BIOLOGY TEACHING ORGANISATION

PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENT RECORD
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Being at university involves more than just studying for a degree. It is also an opportunity to develop your interests and skills; to gain experiences that will equip you for the rest of your life; and ultimately to have a rewarding career. We will help you to achieve your full potential, but YOU must take control. Your Personal Achievement Record (PAR) will help you in this.

On this site you will find a range of skills that we think you should possess, and guidance on how to develop them. You will also find a wide range of resources. You should record your progress throughout your university career, and use your own MY PAR to track your progress.

Remember - this is YOUR Personal Achievement Record. It is like an artist's portfolio - something that YOU take control of and that will help you to achieve your goals. If you think this is trivial, then look at the questions asked by some major employers on their job application forms. Employers are looking for people with good academic grades, from universities with a reputation for excellence. But they also want evidence that you have used your time profitably by acquiring a broad range of skills.

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How to use this site

1. The left-side panel shows the range of skills that we think you should develop.

2. Click any entry to see how to obtain those skills - often within the biology courses, but sometimes from resource centres or by self-tuition, using web sites that we have produced to help you.

3. Go to your Personal PAR Page (called MY PAR) and record your achievements. You can print that page, keep it for future reference, and update it regularly.

We recommend that you update your PAR page at least once a term. Think about what you have achieved and set yourself some new targets for the next term. If you would like to discuss any aspect of your progress, then approach your Director of Studies or a member of the BTO staff for help.

Jim Deacon
Director, Biology Teaching Organisation