Sixth form interviews

[Orangeblossom1977]

So we have these coming up which will be online this year. Just wondered about any advice or tips. Only 15 mins. Do they just discuss subject choices? Thanks

[OnTheBenchOfDoom]

If it is a state sixth form they are just making sure the students have made an informed choice in their subjects and know the entry requirements grades wise. So just a chat really to confirm they have thought it all through and it is realistic, ie because some subjects don't just require the standard 5 grade 4s to get in but maybe science subjects need a grade 6. That sort of thing.

[TeenMinusTests]

Agree.

Do they understand their chosen course(s).
Are courses academically suitable.
Do chosen courses tie in with future aspirations.

[Motnight]

@OnTheBenchOfDoom

If it is a state sixth form they are just making sure the students have made an informed choice in their subjects and know the entry requirements grades wise. So just a chat really to confirm they have thought it all through and it is realistic, ie because some subjects don't just require the standard 5 grade 4s to get in but maybe science subjects need a grade 6. That sort of thing.

My dd got turned down by one state sixth form, so I don't think this is always the case.

[Orangeblossom1977]

Thanks.

the standard 5 grade 4s to get in but maybe science subjects need a grade 6

That isn't the case here? They need at least five grade 6s, either 6s or 7s in the subjects they take.

[Midlifephoenix]

For private it wasn't like that for my daughter - she had to answer real questions about her subject. For example she had to come up with an experiment on the spot for biology, identify something to do with enzymes etc. For art they asked her to critique a painting and what she felt the artist was trying to convey, as well as go through her portfolio and discuss virtual exhibitions. She also had to submit marked work for another school. The interviewers were very nice and tried their best to make her feel comfortable, but it wasn't a casual chat!
She needs at least a 7 to take a subject at A level, but of course that's the minimum predicted before they consider interviewing you.
The state school she applied to did not interview at all now that I think about it! But it was based on predicted grades.

[TeenMinusTests]

In England, state schools aren't permitted to use interviews as an academic selection tool.

[Orangeblossom1977]

In England, state schools aren't permitted to use interviews as an academic selection tool

Really? Ours seems to. They do interviews with students from other schools including the private sector first, then from the school around now.

It is quite competitive. However if they meet the grades required (as mentored upthread, 6s for some subjects and 7s for others such as maths - some subjects require there grades in more than one GCSE as well) it seems they will have a place

I'm unsure what exactly it means by interviews as an academic selection tool- I guess that would not be the case as grades are given in the form and the applications booklet. I suppose the interviews are more as outlined above...

[TeenMinusTests]

Exactly. Interviews are to check motivation / likely suitability. They don't want to take people on who are doing a course 'because Dad says I have to' or 'I thought drama would be just acting'. They also should check whether your parents are lawyers or in a low-skill job.

The grade requirements set the academic standard required.

[TeenMinusTests]

shouldn't check!

[RedskyBynight]

The school is clearly using comparatively high grades as a selection tool (which is allowed). What they can't do is say (on the basis of an interview before grades are received) that they won't accept X student. Basically if X student gets the grades, they are in regardless of interview performance (they can use other selection criteria such as distance from school as a tie breaker if they are oversubscribed)

[Orangeblossom1977]

They also should check whether your parents are lawyers or in a low-skill job

Hmm. I'm unsure about that, would lead to unconscious bias perhaps?

[RedskyBynight]

They also should check whether your parents are lawyers or in a low-skill job.

They absolutely shouldn't.

[Orangeblossom1977]

shouldn't check! Ah OK

[TeenMinusTests]

I hate not being able to edit typos.
Sorry for throwing in unnecessary confusion!

[RedskyBynight]

Lol Teen. Actually my mother did tell me I should write down the fact I had a degree, what university I'd been to, and what job I did, on my application for a (state) school Reception place. She absolutely refused to believe that there was no space on the form for such information, and no one would care if I did write it (well, I might have caused a few rolled eyebrows in the admissions team).

Though I did wonder if you'd discovered some undercover clandestine sixth form admissions processes (our sixth form will take you pretty much if you breathe, so any selection is weird!)

[TeenMinusTests]

Red Am i correct in thinking you are in Hants like I am?

[RedskyBynight]

Not in Hants, no. IIRC Hants has an entirely standalone system for sixth form; I live in an area where there is the more traditional school sixth form or sixth form college routes. Although quite a lot of students do change at sixth form level (my DS is in the sixth form attached to his secondary school but I think about 35% of his year is from elsewhere).

[IFoundMyselfInThisBar]

My sons college interview last year was just a chat to talk about which A levels he would like to take, what he wanted to do after them, check his predicted grades matched their minimum requirements and a bit about other things the college provided. He had to take his predicted grades, last school report, evidence of other things like Duke of Edinburgh Awards, school certificates.