Bosworth Independent College offers a full programme of support and in-depth preparation for Medicine, Veterinary Science or Dentistry. Here, Alison Lewis, Oxbridge and Medical Programme Coordinator, discusses what Bosworth has to offer and how the college supports students in developing skills, confidence and experience needed to succeed in this highly competitive field.
Tell us about your background in education and what attracted you to this role?
I wasn’t always a teacher. After completing my degree in Zoology at the University of Oxford, I started my career on a graduate scheme as a manager in a financial organisation. However, my fascination with biology, and wanting to work in a more people-centred job, won out and I trained as a teacher. Since then, I have worked in several schools over 25 years, spent time as an educational consultant, gained an MA in Education and held several senior leadership roles. Bosworth is where I first became involved in university applications, coordinating UCAS and overseas applications for several years. I was able to use my own experience and insights from going through the application process when I started developing the competitive university programmes for Bosworth students. It is so rewarding to mentor students through the process and help them on to the next stage of their life.
Why is it important to support students when applying to highly competitive courses?
Every year, many Bosworth students apply to competitive courses, such as Law, Engineering and Medicine, at top universities. With so many applicants for each place, achieving top grades isn’t enough. As an Oxbridge graduate, I appreciate the demands of the application process and understand what universities are looking for in successful students. For example, performance in admissions tests is arguably more important than predicted A level grades, which is why we organise supra-curricular support for admission test preparation at Bosworth. I can also share my experience of this unique way of learning, such as one-to-one tutorials or supervisions and the collegiate system, with aspiring Oxbridge students. The support our group programmes give is comprehensive, but the most important factor is the individual advice, encouragement and guidance. The programmes are bespoke rather than one-size-fits-all.
Can you describe the school’s approach to teaching?
Bosworth is fortunate to have so many subject specialists who teach with professionalism and passion. Expectations are high and students are challenged to achieve and value excellence, but we also want them to enjoy their learning and share our fascination for our subjects. More than any other place I have worked, Bosworth teachers and students work together to get the best out of everyone. Students are offered regular academic challenges, such as science Olympiads, Maths Challenges, completing an Extended Project Qualification and taking advanced STEP Maths papers.
This is backed up by an excellent pastoral system which supports students’ academic progress. Our extra-curricular programme is designed to support university applications in addition to developing well-rounded students. Activities such as the Duke of Edinburgh and LAMDA Awards, MedSoc and Law Society allow students to develop skills and knowledge essential for competitive university applications. Bosworth is small enough to have a family atmosphere where staff and students get to know each other well.
Why is it important to join the medical programme when considering a career in medicine? What are the benefits?
Many students applying to study Medicine achieve A and A* grades and wonder why they aren’t successful in gaining a place at medical school. However, academic success is only one part of the story. We guide our students to understand exactly which skills and qualities the Medical Schools Council want from prospective medical students. Instead of completing the minimum work experience, we help them to gain a range of quality experiences and voluntary work to show commitment and enhance their skills. Medical interviews and admissions tests are intimidating, so we offer training, tips, and regular practice so students are used to interview-style questions. We hold practice interviews, some with university admissions representatives, which mimic the style of interviews the students will experience.
For our younger students, this preparation starts early. In Years 9 to 11 the key features of the programme are supporting students to make the right subject choices at GCSE and A level, to start developing good habits of following medical stories in the news and promoting a wider academic interest in medicine, engaging in university programmes and to start developing relevant skills.
How does the programme prepare students for challenges in real world?
Above all, the programme teaches students to be self-reflective; to analyse their own strengths, think about ways they can improve and devise strategies to make this happen. We direct them to take advantage of the many opportunities at Bosworth and outside. Medicine is a career which involves life-long learning and development, and we aim to give our students a head start. This helps explain why ex-Bosworth students have gone on to be leaders in their fields as consultants, vascular surgeons and more.
What advice would you give to a student considering a career in medicine or related fields?
Firstly, ask yourself ‘are you sure?’. The training is long and intensive. The career is demanding and relentless. You must be passionate about a medical career, which is why a large part of a medical interview is judging whether you have the resilience and motivation to see it through. Our medical programme is deliberately tough to test your commitment.
Secondly, make sure you have a realistic idea of what the career is like, including the less glamorous side. Gaining work experience and talking to healthcare professionals is vital; we invite previous students studying medicine or those currently working as doctors to talk to our aspiring medics and share their real-life experiences. This is also a great opportunity for students to ask the expert.
Finally, prepare and then prepare some more. Don’t listen if you are told you don’t need to practice UCAT and BMAT tests or for interviews – you do. Don’t put it off until Year 13 – start now. This could be the toughest challenge of your life so far, so make good use of the help available.
Find out more about Bosworth Independent College on 01604 239995, email
info@bosworthcollege.com or visit the Bosworth Independent College website.
