1. YOUNG APPLICANTS IN SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES SCHEME (YASS) A UK HE success story ‘THE case study for HE modules in schools’

2. YASS – What is it? “YASS study marks them out from other students” Jane Browne, Director of 6th Form, Greenwood Dale School  A quality, genuine HE experience  A partnership between the OU and schools and colleges across the UK  A wide range of courses at first year University level  For post 16 students  An opportunity to stretch gifted and talented students  Broad range of schools  Study alongside school curriculum

3. External Recognition “Real personalisation, real challenge, real university” Paul Kelley, Headteacher, Monkseaton High School  Dept of Education  Specialist Schools and Academies Trust  Qualifications and Curriculum Authority  CfBT Education Trust  Universities and Colleges Admissions Service  National Extension College

4. Supported Open Learning “It’s a win win situation – no lose” Anton Blair, sixth form school student, Greenwood Dale School, Nottingham  Academic support from tutor or study adviser  Multimedia  Choice of when and where to study  Structured calendar (with deadlines!)  Continuous assessment  End of course assessment (ECA) or exam

5. Benefits for Students “Students develop the sort of independent study skills they will find invaluable at university” Mary Smith, Headteacher, Maidstone Grammar School for Girls  Adds breadth and/or depth to school curriculum  Enriches academic profile  Develops learning skills  Encourages independent learning  Builds confidence: ‘success breeds success’  Bridges the gap between school and University

6. Modules on Offer  Over 50 courses from: - Arts - Business Studies - Education – Early Years - Health and Social Care - Law - Maths and Computing - Modern Languages - Money Management - Science - Social Sciences - Sport and Fitness - Technology and Engineering  10, 15, 30 or 60 higher education (CATS) points  Multiple start dates  From 10 weeks to 9 months

7. Demands on the Student “It’s easy to manage at home and fit it around everything else” Richard Orrick, sixth form school student, Monkseaton High School  Time management: 4-12 hours study per week  Workload: Alongside AS and A levels (or equivalent)  Students will: Have responsibility for own learning Have a steep learning curve! Work alongside adults

8. Indicators of Success  Successful YASS students are: -Motivated -Committed -Interested -Able to meet deadlines -Mature -Not just the top 5%

9. YASS Support Network Student OU Regional YASS Co-ordinator OU Tutor/Student Adviser Parents Schools Co-ordinator

10. Student Comments  “I liked studying with The Open University because I can do it in my own time so if I have a lot on I can leave it and catch up later.”  “The range of subjects covered in my course is much wider than the subjects offered by my school based studies.”  “At first I found it difficult not being able to see people and physically interact with them.”  “Doing more work during school holidays to relieve the pressure during exams. I work as much as is physically possible (I’m not joking!).”

11. Teacher Comments  “It brings HE and the OU in particular, into the school and introduces a different way of studying for those who may be put off by the thought of university.”  “The students never cease to amaze me. Their determination to succeed at undergraduate level is remarkable. They can and will do it.”  “Since the programme started the school has grown, standards achieved in conventional courses have risen, and this has boosted the school’s reputation.”  “YASS provides additional stimulus for gifted and talented students.”

12. 2010/11 at Leventhorpe School 41 students taking 19 different courses Real breadth of curriculum Meet after school one day a week

15. dj@leventhorpe.net  If you would like to apply to take an OU course along with your A’ Level studies:  e-mail Mrs. Jackson by May 10 th 2011 expressing your interest  You will be interviewed for suitability  References will be taken up  Parents consulted  Paper work completed

16. Costs  4 A2s you will pay the cost of the course  3 A2s you pay 50% deposit, returnable on completion  Students qualified for EMA may gain funding

17. dj@leventhorpe.net to book an interview before 10 th May 2011 dj@leventhorpe.net