Sep 1, 2011
Students on Nelson and Colne College Sixth Form’s specialist pre-Professional Programme for Medicine (Pre-med) are proving they have what it takes to become the next generation of medics and vets, with an increasing number of students gaining offers to study on competitive medical related degree programmes.
Nelson and Colne College Sixth Form has an enviable reputation for excellence in the sciences. With highly trained, experienced staff, many of whom are examiners and scientists in their own right; the College is well placed to teach the next generation of health professionals. The College has also developed and perfected its unique pre-professional programme for medicine (Pre Med). This exciting and challenging extra-curricular course, offered in addition to a student’s regular studies, provides extra support and guidance for those who want to apply to highly competitive degree programmes such as medicine, veterinary sciences and dentistry.
Participants attend regular additional sessions, lectures with industry professionals and attend field trips to specialist facilities such as Christie Hospital and NOWGEN genetics. Visits and events are tailored to the interests of participating students and are aimed at helping them to become fully aware of the opportunities available in their chosen industry. They also attend a number of university open days and a two day training course to prepare for the UK Clinical Aptitude Test, which all medical applicants have to complete. Students will also be given assistance in finding relevant work experience and guidance in applying for the correct schools. They are then prepared for interview by highly experienced staff, dedicated and committed to seeing their students progress to Medical, Veterinary and Dentistry courses.
This year, Sally Goldsbrough who is a former student of SS John Fisher and Thomas More Catholic Humanities College has gained outstanding results, meaning that she can begin her Medicine degree at Keele University this Autumn, and Ellie Phipps who previously attended Colne Park High School has likewise gained excellent results, allowing her to study Veterinary Science at the University of Liverpool.
Sally said, “Without the help and support offered by the Pre-Med course, and my tutor Brenda Rowan, I doubt I would be in the position I am today! I would definitely recommend the Pre-Med programme!” Ellie is also thankful to the programme, as it has helped her to pursue her ambitions to become a Veterinary Surgeon. Despite being the only one in her year with veterinary aspirations, Ellie said, “I too would recommend the College’s unique Pre-Med programme due to the masses of support you get, even if you are the only one interested in a certain field.”
In addition to Sally and Ellie’s success, in 2011, more than 30 Nelson and Colne College Sixth Form students, studying both A Level and Vocational Science programmes have progressed to degree programmes in health related fields, including Dentistry, Pharmacy, Optometry, Radiography, Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Science and Biomedical Science, to name a few. It is clear that Nelson and Colne College Sixth Form is raising the standard of medical applicants across Lancashire!
