Laura Cattell
Goldsmiths, University of London
Laura CattellOutreach ManagerGoldsmiths, University of London
What are we doing?
• Goldsmiths’ widening participation priorities for 2012-13 are closely linked to Access Agreement.
• Disabled Learners• students from low participation neighbourhoods
• Students from lower socio-economic groups (according to NSEC data).
• 30% of fee income committed to outreach initiatives (including bursaries & scholarships)
Goldsmiths Outreach ActivitiesThe Outreach team works in partnership with local schools and colleges. We offer a range of activities and events for students and teachers. Our most effective work is developed in partnership.
PrimaryAspiration-raising visits for years 5–6
and their parents/carers Key stage 3• Taster Days: mini lectures, campus
tours, uni life• Ladders progression workshops:-
Routes to university and into careers• Student Ambassador Placements
Key stage 4• Design for the Future Taster Days• Exploring Careers in
Humanities/Social Sciences• Ladders progression workshops:-
Pathways to University, skills analysis
• GCSE revision support with student ambassadors
Sixth Form & FE• Academic Literacy: workshops
include support for the Extended Project, using an academic library, independent study & research skills
• Art/Design portfolio support for A-level/BTEC students
• Taster Days (mainly in Autumn/spring): Politics, Psychology, History, English Literature, Media & Communications, Anthropology, Sociology
Preparation for University• Summer schools for 16-24 year olds –
subject areas eg. Fine Art, Media, Music, Drama – to exhibit work, develop portfolios and experience university life.
• HE Seminars – choosing a course, personal statements, student finance
• UCAS and personal statement support from student ambassadors
• Finding your way through HE – for year 13s (sessions on how to access support, funding and resources at university)
Professional DevelopmentWe run specific activities for schools and
colleges such as our annual Teachers/Advisors Conference.
Community• Looked After Children – Taste of
University Life days• University information sessions in
libraries and community centresMature Learners• Summer schools/bridging courses for
mature students
Student Ambassadors Over 100 student ambassadors
• Range of subject specialisms• Undergraduate & postgraduate• Training• Support for one-off events, summer
schools• Placements in schools/colleges
Information, Advice & Guidance• Creating awareness
of opportunities in HE
• Support at all stagesActivities such as; • Visits to Goldsmiths• Ladders Progression
workshops• UCAS statement
support• Student Finance
talks• Talks from lecturers• Workshops for staff
Fair Access to Art• Goldsmiths Fine Art
highly selective – 70 places for about 1400 applicants in 2010/11
• Range of activities: visit, ambassador placements, UCAS support, interview practice, summer school
• Research using ‘Illuminate’ and surveys
• Change in admissions procedures
Example of some advice we might give around the topic ‘What are admissions tutors looking for’?- Make them ‘believe’ that you want to do the
course- Connect your interests to the course- Universities do care about the personal
statement- Show you really understand the course and
subject- Relevance (life stories can be included)- Demonstrate wider reading/research
FinanceGoldsmiths will offer 10 free places for
students from Lewisham (covers tuition fees for three years, worth £27,000 each)
From 2013 additional bursaries/fee waivers for £4500 for London boroughs
65 x £6000 students from low income families (earning £25,000 or less)
4 x £4500 to students with a disability5 x £4000 to students who are care leavers
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