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Strand 1 

Strand 1 - Get some direction: raising aspirations and awareness of HE in under 16s

tasterAim

To raise awareness of higher education amongst first generation pupils aged 11 - 16 and to encourage greater aspiration.

Description

The strand is designed to provide high-quality, interactive higher education taster sessions and discussion forums for young people who are less likely to consider higher education as an option for them.

The activities focus on groups of 30 or less pupils. This is to ensure that every participant understands that higher education is a possibility dependant only on motivation and ability. The programme stresses the various options available within education - from higher national certificates, through to higher national diplomas, foundation degrees, honours degrees and beyond - emphasising the availability of such provision in over seventeen further and higher education colleges and universities throughout the peninsula.

Amongst other things, Strand One seeks to provide fun sessions on campus - sometimes with overnight accommodation - which help to provide a realistic view of studying today. Student ambassadors escort the pupils at all times, providing invaluable insights into contemporary university life. They convey pertinent messages about the financial struggle - alongside information on the pathways to higher education, the joys of learning a subject of choice, the overwhelming self-development that occurs, the immense social benefits and the boost to future career prospects.

The Strand's overriding aim is to provide a positive learning experience at each event that, in some small way, improves levels of self-confidence and/or self-esteem and gives students a chance to think about their future, whatever that might be. Prior to the start of an activity, approximately 30% of those taking part will say that they have considered university as an option. By the end of it, about 80% report wanting to go on to higher education - and that figure generally rises to 98% when the activity relates to pupils from school years seven and eight. Using activities that are fun and by adopting a sensitive, personal approach, Strand One is all about providing pupils with a sense that higher education is available to everyone with the ability to benefit from it - regardless of personal background.

Sample Activities

  • HEAT (Higher Education Awareness Trail)
  • Two day residential higher education (HE) taster events at local universities and colleges
  • HE taster days on campus
  • In-class awareness raising sessions on HE and local provision
  • Input to school parents' evenings
  • Promotion of HE through bespoke video, interactive PC game and gr8choice website
  • Activities take place in five geographical areas.

All Activities with Schools

  • Young people, aged 16 and under, from lower socio-economic groups
  • Young people with disabilities
  • Teachers
  • Governors
  • Parents
  • Black & Minority Ethnic Groups
  • Looked After Children
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