1. New Beginnings University of East London
Me – English language BA Hons; Level one skills module for Cass School of Education and Communities; New Beginnings

2. New Beginnings
Is …
Twelve week intensive study skills course, designed to build on existing skills, knowledge and experience.
Is not …
GCSE level two English equivalent
Academic subject content rich
Applicable to non-UEL courses

3. Demographics Traditional mature learners
Non-traditional mature learners
Traditional young learners
Non- traditional young learners
Who comes to NB
Trad mature – working, transferable skills
Non-trad - long term unemployed/home maker responsibilities
Trad young learners - traditional but ‘missed’ their opportunity
Non- trad Young learners - disaffected from learning
Links – lacking confidence, can’t get into uni without long learning process – possibly unnecessary – repeat A levels, do an access course – all want to move their life on – excited and anxious – want to succeed but don’t know how to start.

4. Selection Process Admissions process Potential interview assessment
Written comprehension task
Understanding instructions
Being able to articulate themselves sufficiently clearly for us to be able to manipulate into an academic writer.

5. During the Course Nurturing and pastoral care
Controlled release into student services/facilities
Nurturing and pastoral care - Supportive, scaffolded learning, guided to independence, continuous positive outlook – even when being critical.
Senior lecturers, support of school and staff, mantra = Small steps – big achievements – permanently positive
For the students plug in and switch on.

6. Course Content Weekly sessions Basic study and transferable skills
Facilities and services support
12 weeks of 3 hours plus VLE
application forms and money advice

7. After the Course Confident independent students
Those that do not complete
Those that do not pass
Confident independent students - undergraduate programmes
Contacted and counselled – HE is not for everyone – some drop out – better from NB than an undergrad course.
Or refer back to our advise centre for GCSE, A levels, Access courses

8. Q&A
Caroline McGlynn Senior Lecturer & Programme Leader Cass School of Education and Communities
University of East London
Water Lane
Stratford
London
E15 4LZ