Seven students at Solihull Sixth Form College have been accepted onto Aston University’s Pathways to Medicine Programme this year and are looking forward to an exciting year of events that they hope will lead them on the path to a career in Medicine.
The Pathway to Medicine Programme at Aston University has been designed to help students develop knowledge and skills and give them an insight into university life. There is a particular emphasis on courses such as Medicine, Audiology, Optometry, Pharmacy, Neuroscience and Psychology and the 18-month programme will help students make informed choices about their university courses and future career paths.
The programme’s seventh cohort launched during half-term and a full programme of events is planned, starting with an Open Day, the launch of the tutoring programme and taster sessions in Audiology, Optometry and Pharmacy. Academic Tutoring, which will take place on a monthly basis, will launch at the end of November, before a Medicine taster day in December. When students get into the Spring, they will be able to benefit from more tutoring and an NHS & Allied Professions Day. Once the students move into Year 13, interview preparation days will be available, as well as mentoring.
Curriculum Leader for Natural Sciences, Joseph Wright, commented:
“We always have lots of learners interested in this excellent programme and I’m delighted for the seven who have been accepted onto the programme this year. I know that they will learn a lot from being part of the programme and I’m confident it will benefit their progression chances. Together with the learners who are part of the College’s Pre-Medical School enrichment, we will be working hard to support these learners to ensure they get the most out of this fantastic opportunity.”
The College’s Pre-Medical School is an enrichment activity designed to support students who have serious and realistic aspirations to study Medicine at university. Through a series of lectures, visits and practical activities, students strengthen their understanding of the medical profession and develop a greater appreciation of the essential skills and relevant experience required for a successful university application. Activities include university masterclasses, visiting speakers, attendance at university lectures and problem-based learning activities. The universities involved have previously included Aston, Birmingham, Keele, Leicester and Liverpool. Students are encouraged to take an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) in a relevant medically-related field as part of this enrichment, which involves personal research and is graded like half an A level.
3 November 2022