New College Doncaster has had ten of its first cohort of students gain entry onto the Discover Programme at Sheffield University, one of the country’s leading Russell Group universities. The programme aims to raise the aspirations of sixth form students, encouraging them to explore Higher Education. As well as general workshops and events, the programme is split into six subject and career pathways that offer a unique experience and specialist support. The pathways include STEM; Law; Arts & Humanities; Social Science; Access to Dental Occupations (ADOPT); and Sheffield’s Outreach and Medicine Scheme (SOAMS).
The successful students were:
Georgia White – Discover Arts and Humanities
Jordan Blore – Discover Law
Lucy Bulcroft – Discover Law
Levi Palmer – Discover Law
Isabelle Macdonald – Discover Social Sciences
Hermione Grace Whitehead – Discover Social Sciences
Holly Anderson – ADOPT
Judith Anthony – SOAMS
Emily Byrne – SOAMS
Russell Gee – SOAMS
Emily Byrne, accepted onto the SOAMS programme, and currently studying A-Level Maths, Chemistry, Physics and Biology, said, “I am really happy to have secured a place on the SOAMS programme. I am going to gain a great insight to what it’s like being a medical student. I will be fortunate to attend lectures, work placements and seminars. This will help me when completing my UCAS application for Medicine next year. I didn’t know about this opportunity until it was publicised in college. I was given help and support from my Progress Tutor completing the application form and preparation for the interview.”
Sally Small, Senior Progress Tutor at New College Doncaster, said, “As a college we are extremely proud that we have a number of students who have gained access on to these popular programmes. The University of Sheffield contacted the college to promote the Discover Programme and we ensured that all students were given the opportunity to apply. Students were encouraged to complete the application in their own time but support was readily available from Progress Tutors and teaching staff. Students will now gain a real insight into university life and the careers relating to the programme they are on.”
New College Doncaster, the area’s brand new sixth form college, achieved a record first year enrolment when over 470 students joined in September 2017. The college, based in Auckley, has already received 600 online applications for the next academic year and will be the largest provider of A-Levels and Level 3 BTEC qualifications in Doncaster. It joins New College Pontefract as a part of New Collaborative Learning Trust, specialising in sixth-form A-Level and Level 3 BTEC provision.
Brendon Fletcher, New College Doncaster’s Principal added, “I know that students will benefit hugely from these programmes and want to congratulate each of them for securing their places. New College Doncaster is building really important relationships with a wide-range of universities. Our core purpose is to help students achieve outstanding results so that they can progress to the very best courses and universities, or move into really high quality jobs.”
Brendon Fletcher, New College Doncaster’s Principal (far left) and Sally Small, Senior Progress Tutor (far right) with successful Discovery Programme students outside New College Doncaster.
