Aiming High programme brings academic excellence to Havering Sixth Form

Offers from prestigious universities are flooding in for high achieving students at New City College’s Havering Sixth Form.

Russell Group unis renowned for their research excellence, such as UCL, York, Birmingham and Warwick, have been keen to sign up the hard-working students – most of whom have been part of the college’s highly-regarded Aiming High or Medics programmes.

One student will even be moving to the Netherlands after receiving an offer for European Studies at Maastricht University.

And in the specialist Medics Group, five students have received offers for Medical School with others securing places for Dentistry, Veterinary Science, Nursing and Physiotherapy.

The Aiming High programme is a bespoke initiative at Havering Sixth Form that unlocks the potential of top students through a combination of dedicated mentors, specialised workshops, and a range of academic enrichment activities.

Students receive tailored support, guidance and resources to help them achieve their academic aspirations through a culture of ambition and achievement.

Pictured above is William Jones with Debate Society Captain Noor Ebrahim. Will was presented with the Bertrand Russell Public Intellectual Prize at the final Debate Society meeting before A Level exams begin. This prize is given to the EPQ student who has delivered the best public presentation to a group of their peers.

Support, Stretch and Challenge

Support for the Aiming High cohort is targeted to the individual, but may include practising interview and selection centre techniques, stimulus piece discussions, guidance on entrance exam preparation and mock Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs for Medics students).

As part of the programme:

• Students are encouraged to do the EPQ (Extended Project Qualification)
• Enrichment activities include a lively Debate Society and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
• Medics group have their own medical-focused Enrichment activities
• Special guest speakers, including from Cambridge University, advise students on careers and sought-after apprenticeships for high-achievers or on applying to the top universities
• There is the opportunity for one-to-one guidance from staff in the CUBE (Careers, University, Business and Employment) who specialise in UCAS applications
• Trips are organised to the British Museum and the Barbican, among other educational venues
• There are dedicated tutor groups with students of similar academic interests

Students who have received offers include:

Nathaniel Kerry – Geology at Keele; Renee Reyes – History at University College London; Alex Tompkins – Astrophysics at University of Warwick; Aaron Kumi – Economics at the University of Sheffield; Tesi Olasehinde – Accounting and Finance at the University of Birmingham; Levi Coleman – English and Creative Writing at University of Birmingham; William Jones – Computer Science at the University of Southampton; Melita Zutautaite – Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Warwick; Thomas Middleton – Music and Sound Recording at the University of Surrey; Jiten Sanganiju – Accounting and Finance at City University and Millie Thomas – English and History at York or the University of East Anglia.

Student Gazi Abrer Zakir, pictured above, who is studying A Levels in Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Economics has offers to study Mechanical Engineering from UCL, Southampton, Queen Mary and Hull. He said: “The support I have received within the Aiming High programme has been invaluable with webinars, one-to-one tutoring and amazing enrichment experiences. The advice from staff in the CUBE definitely helped me to get my offer from UCL.

“I have loved doing the EPQ which is really good practise for university study and the teachers have been so helpful with extra support after lessons whenever I have needed it.”

Noor Ebrahim, Captain of the college’s Debating Society, is part of the Medics programme. She said: “The opportunities I have had here have helped me to develop as a more confident and assured person. Through the Debate club I have learnt so much about myself and others and have gained skills that will help throughout my whole life.”

Reflecting on the success of the programme, Aiming High tutor Toby Marshall said: “The Aiming High programme provides students with the support and opportunities they need to excel and it is inspiring to see so many students realise their dreams with offers to study at top-tier universities.

“The programme is designed to equip students with the skills and confidence to pursue their academic ambitions as well as empowering them to believe in their potential. Many of these students are the next generation of leaders, innovators and changemakers.”

Apply today and be part of our successful Aiming High programme!