International Conference on Enhancement and Innovation in Higher Education Crowne Plaza Hotel, Glasgow 9-11 June 2015 Welcome

 What is ‘Access To’  Underpinning approaches  Supporting student journeys and transition  Key successes  Future Developments Supporting Student Journeys Through Partnership ‘Access To’ Rhona McComiskie

Background & Aims  Kick start funding from SFC in 2012/13 enabled the development of a suite of subject focused programmes to engage under-represented learners  The project works with young people from MD20/40 backgrounds and low attainment / progression schools in Aberdeen City  The project aims to provide a transformational learning experience founded on three key, learner centred objectives: participants’ ambition To Build their capacity for educational attainment To Maximise their successful transition into a positive destination To Support

Underpinning Approaches A Target Schools Approach A ‘Whole Institution’ Approach Strong institutional commitment Alignment to strategic priorities Unique opportunity for internal collaboration Strategic commitment to long term partnerships Understanding local demographics Building relationships with partner schools Develop a more sophisticated understanding of pupils needs and partner agendas Determine the most effective approach to delivery Strengthen links with key educational providers Make a meaningful contribution to support ambition and attainment at a school and regional level Enabling the project to:

Project Scope 8 Partner Schools 25 – 30 Per Programm e S5 & S6 Pupils directly engage with academic staff in interactive subject learning, practical projects and reflective experiences develop subject knowledge, make informed decisions and prepare for transition become ‘Associate Students’ of the university Core Subject Delivery Study Skills and Access Unit (coordination and management) 12 weeks Twilight Sessions

Subject Areas Aberdeen Business School Faculty of Design & Technology Faculty of Health & Social Care  Communication & Media  Law & Law Management  Management  Art & Architecture (ACES)  Computing  Engineering  Health Professions  Life Sciences

Integrated ‘triangle’ of support  Develop skills & knowledge  Adapt to HE style of learning & teaching  Support independent learning & academic transition  Timely information, advice & guidance  Explore individual learner pathways  Provide 1-1 personal transition support  Act as inspirational role models  Critical friend  Offer peer to peer support  Support social transition Supporting Transition Academic PastoralPeer

Pre application: Schools Outreach Programme Applicants: Applicant Engagement Programme Enrolment: Degree Prep Programme Continuum of Support

Jade Gilbert  and ACES Programme  BA Contemporary Art Practice, Gray’s School of Art  Student Ambassador

Key Successes: Facts & Figures % 16% 51% 80% MD20 MD20/40 Senior Pupils Participants Study Areas

178 Key Successes: Facts & Figures 308 Applicants Applications Q1 Q2

 Re-energised wider access and transition work  Harnessed continual improvement in teaching & learning practice and transition support  Provided a space for innovation and creativity  Strengthened partnerships with key educational providers in the region  Created a culture of aspiration  Created a community of learners  Increased levels of confidence and engagement  89% of participants agreed that the project has encouraged them to apply to university  Offers a supported transition pathway, where none existed before Key Successes: Wider Measures Impact for the Institution Impact for the Learners

 Expand the project from six to eight subject areas with a target of 200 pupils in 2015/16  Roll out the external partnership model to Aberdeenshire, increasing the number of partner schools from five to eight  Enable businesses as contributing partners  Build on initial pilot work with S1 and S2 pupils to provide a seamless progression pipeline into the existing project  Achieving a participant profile in line with national agendas around gender equality Future Developments

Feedback from Participants & Stakeholders “ The development of a package that has young people as the main focus is very refreshing. The continued and enhanced partnership between the university and the local authority is stimulating greater opportunities for our young people. ” (Local Authority Quality Improvement Officer)

Feedback from Participants & Stakeholders “The Access To programme has been an amazing experience; it has made me make up my mind to what I want to do as a career… It’s a one-time opportunity that I would recommend because it really does give you that experience of what university is all about” (Health Professions participant)

Feedback from Participants & Stakeholders “ Attending the project has been amazing. I have been quite worried about leaving school but being able to attend sessions at the university, interact with current students and find out more about each course has given me the confidence to apply. ” (Art & Architecture participant)

Feedback from Participants & Stakeholders “ Feedback from pupils has demonstrated that the programme has been helpful in making the related higher education delivery in the field seem far more accessible. ” (Head of Department)

Feedback from Participants & Stakeholders “The programme has become a popular choice for pupils across the city. Larger numbers have engaged in courses that have given them the self-confidence to develop the skills and attitudes required for higher education” (Local Authority Quality Improvement Officer)

Feedback from Participants & Stakeholders “The Access To Law /Law and Management programme has been one of the most exciting and useful moments in the school year for me.” (Law / Law & Management participant)

Questions? Thank you