As you approach your GCSEs and the prospect of leaving school, it can be both a scary and exciting time. However, with good research into your next steps and careful preparation, you will feel confident about this stage in your life. Along with your school careers advisers, we are here to help and support along every step of the way.
Listed below are the key events and activities that are available to you on your journey to OSFC:
Events in Schools
You may start to see our friendly school partnership team at events such as careers fairs, parents' evening and option evenings. This is a great opportunity for you to start asking any questions you may have about your next steps after leaving school.
Taster Day
Some of you will have the opportunity to attend a Taster Day at OSFC in the Summer term of Year 10. If you don't get to come to one of these, don't worry - there are lots of other opportunities for you to find out more about studying at OSFC listed below. This website is a great resource for you to start looking into courses and finding out more about what life at OSFC might look like.
Prospectus
In Autumn term of Year 11, we'll deliver our brand new prospectus to your school so be sure to pick up your copy from your school's careers area. Of course, you don't have to wait till then to explore the courses and other opportunities we offer - have a look around our website today and check out our digital prospectus here.
Open Event
Our Open events in Autumn are a fantastic way for you to look at our outstanding facilities and speak with our expert staff. Once you've looked at our prospectus, this an invaluable opportunity to find out more about courses and have your questions answered. Keep an eye out on our website and follow us on social media for dates.
Apply
Once you have had the chance to find out more about our courses and OSFC college life from the website, prospectus and Open Days, you should apply! The application process is an online form - the form becomes available on this website in the September before you are due to start college. We'll let you know on social media when applications are open so make sure to follow us now!
Submit grades
You must submit your grades before we can process your application. This is a very important step, so don't forget!
Interview
Once we receive your application and grades, we process your application. Your next step is to attend an interview. The interview is a very supportive process, designed to help you make the right decisions around your pathway for study at college. But, don't worry if you change your mind about subjects - you'll be able to change these and finalise your selection at enrolment in August.
Parents Conference and Student Experience Day
OSFC hosts a yearly event, following applications, consisting of a Parents Conference and Student Experience Day. The day will give you insights into studying at a successful sixth form college, the support and opportunities available to students and the achievements and future destinations students can look forward to. The day is made up of 2 parts to give you a greater sense of life here at college.
Part 1: Parent Conference
Parents are welcomed by key members of the college’s leadership team and will be presented with a broad overview of the work we do with students and parents. A variety of topics will be covered, including Teaching and Learning, Effective Study Habits and Revision Strategies, Xtras and Enrichment, Pastoral Support, Student Life and Destinations.
Part 2: Student Experience Day
Running concurrently with the parent conference, college applicants will attend 3 subject sessions based on their registration form. These sessions give you the chance to experience A Level and Diploma study, and how OSFC students study effectively. You will find out the main features of your subjects and what makes the subject special.
Applicant Portal
Once you have been invited to an interview at OSFC, you will be given access to our Applicant Portal. From here, you will complete a number of tasks, including a Health Declaration Form, where you can tell us if you have any medical conditions, learning difficulties or disabilities, and let us know if you need any support during your studies. Any information provided in this form will be sent to our Additional Support Team and they will contact you when necessary. This information will not affect your place at the college, but will help us ensure the most appropriate support is available to you.
Monthly newsletters
Once you receive your conditional offer of a place at OSFC, you'll start receiving regular email updates from us, including a monthly newsletter. This newsletter contains important and useful information, tips and resources so keep an eye out in your inbox for them! In addition, we'll send you emails we think you may find useful or interesting regarding your chosen subjects or career path.
New Students' Day
In the Summer term of Year 11 you'll be invited to a New Students' Day which is open to all offer holders. This event gives you another opportunity to find out more about college life, meet tutors and other students studying the same subjects.
Pre-enrolment
To make your enrolment in August as smooth as possible, we ask you to complete various pre-enrolments tasks beforehand, such as submitting your photo ID for your brand new college ID card and uploading your GCSE results. You must complete these before we can invite you to enrol at the College. Details about pre-enrolment will be sent via email over the summer.
Enrolment
Following GCSE Results Day, we will invite you to your enrolment appointment with one of our experienced staff. They will help you to finalise your subjects by advising, supporting and guiding you.
Once enrolment is complete, you can look forward to receiving your timetable and stepping into your student life within the OSFC community!
