New initiative for A-level students interested in careers that support the medical sector
Coleg Sir Gâr is this year piloting a new initiative for A-level science students who are thinking of studying degrees in the varying areas that support the medical and health sector.
The aim of the initiative, called the Medical Field Programme, is to give students with an interest in healthcare and medicine, practical experience and knowledge about the degree courses available to them.
In partnership with Swansea University, the college and university will be delivering bespoke taster sessions, allowing students to explore careers in both health and medical fields that they may have been unaware of such as biochemistry, healthcare sciences, audiology, rehab engineering, radiography, medical genetics, pharmacology, osteopathy, psychology and more.
The project is free and will comprise of four sessions, held during student’s tutorial time and will therefore not encroach on any teaching sessions. Each session will include a talk by a specialist in their field, followed by a workshop on that career path. Students will be given the opportunity to use the university’s state of the art facilities and take part in practical activities, offering them hands-on opportunities to explore the chemical, clinical skills required for this type of career. There will also be plenty of bespoke support on the UCAS application process and university life.
Coleg Sir Gâr A-level lecturer Dr Susan Ford, is leading the initiative with Swansea University. She said: “We are really excited to be launching this new, bespoke Medical Field Programme with our partner university.
“So often students start their A levels with no idea of the career path they wish to pursue. They often want to do something science based, but unless family members are working in this area, they have no idea about the wealth of science jobs available to them in the medical field. We hope to use this programme to highlight career roles that surround the medical profession such as geneticist, healthcare scientist, sleep scientist. There are so many “behind the scenes jobs” that support our national health and private medical systems open to them.
“Subject choice at A-level can be crucial, as often students don’t realise the entry requirements to apply for these types of courses. Students assume biology is essential, however it is chemistry A-level that is usually specified, for this type of degree course. Therefore, we also hope to engage with year 11 students from our feeder comprehensive schools.
“This bespoke programme with Coleg Sir Gâr is open to all students who meet the current A-level entry requirements at the college which are six GCSEs at grades A* to C.
“Give it a go, come and study sciences with us and we’ll show you a range of opportunities that exist in this exciting field of work.”
Pictured above is Dr Susan Ford who is piloting the project at Coleg Sir Gâr.