A-Level Physics and Chemistry Tutoring and mentoring

To apply to participate in 'Levelling Up: Physics’ you must be:

• In Year 12 (the first year of your A-level studies or equivalent)

• Currently studying Physics and Maths at A-level (or equivalent)

• Interested in pursuing physics or physics related subjects at degree level

• Attend a state-funded, non-fee-paying school

To apply to participate in 'Levelling Up: Chemistry' you must be:

• In Year 12 (the first year of your A-level studies or equivalent)

• Currently studying Chemistry at A-level (or equivalent)

• Interested in pursuing chemistry or chemistry related subject at degree level

• Attend a state-funded, non-fee-paying school

• Live in the local area to the University of Nottingham

However, as places are limited, we may prioritise applicants meeting one or more of the following (please note, this list is in no particular order): 

• You have been entitled to free School Meals whilst you were at school, are in a household in receipt of a means-tested benefit or have a household income under £35,000

• You live in a neighbourhood with a low rate of progression to higher education and / or a high level of socio-economic disadvantage (check if your postcode is eligible here)

• Would be the first generation in your family to attend higher education

• You have spent any time living in public care as a looked after child, including in Local Authority Care and living with foster carers or in a children's home.

• You are a young person with caring responsibilities for a member of your family.

• You are currently living independently or estranged from your family.

• Your parent or carer serves in the Regular Armed Forces, or as a Reservist, or they have at any point during your life. 

• You have a disability or special educational need. 

• You identify as being from a Gypsy, Roma or Traveller community. 

• You have refugee or asylum seeker status.

• You identify as female

• You are a black, Asian or minority Ethnic student

Students receive high-quality materials and take part in a structured study programme consisting of self-study problems followed by a tutorial. Tutorials are informal and students discuss topics with a small group of other students, led by a tutor.

The programme runs across years 12 and 13 and covers a range of different topics designed to align with (but not replace) A-level courses. Students also discuss real-life applications of the science and links to research.

Participating students also take part in and are given:

• Small group mentoring sessions, which provide opportunities to discuss university life and university applications in a supportive environment where they can address any concerns about their studies

• Online guest lectures, given by renowned academics, in a range of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects to provide information about many different aspects and applications of a wide range of STEM careers

• The opportunity to get to know and work with members of the university community including their mentors and guest lecturers

Upon successful placement on the programme, students are allocated to:

• An online tutorial group

• A programme tutoring pair

Following an in person welcome event at The University of Nottingham, there will be a regular programme of online activities. These vary slightly but will roughly follow this pattern:

• In week one there will be an online mentoring session where the students can explore different topics related to university life and discuss any questions or concerns they might have.

• In week two students might spend 30 to 90 minutes on self-study materials – such as problems, puzzles or background reading to prepare for their tutorial

• In week three there will be an online tutorial where students can discuss the self-study topic in more detail.

It is therefore desirable that the participants are able to commit an average of 1-1.5hrs per week to the programme.

Levelling Up partners are committed to safeguarding the welfare of young people. All the sessions are run according to the safeguarding policies and procedures in place at the University of Nottingham. 

Levelling Up starts in early February 2024 until the end of December 2024.  As a participant you would start in the spring term of year 12 and attend online sessions during the Spring, Summer and Autumn terms as you prepare to apply for university through UCAS.