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The thriving sixth form at the Girls’ Model has over 200 pupils studying for qualifications at both A-Level and in vocational courses in accordance with the Northern Ireland entitlement framework.
‘The entitlement framework is the Post 14 curriculum which puts the needs of pupils first. It aims to provide access for pupils to a broad and balanced curriculum to enable them to achieve their full potential.
It guarantees all pupils access to a minimum number of courses at Key Stage 4 and Post 16 of which at least one third must be general and one third applied.’
Preparation for university applications starts in Year 13 with visiting speakers from a number of institutions in England and Scotland delivering key information to students about studying at undergraduate level outside Northern Ireland.
Pupils also attend the UCAS HE conference held annually at The Kings Hall in Belfast where each of the UK’s higher education establishments is represented. The girls are encouraged to talk to as many of the visiting institutions as possible to help them to make an informed decision about their university application.
Also in Year 13 pupils are helped in finding a short period of work placement in an area suited to their studies and possible future career.
At the start of the upper sixth year, pupils attend open days at Queen’s University and The University of Ulster, traditionally the most popular destination for school leavers from The Model.
The application procedure begins properly in September of Year 14 with a structured approach to the completion of the online UCAS application. Pupils are guided through the process step by step and receive guidance from experienced external agencies such as Sentinus in writing their personal statements. Parents who may be unaware of the UCAS application process are also invited to attend information sessions at the school should they wish to find out more.
Numbers applying to university have held steady despite increases in tuition fees and each year increasing numbers of ex pupils from the Girls’ Model are graduating from institutions across Northern Ireland, Scotland and England.
