Medical Alumni Support Sixth Form

We are incredibly proud of our Sixth Form and the academic successes of its students, but one of the less tangible aspects of this part of Charters is the fantastic bond between our alumni and our current students, and the benefit that these interactions give to students wondering about the next step Post-18.

This week Nimath and Hannah, who both finished Charters Sixth Form in 2019, spoke to ten Year 13 students who wish to become doctors. Both Mimath and Hannah narrowly missed out on the grades required for their original route into Medicine, and they consequently studied Biomedical Science BSc (Hons) as an alternative route, switching to Brighton and Sussex Medical School through a direct transfer at the end of their 2nd year.

Although this is a less traditional route to becoming a doctor, the two were clear to point out the benefits of beginning their training in a discipline which is at the heart of medical breakthroughs.

The two ex-students shared their knowledge and gave some wonderful advice:

• Around the application process. They advised the students to sit both the BMAT and UCAT tests that are associated with this field. 
• Around work experience. They explained that they should find as many placements as possible and that working in care homes or day centres can be related to clinically, during an interview.
• Around keeping up-to-date. They urged the students to read widely and to stay abreast of current news and clinical advances. The Medic Portal is a website that both ex-students use and the Hot Topics section is particularly helpful.
• Around the interview. The students were encourage to become familiar with The 6 Cs – care, compassion, courage, communication, commitment, competence - so that they could relate their answers back to these pillars. They were also told to know their personal statement inside out, as it is likely that it will be referred to.
• Around why they are pursuing a career in Medicine. The most common question that is asked during an interview is, "why do you want to become a doctor?" and the students were urged to think carefully about their reasons so that their answers stood out from the crowd.
• Around the profession. Understanding that the Medical profession requires life-long learning and the four pillars of Medical ethics was something the ex-students encouraged the current students to think about. (Beneficence (doing good) Non-maleficence (to do no harm) Autonomy (giving the patient the freedom to choose freely, where they are able) Justice (ensuring fairness).

We are extremely grateful to Mimath and Hannah for their time and they have kindly offered to stay in touch with the Year 13 students who will be making applications to medical schools this year. Our Head of Sixth Form, Mrs Hill, meets with the Upper Sixth students each week to help them prepare for their interviews and this forms part of Charters Sixth Form's larger careers programme.

The Sixth Form Open Evening for entry in September 2024 is taking place on Thursday 12 October between 5pm and 8pm, and we welcome current Year 11 students and their parents/carers. to discover what makes this exciting part of our school so special.  There will be an introductory presentation by our Headteacher, Mr Fletcher, and our Head of Sixth Form, Mrs Hill, at 5.30 pm and 6.30 pm in the Main Hall and places can be secured by following the link below:

Please note that all subjects areas are available to visit through the evening without booking.