Welcome to Oxford International College Our credentials
2019 • Number 1 in the UK for A*/A 92.1% • Number 1 in the UK for A*/B 99.3%
2018 • Number 1 in England for A*/A 83.5% (UK average 26.4%) • Number 1 in UK for A* grades 58.2% (UK average 8.0%) University stats - 2019:
• 75% of students obtained A*AA or better in their A-Level examinations
• 60% of the cohort have progressed into Cambridge, Imperial, LSE, UCL
• 100% success rate into Medical schools
• 25% success rate for entry to the University of Cambridge
• 100% success to Russell Group universities A-Level Honours List - 2018 A-Level Honours List - 2019
Adrian Shreya A*A*A*A*A A*AAA Offer: University of Cambridge – Offer: University of Cambridge - Medicine Law
Oliver Pelden A*A*A A*A*AA Offer: University of Cambridge - Offer: University of Cambridge - Medicine Computer Science Haymandhra Lim A*A*A*A* A*A*A*AA Offer: University of Cambridge - Offer: Imperial College London – Engineering Medicine
Abhiram Amber A*A*A*A* A*A*A*A Offer: University College London – Offer: University College London – Mathematical Computation Philosophy, Politics and Economics
Elysia Hyunchan A*A*A*A*A A*A*A*A*A Offer: Chinese University of Hong Kong – Offer: King’s College London – Medicine Medicine MS YASMIN SARWAR
• Chief Education Officer at Oxford International College since 2017
• Founder of Cardiff Sixth Form College - Number 1 ranked school for A-level results for 9 consecutive years (2010 - 2018). Ranked Number 2 in 2019
• Science Tutor of the Year 2011
• Welsh Woman of the year 2015
• Interview Panellist for 2 Top UK Medical Schools
• Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction 2015
• TEDx Speaker 2016 PERSONAL UNIVERSITY SUCCESS RECORD 2011-2019
Total number of students getting into:
• Oxford, Cambridge, London School of Economics and Imperial College London - over 200 students
• Medical schools – over 300 students
100% of students received offers to Russell Group universities in the UK What do we offer – OIC programme Our curriculum – strategic global pathways
How does in work
UK universities 3-4 A-Level subjects UCAS preparation
US Universities Universities of HK/Singapore 3-4 A-Level subjects 4 A-Level subjects + native ACT/SAT preparation language
Rest of the world: Whichever university students choose to apply to we can work out an ideal strategy to maximise their chances A-LEVELS 2-year programme (September start) 18-month programme (January start)
A - Levels are the traditional qualifications offered by schools and colleges for 16-19 year olds. They are highly valued by universities and focus on academic subjects. There are no compulsory subjects at this stage.
• Which career you wish to pursue? • Which subjects are you best at?
The subjects must form a coherent programme of study to fit the student’s career aspirations GCSE (KEY STAGE 4)
• OIC offers 1-year GCSE (year 11 entry) • Students do up to 8 subjects • Students must study Mathematics, English and Science
It is at this stage that students should start thinking about which career they want to pursue in the future. What you need to enter a top university
1. Excellent academic results in the right subjects - GCSE, AS (if taken), predicted A-Level grades
2. Admissions tests results (each year more and more universities are relying on admissions tests)
3. Commitment to your subject, knowledge beyond your A-Level syllabus, right personality for your course
4. Personal Statements and References
5. Interviews Why go to a top university
• Work with the best -Expert teachers / lecturers –leaders in their particular fields • Contribute to solving real-world problems • Build excellent global personal network • Benefit from the higher level of teaching, academic rigour, student-led research • Top equipment, library resources • A degree from an ‘average’ university is of little value. Higher education is no longer reserved for the elite
Top university will greatly contribute to your personal growth and professional prospects HOW UNIVERSITIES WILL ASSESS YOUR APPLICATION ADMISSIONS *Universities such as Oxford TESTS and Cambridge, and all healthcare courses require you Interview* to attend an interview :
• Knowledge of and passion for chosen subject • Good fit for the course Personal GCSE/IGCSE • Vocational commitment Statement or equivalent
Not relevant: Predicted AS-results • Extra-curricular activities grades (if taken) unrelated to the chosen A-Level/IB course
Different universities use this information in different ways – you must do your research carefully Sept 2020 Jul/Aug 2021 June 2021 Summer Aug 2021 (January 2021) holidays • Begin A-level • Sit first year • Start writing • Receive AS results course exams (AS) UCAS personal if taken • Enrichment statement activities • Work experience
Sept 2021 Oct 2021 Nov 2021 Dec 2021
• Teachers’ • Apply to • University • University reference universities via admissions tests interviews • Predicted grades UCAS
Jan–March June 2022 Aug 2022 Oct 2022 2022
• University • Sit A-Level exams • Receive A-level • Start university decisions received results Critical Path 1. University to Success 2. University Admissions Tests Interviews November 2021 December 2021
4. A-level results 3. Pre-offer metrics • A*A*A • IGCSE/O-Level results • A*AA • AS results (if taken) • AAA • Predicted A-level grades • Teachers references August 2022
October 2021 HOW CAN OUR STUDENTS GAIN A COMPETITIVE EDGE FOR TOP UNIVERSITIES AND BEYOND
Three pillars of success (an integrated curriculum)
• Academic Excellence
• Career/University Preparation
• Personal Development 1. ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
• Excellent results – 92.1% A*-A grades
• Core academic subjects
• Highly qualified teachers (100% of our A-level class teachers are either Oxford University graduates and/or hold PhD degrees)
• We offer more hours per subjects than other schools (6-day curriculum)
Timetabled hours per week at OIC
Subject lessons 20-26
Laboratory science practicals 2–6 Saturday assessment tests 3 2. CAREER PREPARATION AT OIC
• “Bridging Courses” (career development, competitions, research projects)
• Oxbridge Mentorship
• Extended Project Qualification
• Enrichment trips
• Work placements in the UK and overseas
• University preparation curriculum (interview, entrance tests, personal statements)
Timetabled hours per week at OIC
Careers Bridging programme 2
Preparation for University entrance tests 4-6 3. PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT Employers continue to demand high academic standards, but they also want more
• Problem-solving • Critical thinking • Creativity • Ability to communicate and collaborate with others
2012 Adecco report by CEOs, Directors and Board Members: “Employers are having to invest in educating and training their workforce to make up for shortcomings in formal education, which place insufficient value on the basic tools of employability, such as behaviour, attitude and communication”
Education/qualifications 35% Work experience 55% Attitude/Personality 91% ENRICHMENT AND EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES (PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT)
• Computational thinking
• Philosophy
• Critical thinking
• Clubs (Art, Sports, Music)
• Residential and non-residential leadership programmes
Timetabled hours per week at OIC
Enrichment sessions/classes 2-4
Extra-curricular activities Weekly Curriculum timeline – AS year
Term 1 Term 2 Term 3 Admissions tests trials – UKCAT, BMAT, LNAT
Writing CV Admissions tests skills (Problem Solving, Essay Writing, Verbal Reasoning, Applying for Work Experience Advanced Maths/Science)
Applying for voluntary work Bridging programme
Applying for competitions EPQ
Super-curricular activities (Philosophy, Debating, Computational Thinking)
Wider reading
Work Experience, volunteering
Competitions
Trips
AS examinations
Post-exam activities
GAP programme Curriculum timeline – A2 year
Term 1 Term 2 Term 3 UCAS August Programme
Personal statement writing
Admissions tests (specialist training) Submitting University application Interview practice (January deadline)
Submitting University application (October deadline)
First university offers
Attending interviews
Receiving university offers Late university offers UCAS Extra
A-Level examinations
Confirming university offers SUMMARY - STRATEGIC APPROACH
1. Develop your plan: think, reflect, consult the experts 2. Excel academically: select the right combination of A- Level subjects and achieve top grades. Typical offers from Top universities: A*AA - A*A*A depending on the subject. Always aim for the top grades. 3. Explore your subject: read, observe, research 4. Thoroughly prepare for your preferred universities: entrance tests/personal statement/interview 5. Grow and develop as a person: maturity, courage, self-awareness, communication skills, leadership skills, attitude
Your pathway to university is unique to you All rooms are single and have en-suite shower rooms. Meals are served at college canteen 3 times a day, 7 days a week
BOARDING AND SPORTS FACILITIES
Students have access to the Oxford University Sports Club situated within walking distance of the college and the halls of residence. It provides an excellent choice of indoor and outdoor sport facilities including a gym, powerlifting gym, sports hall, tennis and badminton courts, outside track, grass football pitch, bouldering wall, swimming pool and a lot more. Azura: ‘Learn, persevere, HOUSE SYSTEM AND ‘Float like a butterfly, succeed.’ STUDENT WELFARE sting like a bee.’
Our pastoral team helps students to settle into college and boarding life and continues to support them throughout the duration of their studies.
With house parents and wardens living alongside our boarding students, we try to create a home away from home, where individual needs are accommodated and mutual respect - along with a sense of belonging to the OIC boarding community - acts to build a friendly and homely atmosphere.
The House system aims to develop teamwork skills and instil a sense of companionship in Redox: students. ‘Knowledge is power, ‘Actions, not words.’ knowledge is ours.’ ADMISSIONS PROCESS
Complete and Send us your Sit tests in Sit an online submit your supporting your chosen reasoning test application documents subjects OR
Accept your Receive your Submit your Have an offer by paying offer letter GCSE/IGCSE (or interview the deposit Congratulations! equivalent) results
Satisfy the Apply for your Welcome to conditions of visa (if OIC! your offer necessary)
Contact our admissions team – [email protected] University Admissions tests.
Examples ADMISSIONS TESTS - EXAMPLES
• TSA (Thinking Skills Assessment) • LNAT(Law National Aptitude Test) • NSAA (Natural Sciences Admissions Assessment) • ENGAA (Engineering Admissions Assessment • ECAA (Economics Admissions Test • MAT (Maths Aptitude Test) • STEP (Sixth Term Examination Paper) • BMAT (Biomedical Admissions Test) • UKCAT (UK Clinical Aptitude Test) • CLT (Cambridge Law Test)
The list is not exhaustive. Most students will sit for more than one admissions test
If you look at a clock and the time is 9.45, what is the angle between the hour and the minute hands?
A 0°
B 7.5°
C 15°
D 22.5°
E 30° Correct Answer – D
When the minute hand is pointing to the 9 [indicating 45 minutes past the hour], the hour hand will have moved three-quarters of the angle between the 9 and the 10 on the clock dial. The angle between the 9 and the 10 is 30 degrees so the hour hand will have moved three-quarters of 30 degrees, or 22.5 degrees. Two neighbours work for the same company and share the journey to work, driving alternately in strict rotation. They work Monday to Friday each week and every other Saturday. They always work the same Saturdays as each other.
What is the maximum number of days either of them has to drive in a calendar month?
A 11
B 12
C 13
D 14
E 15 Correct Answer - C
The maximum number of days in a calendar month is 31. Each day of the week occurs four times during the first 28 days of every month. Two of these days will be working Saturdays. If the 29th, 30th and 31st of a 31-day month are all weekdays, or if the 31st is a working Saturday, the number of working days during the month will be (4 × 5) + 2 + 3 = 25. In a month when the neighbours work the maximum 25 days, one of them will drive 12 times and the other one will drive 13 times.
Correct Answer - E
Because Alistair changes the code each time, you must not allow yourself to be distracted by the symbols making up his name. You simply need to identify which one of the options has repeated letters in the positions of the repeated symbols in the reply.
Only SOMETIME has the 7th letter the same as the 3rd letter and the 8th letter the same as the 4th letter. Janet's mother has sent her to the greengrocer to buy oranges. Janet's mother knows the oranges were 12p each yesterday and gave Janet the exact money to buy a certain number. When Janet gets there she finds there is a special offer: if you buy 8 or more, the price of all oranges bought is reduced by 2p each. She finds she can now buy 2 more oranges than her mother thought with the money given. How many can she buy? A 8 B 10 C 12 D 18 E 20 Correct Answer - C
The starting point in the search for the answer to this question is to appreciate that Janet has been given a multiple of 12p by her mother and she has used the whole of this to buy at least 8 oranges at 10p.
The smallest multiple of 12p greater than 80p that is also a multiple of 10p is 120p. With 120p she would have bought 10 oranges at 12p, but she can buy 12 at 10p. Gumbey and Sons have decided it is time to modernise their image. To go with their new steel and glass office building they have decided to change the company name.
A number of acronyms have been shortlisted and, to help choose between them, the company chairman suggests they should choose a name which, when painted vertically from top to bottom on the new glass front door will read the same from inside and out.
Which of the following names should they choose?
A TIME B NONA C DOOD D MITA E WEEM Correct Answer - D
The important feature of this question is that the new name is to be painted vertically on the new glass front door.
This means that the individual letters can be considered separately and each one must have a vertical line of symmetry in order to appear the same from inside and out.
Of the names suggested, only the letters of MITA all have a vertical line of symmetry.
Correct Answer - C EXAMPLES OF ESSAY QUESTIONS
BMAT Rosalind Franklin said that science gives only a partial explanation of life. Explain what you understand is meant by her statement. Argue to the contrary that science can give a complete explanation of life. To what extent do you agree with Franklin’s statement? In the age of modern healthcare, every time a patient dies after a routine operation or procedure, it’s a case of medical error. Explain the reasoning behind this statement. Argue that there can be reasons other than medical error behind such deaths. To what extent do you agree with the statement? LNAT ‘We must be prepared to sacrifice traditional liberties to defeat terrorism.’ Discuss. What is ‘political correctness’ and why does it matter? TSA - Oxford Should a government impose a legal maximum ratio between the highest and lowest pay of individuals in companies? Do non-human animals have opinions? Do they have beliefs? University Interview questions.
Examples OXBRIDGE-STYLE QUESTIONS
Oxbridge interviews are known for their tricky and obscure questions. The idea is to find how applicants think creatively and insightfully and make it less easy to ‘rehearse’ questions.
• I give you £100. You must offer part of it to someone. If they reject the offer, you get nothing. How much do you offer? (Economics) • How hot does the air have to be in a hot air balloon if I want to use it to lift an elephant? (Materials Science) • What does it mean to ‘take’ another’s car? (Law) • Which person in the past would you most like to interview, and why? (History) • How many grains of sand are there in the world? (Physics) • What is the point of using NHS money to keep old people alive? (Medicine) • Does a snail have a consciousness? (Experimental Psychology) 46 INTERVIEW EXAMPLES – NATURAL SCIENCES 47 INTERVIEW EXAMPLES - HISTORY OIC Academy how we can support you • Residential and non-residential revision courses Oxford Science • Best Oxford tutors with examining experience Studies • Small study groups Who: Students studying GCSE, • Exam-board specific revision A-Level, IB or Pre-U programmes When: Half terms, Christmas, Easter, Summer holidays • Suitable of students of any level Where: Oxford and ability • Personalised one-to-one tutoring in core academic subjects (GCSE, OIC Online IGCSE, A-Level, IB, Pre-U) Academy • IELTS preparation • Specialist career and university Who: Anyone guidance (admissions tests, When: Any time personal statement, interview Where: From any location preparation