Welcome to UCAS Wider Picture - our 2006/7 consultancy and staff development programme.

This year's programme builds on the considerable success of previous programmes, which we have delivered in over 100 member institutions.

Delivered by highly experienced UCAS officers, and offered within your institution for maximum convenience, the programme focuses on the specification of HE entry requirements, the UCAS Tariff and principles of good offer making, the 14-19 curriculum, fair admissions, widening participation, and the electronic transformation of UCAS services. In short, the key issues that currently impact on progression to HE.

Who should attend?

• Admissions officers and staff.

• Academic admissions tutors.

• Staff with responsibility for:-
  - Curriculum planning
  - Education liaison
  - Fair admissions
  - Marketing and recruitment
  - Prospectus writing and editing
  - Widening participation
  - AimHigher project management
  

What sort of topics can we cover?

UCAS E-migration
The implications for higher education institutions of 100% electronic services to applicants for 2007 entry; opportunities for additional contextual application information.

Stretch and Challenge

Update on the various ways that schools and colleges can provide HE-style experience for their students (e.g. Open University modules).

The UCAS Tariff
The principles of offer making based on points; what additional qualifications will be included for 2006 and 2007.

New developments in 14-19 Curriculum
Impacts for HE admissions of the evolving 14-19 curriculum; latest developments in proposals for a system of diplomas in England and the Welsh Baccalaureate in Wales.

Vocational Qualifications
GCSEs and GCEs in applied subjects, BTEC/OCR Nationals, Specialist Diplomas, Foundation Degrees, Apprenticeships and NVQs and their value as a tool for HE progression.

Mature Entry to HE
Advice for guidance and education liaison staff; proposed QA framework for recognising post-19 achievement; new Age Legislation implications; proposed introduction of a credit system.

Widening Participation
Update on WP topics such as AimHigher, compact arrangements, summer schools and other interventions, and exploration of why and how UCAS could add value to institutional, sub-regional or regional initiatives.

Fair Admissions
Outlining areas of good practice; how Entry Profiles including information on fees and bursaries support the transparency agenda; options for assessing merit.

Progression to Art & Design
Art foundation programmes; their role as an entry qualifications, components of portfolio construction and interview and assessment techniques for Art & Design admissions.

Tools for Differentiation
Advanced Extension Awards, additional tests, interviews, possible quartile banding (for grade A at A level) and the provision of unit information.

The rate for this service is £300 per session (maximum 2 hours). Travel, and accommodation where appropriate, will be charged. These costs can be discussed on enquiry. This charge applies to bookings within the UK only, however bookings are welcome from other countries. If you wish to book additional sessions for the same day, to cover the same topic, the charge for each subsequent session is £65. The charge for additional sessions on the same day to cover different topics is £125.

These programmes/sessions are extremely popular and it is beneficial to make your booking at least two months in advance to avoid disappointment.

If you have any queries regarding the Wider Picture consultancy service then please contact Becky West on 01242 544712.

The booking form for this programme is available as a PDF file for you to download and print out. Please indicate when making a booking which of the above topics you wish to select as the focus for your UCAS Wider Picture presentation.

To read PDF documents you will need a copy of Acrobat Reader