Help given getting into university
Pupils are being given advice and guidance on applying to university this week as the Aimhigher roadshow continues its tour of England.
Pupils are being given advice and guidance on applying to university this week as the Aimhigher roadshow continues its tour of England.
Aimhigher, a Government-funded campaign designed to reach young people with little or no family experience of higher education, involves mentoring, summer schools, open days and visits to universities.
This week's roadshow, at South Staffordshire College's Cannock, Rodbaston, Lichfield and Tamworth campuses uses DVDs, plasma screens, laptops and interactive voting systems to get its message across and make learning about university fun.
It is hosted by a recent graduate, who can give first-hand knowledge of the application procedure and life at university. Throughout the day they are available to answer questions and provide support to anyone keen to apply but unsure where to start. Feedback from the 2008/9 tour revealed a 39 per cent positive shift in students' attitudes towards higher education after the roadshow.
Higher education Minister David Lammy said roadshows brought higher education to students' front doors, showing opportunities available and how best to make use of them.
"We know that more than 50 per cent of young people aspire to go to university and I want to make sure as many people as possible are given this chance, whatever their background.
"We now have record numbers of students taking advantage of record places, but we know there is more to be done, and social mobility remains at the heart of this Government." Roadshow facilitator West Midlands and the South West James Clarke said: "The aim of the roadshow is to raise aspirations and provide young people with information about higher education.
"Many of the young people I meet are unaware of all the options available to them.
"The roadshow takes students outside of the classroom environment and provides them with an informative, fast-paced presentation focusing on the different routes into higher education and the flexibility that university can offer.
"I include aspects of my personal experience when speaking to the pupils and because I am close to their age they seem to find it easier to speak to me and they aren't afraid to ask me the questions that they really want answering. Speaking to them on their level reiterates the fact that university can be option for them all, regardless of their background.
"The high-tech vehicle really impresses the students. They love the bean bags and the environment, which seems to make them feel relaxed and they open up more as a result. It really is a great resource that can positively influence young people's futures." Nationally this year's tour is expected to reach more than 700 young people every day.
It will grow over two years, forming part of a wider Aimhigher programme, showing young people benefits a higher education can bring including enhanced career chances with a wide range of courses and an average £100,000 more in lifetime earnings.
