The Scholars Programme - Key Stage 5

Organiser: The Brilliant Club

When

What

The Scholars Programme provides Key Stage 5 students with an inspiring experience of university-style learning beyond the curriculum, through seven tutorials taught by a PhD tutor and a trip to a competitive university.

What:

The Scholars Programme gives students from non-selective sixth forms and colleges the opportunity to work with a PhD researcher to develop key academic skills and experience university-style learning, in preparation for successful applications and transitions to higher education.

How:

• On the programme, students in Year 12 undertake a challenging university-style course and develop the research and academic writing skills to excel at university.
• A placement consists of fourteen students, taught in two groups of seven, allowing students to experience the small class sizes at competitive universities.
• Students are taught by a PhD tutor, who will share their subject knowledge and expertise, helping students develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to secure a place at a competitive university.
• The programme is structured around seven tutorials where students will develop their subject knowledge and critical thinking skills through independent research tasks and group work.
• The students work towards completing a challenging final assignment of 2,500 words, which is marked and moderated using university grades.
• At the end of the programmes, students are invited to a Graduation Event at one of our competitive university partners, where students further develop their knowledge of university and celebrate their achievements on the programme.
  

Year 12 students who complete The Scholars Programme are statistically significantly more likely to apply to a competitive university than students from similar backgrounds, and as a result they also progress at a higher rate – UCAS Evaluation 2023-24

Is there a cost?

The school contribution is £2,779 per placement. This cost is subsidised through contributions from our university partners and external grants and

donations.

What do Key Stage 5 students learn?

Our Key Stage 5 courses are designed by our PhD tutors and based on their own unique area of research. Throughout the series of tutorials, tutors share both their research expertise and passion for their subject, inspiring future generations of researchers.

"The Scholars Programme ensured that our students are becoming increasingly aspirational particularly in their Post 16 and 18 options. Moreover, the communication between the Lead Teacher, PhD Tutor and Programme Manager was productive and meaningful." -

Member of SLT at Park High School, Harrow