Application Guidance Information
From finding out about the application process to knowing what happens after you've applied, the resources below will guide you through the different stages of how you can apply for courses, what happens at interview stage, exam revision tips, and more!
Below is an information booklet which has an overview of the application process at Abbeygate and answer some of the questions you might have about applying to study with us.
If you would like to contact the admissions team please email abbeygate-admissions@easterneducationgroup.ac.uk or give us a call on 01284 636 501.
For students who have indicated a mental health need on their application we will be in touch regarding a Welfare questionnaire once we have received your application. Once you have completed the Welfare questionnaire you may be invited for a Welfare Assessment; this is completed via the phone and is designed to ensure we will be able to support you in the way you wish to be supported during your studies at Abbeygate.
Prospective Student Interviews
Shortly after we have received your application we will invite you for an interview.
At your interview we will be able to offer advice and guidance about the best course for you and you can ask questions about your programme.
After your interview we will be in regular contact throughout the year to keep you updated about your application and any events we are holding.
Students will be notified of their interview through the application portal.
What to expect from your college interview
We know that applying for a college or sixth form is a serious decision, but we want you to be excited, not nervous. We invite you for an interview so that we can get to know you on an individual level and provide you with advice and guidance on choosing the college and courses that are right for you. We can even help with the potential career paths your programme could lead to.
When having your interview the most important thing to remember is to just be yourself. We're not going to ask you any tricky interview questions and we're certainly not here to catch you out – we want to give you tailored advice to help you make an informed decision about college.
To help put your mind at rest, we've put together a run-through of what to expect at your interview and the questions you may be asked:
- Why would you like to study these courses?
- What are your hobbies or interests?
- What are your likes/dislikes in regards to learning?
- Do you know what you might like to do as a future career?
- Are there any personal difficulties that may affect your studies?
Your interviewer will talk to you about:
- Entry requirements for your chosen courses
- Course information about your chosen subjects (units and assessments)
- The college code of conduct (our expectations on behaviour and attendance)
- How we can support you at Abbeygate Sixth Form College (Student Services)
- Enrichment activities
If you have a question not noted above, please email us abbeygate-admissions@easterneducationgroup.ac.uk or call 01284 636501.
Interview Materials
Art, Photography and Textiles
For Art, Photography and Textiles we require a portfolio. The portfolio should be 10-12 images showing some current work you have carried out using different techniques for the relevant subject such as painting, drawing, sewing etc.
Graphics
Graphics student portfolios could include:
- Drawings / illustrations (from life) – character design / still life / landscapes / portraits
- Some logo designing – pick a well-known brand – analysis through writing their current logo and then redesign their logo using any media appropriate (drawing with pen or pencil / digital recreation using procreate or adobe illustrator or Photoshop)
- Some Typography designs – design your own typeface / font and draw a few letters in this style
- Some photographic work – take photographs of products against a plain background, arrange objects into an interesting composition and photograph from a few angles (food packaging / clothes / toys / related objects / collections of objects).
Ideally, students will provide evidence of some of the above, but can also provide other personal art works (physical and digital to show).
Ideally presented in a physical portfolio or a digital PowerPoint (images scanned in and or photographed)
Dance and Drama
For Dance and Drama we require a video recording. This recording should show you performing a piece to demonstrate your techniques. The style of the performance can be your choice. This recording should be at least 1 minute and can be of a performance or participation in a class; this should be less than a year old.
Submissions can be uploaded through the application portal under Document Upload which can be found under the 3 dots on the main page or emailed to abbeygate-admissions@easterneducationgroup.ac.u
