide range of the “Seren is a fantastic network. It has been of Global Scholars (YYGS): top universities in Wales, the UK and abroad. enormous benefit to its participants, as well “Expanding the reach of Yale Young Global as being invaluable to academics like me who Scholars and attracting new students from want to meet the brightest and best from across the world are ongoing priorities for Many of the unique opportunities available for Seren all over Wales. It is with the help of Seren us, so it’s been brilliant to work with the students are delivered in partnership, which include: that we in Oxford hosted the first ever all- Seren Network to build new relationships Wales summer school in August 2017, for 22 and promote the YYGS opportunity to Welsh Ongoing partnerships for Seren Academy at Oxford University, gives students the participants. We then more than trebled this students. The YYGS-Seren Partnership • – An education charity chance to live and study there over a in August 2018 and 2019 for 75 students. We’re offered 30 of Wales’ brightest sixth formers which runs summer schools for state week-long period. jesus.ox.ac.uk now working on exciting plans to fundraise a truly life-changing opportunity this school pupils. suttontrust.com • Overseas summer schools – for a Welsh outreach officer for Oxford summer and has given us at Yale Young University. Without the expertise and help of Global Scholars direct access to some Fulbright Commission – Establishes More information about these • Seren, we would never have made as many of Wales’ very best academic talent.” educational links with the US. The Fulbright programmes will be announced at meaningful connections with Welsh students.” and Sutton Trust work together to deliver a the conference in December. US university summer school trip. In 2019, Other partner opportunities a total of 27 Seren students were selected Lady Margaret Hall Foundation Year – for a funded place. fulbright.org.uk • A fully funded, year-long course Dr Jonathan Padley, Fellow and Dr Anwen Jones, Pro Vice-Chancellor • Social Mobility Foundation – Supports designed to help students from socio- Admissions Tutor, Churchill College, Aberystwyth University: high-achieving students from low- economic backgrounds that are under- “Aberystwyth University is delighted to work income backgrounds across the represented in higher education to “In the 2019 admissions round, over 30% with Seren on two key strategic projects UK into leading universities and reach their potential. lmh.ox.ac.uk of state-educated Welsh applicants to over the next twelve months. Some of the careers. socialmobility.org.uk • LEDLET programme – An independent Cambridge received an offer – a fantastic University’s best departments will be offering • Oxford and Cambridge University – charity established in 2013 to serve success rate! We hope this trend will students super-curricular opportunities Provide a dedicated outreach programme young people living in Wales or having a continue, at Cambridge and elsewhere, to get right under the skin of their chosen for students and teachers across Wales connection with Wales who are interested as more outstanding Welsh students subjects. Students will have the opportunity offering residential trips to colleges in entering the legal profession. Each year select the courses and universities to engage critically and actively with some through regional hub partnerships, it runs a summer placement scheme with that are right for them. In 2019-20, we’ll of the most engaging practical challenges admission workshop roadshows and a total of 10 Seren students so far having continue offering multiple workshops that lie at the heart of both the International teacher training opportunities. been offered a place. ledlet.org.uk to all interested Year 11 and sixth form Politics and the Welsh, Nordic and Celtic jesus.ox.ac.uk & chu.cam.ac.uk/ students across Wales, and look forward to Studies learning and teaching agendas.” Open University – Has developed a southwales This page provides content • developing our already-extensive support partnership with Seren to promote its and links to resources that potential Welsh for teachers and hub coordinators.” pre-university courses to expand further applicants to universities like Cambridge knowledge about a wide range of and their teachers might find useful. specific topics, from STEM subjects and Summer school partnerships - more maths to humanities and languages, information at our December conference all of which can be referenced in • Jesus College Summer School – Seren’s UCAS applications. open.ac.uk flagship summer school hosted at historic Welsh institution Jesus College

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Collaboration with Seren Conference Welsh universities 3rd – 5th December 2019 Seren is committed to working with the leading The annual Seren conference takes place in December and departments at the universities here in Wales. is one of the highlights of the year, bringing together Seren Academy students, teachers, universities and other partners involved in Seren for three days of learning and inspiration.

Hubs attend for one day and for those The conference is also a fantastic opportunity Lewis Mainwaring travelling further distances, there is for Seren students to speak to representatives University: Cardiff University overnight accommodation available. from top universities face-to-face in the Area of study: Dentistry The event is a great opportunity to meet exhibition areas where students can pick other Academy students from across up brochures and speak to alumni and “When I applied, I knew there were going to be more Wales and take part in exciting workshops admissions staff about their application. than 1,000 applications for just 70 places, so it was and masterclasses led by experts from In 2018, a total of 84% of students who hugely competitive. It’s the only dentistry school in universities including Oxford, Cambridge, attended the conference said they left Wales and one of the best in the UK with modern, hi- Bangor, Cardiff, Durham and St Andrews. knowing more about what it takes to tech facilities. When I received my offer from Cardiff I was In 2018, the Seren Conference hosted successfully apply to a leading university, delighted, especially as the entry requirement was high. I more than 1,300 students, 113 teaching more confident about applying did miss the grade for Chemistry but still managed to secure staff, 45 exhibitors and 66 speakers and and more motivated to apply. my place due to doing so well in my practical tests and in my 2019 is expected to attract a similar personal statement. I certainly put that down to the support, number so please register as soon advice and guidance I received from the people at Seren.” as possible to secure your place! The conference provides students with an opportunity to find out more about their subjects beyond the curriculum and be inspired by academic professionals and industry representatives. Ffion Evans Students receive invaluable advice and guidance about the university application University: University of Aberystwyth process, as well as hear first-hand what to Area of study: International Politics & Global Development expect from university life from Seren alumni. “The advice and support that the Seren programme Students get to take part in ‘stretch and offers to help students like me is fantastic. From writing challenge’ activities, including academic a personal statement to completing the UCAS form and masterclasses, advice and guidance mock interviews, it’s great that specialist guidance from sessions, and professionalism workshops. leading universities is available for those who might need Sessions cover a range of topics from that extra boost in confidence. Applying to university can be plotting career paths and adjusting to daunting and for some, it might be hard to know where to start.” university life, to bursaries and scholarships and subject specific workshops.

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Do I have to pay to be part of Seren? Is university the right route No. Being part of Seren is free. for all bright students? While focussed on university, the What will students get from programme is designed to stretch being part of Seren? and challenge pupils and encourage Seren brings together young, like- them to link their passions with a minded people to share ambitions potential career – regardless of whether and aspirations. Students will have they go to university or not. No Seren access to a range of activities and student is obliged to go to university. opportunities, all aimed at inspiring them to achieve their academic potential. I don’t want to apply to Oxford or Cambridge. Is Seren relevant? Each Seren hub across Wales will provide a menu of activity at the start of the year, Absolutely. Students are supported so please speak to your coordinator as individuals, and their preferences, strengths, aspirations and ambitions How do I find out what events are available are taken into consideration, whilst also through my hub across the academic year? presented with new ideas and routes Each hub designs its own annual to consider. Seren supports its students calendar of activities. To find out to apply to the leading universities in information on your hub’s activities, Wales, the UK and overseas so Seren Q please contact your school/college. is designed to benefit all pupils.

How do students get to hub events? Does being a member of Seren Transport to activities may be provided, guarantee students a place at university? particularly in rural areas. Each hub No. Students will still need to apply is likely to have a number of students through the normal routes. What Seren travelling to events from the same school can help with, however, is helping shape or college so there may be lift-sharing students’ thought processes and skill- opportunities available. For hub-specific level in areas including subject choice, information, contact your hub coordinator. applications and admissions advice. Seren’s aim is to raise Welsh pupils’ aspirations and Will being part of Seren put students knowledge of university, in order to make under additional pressure? as competitive an application as possible.

s Seren is there to provide information, advice and guidance to students to help prepare Did we answer your question? for their future. It is designed to ensure Find out more by visiting Wales’ brightest students are being given the gov.wales/seren or contact support needed to achieve their full potential. your local hub coordinator for area-specific queries.

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Student testimonials

Imogen Parsley Donte Day Hub: Wrexham & Flintshire Hub: Cardiff Is studying: Chinese at Cambridge Summer School: Yale Young Global Scholars

“It was only when I attended my interview at Cambridge that “I had thought about going to university but I didn’t think that I would I realised how much support Seren actually provides Welsh be able to do it. Seren has helped me realise that it is an option for me students wanting to go to Oxbridge. When I spoke to other and made it accessible. Both of my parents are currently unemployed English students about the application process, they didn’t seem and I will be the first in my family to go to university. Without Seren I to receive half as much guidance, advice or support as we did. It would never have had the opportunity to do something like this and makes me very thankful for having Seren there to help us out.” would probably not have thought about applying to university.”

Tyler Rawlings Hanna Lewis Hub: Pembrokeshire & Carmarthenshire Hub: Gwynedd and Anglesey Summer School: Harvard Pre-College Program Is studying: Veterinary Medicine at Cambridge “I went to the Harvard Pre-College Program to take the “Being part of Seren has really opened doors for me and ‘Introduction to Astrophysics’ course. I thought taking the provided me with many opportunities. It has also inspired me astrophysics course would be the perfect way to experience to be determined to reach for my goals while giving me the what it would be like and now I couldn’t be happier with my guidance and support I need to get there. The best part of Seren decision. Through my class, I made plenty of friends and it was has been the support, advice and guidance we were provided interesting to find how different the teaching process is in when completing our UCAS forms as well as preparing for our Harvard as opposed to my school.” interviews and exams at Cambridge.”

Amy Martin Morgan Edwards Hub: Conwy and Denbighshire Hub: Vale of Glamorgan Is studying: Engineering at Warwick Wants to study: Physics at Oxford University

“One of the best elements of Seren was the advice and “Being part of Seren has been brilliant. It’s really opened guidance we were provided with when completing our UCAS doors for me in terms of opportunities. I would never forms and preparing for our interviews and exams. They helped have even known about the Yale Young Global Scholars us decide which pieces of work to submit with our applications programme, let alone been able to go if it hadn’t been for and had practise interview sessions which helped us understand Seren as I simply wouldn’t have been able to afford it. Being the sort of questions we might be asked. This massively helped me part of Seren has been an amazing experience and provided to prepare for the real thing and remain composed throughout.” me with opportunities I never would have dreamed of before.”

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Student testimonials

Niamh Jones Hub: Powys Wants to study: English at Oxford

“Having the opportunity to meet and network with like-minded people from all across Wales at the Seren conference really enthused me to consider looking Darcy Holland at the likes of Oxford and Cambridge, whereas before I Hub: Rhondda Cynon Taf & Merthyr Tydfil thought they were out of reach. I never thought that I had Is studying: History at Oxford the brains to get into Oxford but I have been reassured that I can do it, I just have to remain determined and positive.” “I found out about the Jesus Summer School at Oxford on the Seren Facebook page and jumped at the chance to apply to go. I was amazed when I got offered a place and enjoyed every second of my week there. It gave me an insight into life at the university while also giving me a flavour of what the course would be like. I attended Harrison Taylor lectures and seminars as well as being given a tour of the Hub: EAS consortia city and the chance to explore. The whole experience was Is studying: Maths at Oxford so impactful that it confirmed my desire to study my degree there and made me even more determined to get in.” “The most useful Seren sessions for me have been on the admissions processes for Oxford and Cambridge as well as hearing former and current students talking about their own experience of life at the universities. I also attended several sessions on interview techniques and even had a mock interview which was really useful.” Miles Hermann Hub: Ceredigion Is studying: Geography at Cardiff University

“I have been so lucky to have been a part of Seren, Charlotte Belton especially having been offered a place on the Jesus Hub: Swansea College summer school, which completely opened my Is studying: Maths at Durham eyes to how higher education works. I’m so thankful to Seren as it’s really shown me what I want to pursue, diolch yn fawr!” “My hub coordinator encouraged me and helped me to realise that I could make my dream a reality. They provided me with a lot of guidance and support throughout the process. The application process can be quite daunting and seem very overwhelming at times but the Seren hub coordinators certainly helped to take the stress out of applying.”

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Student testimonials

Eve Vincent Hub: Neath Port Talbot Is studying: French and Russian at Cambridge

“I used to believe that I wouldn’t possibly be able to secure a place at a university, as no member of my family had ever been through Higher Education. Through the many visits and workshops that Seren has provided me, I’ve made lots of friends and we’ve been able to support one another in our applications to university. The support I’ve received from Seren and the offer I received have given me the confidence to believe in myself and my abilities.”

Rhiannon Svenson Our social media channels carry all the latest Hub: Bridgend Seren news and details of hub activities. Wants to study: Medicine at Oxford You’ll hear from other Seren students and alumni about “Seren has already supported me so much on my their experiences, see content from Seren’s summer school journey to university. I’ve always been interested in and conference as well as read articles from Seren’s partner human anatomy and would love to have a job where I can help people and use science to do so. Already in my first organisations on our blog. year of sixth form, I’ve been to multiple Seren workshops and masterclasses in my chosen subject area and I’ve also found the In order to stay up to date with information about Oxbridge application workshops a useful insight into the process.” exclusive events in your area, follow us on:

facebook.com/serennetwork @serennetwork

@Seren_Network #serennetwork serennetwork.blog.gov.wales

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