Access To - Teachers Guide

Access RGU

ROBERT GORDON UNIVERSITY'S LOCAL SCHOOL ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMME A Reference Guide for Teachers

ACCESS RGU is Robert Gordon University’s widening participation programme, enabling individuals who have the ability and potential to benefit from higher education, whatever their circumstances.

The ACCESS RGU engagement programme delivers outreach activities with schools and communities, coordinates on-campus learning opportunities for prospective students and provides advice and guidance for applicants and enrolled students.

The programme is coordinated by the University’s ACCESS RGU Team, based within the Study Skills and Access Unit. Working in partnership across the University and with external partners, the team promotes the greater uptake of higher education among groups that are traditionally under-represented at university.

This booklet has been produced to provide information for learning providers on the range of established outreach activities ACCESS RGU can offer. The ACCESS RGU Team continues to work in partnership to develop additional engagement opportunities and providers are encouraged to contact us to discuss opportunities for developing tailored activities.

For more information on Access RGU, please contact the Access Team on 01224 263048 or email access@rgu.ac.uk

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WORKSHOPS Study Skills Workshops We offer a range of presentations and sessions designed to benefit your senior pupils. The workshops aim to ensure that pupils are best prepared for school exams, and making decisions about their future.

Our free sessions can be delivered as “one-offs” or as a set, depending upon your requirements. It is becoming increasingly popular amongst schools to set aside a whole morning or afternoon to cover a number of these sessions which can include, but are not limited to: • Introduction to HE/How to Choose a University • Notemaking Techniques • Confidence and Communication Skills • Revision and Exam Techniques

In School ‘Drop-in’ Advice essions These lunchtime stands in a designated area within your school provides an informal opportunity to address pupils’ questions and concerns regarding post-school study options, be they direct university entry or via the Degree Link college articulation routes. We can also use these engagement opportunities to provide pupils with guidance on the application process and additional personal statement advice.

When: We recommend two lunchtime visits in October-November time, although we are happy to discuss your requirements.

Where: Public space/classroom at your s chool Capacity: flexible, tailored as required Stage: S5/S6

• Student Finance When: Anytime throughout the school year Where: At your school or RGU Garthdee campus Capacity: A range of group sizes can be accommodated and tailored accordingly Stage: S5/S6

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EVENTS Supporting Induction into the Senior Phase We can contribute and support pupil inductions into the senior phase. We can deliver a range of sessions including, but not limited to, any of our study skills sessions, team building activities, tours of the campus, “Days in a life of a Student” and UCAS advice clinics.

We can tailor these activities to be delivered during longer or shorter time slots (one class period/half day/ whole day).

Insider’s Guide to UCAS This interactive one day event aims to provide pupils with all the advice, support and information they need to make a successful UCAS application. Pupils are encouraged to achieve a positive mindset in order to express themselves confidently in their personal statement. With the support of RGU staff, pupils move from an initial mind map of their interests, skills and achievements to a completed first draft of their personal statement.

When: June/July

Throughout the day pupils benefit from the expertise and advice offered by a range of staff and students.

Admissions Officers provide guidance on writing personal statements and current students share their experiences on what worked for them. There is also an opportunity to benefit from 1-1 advice on applying for the right university courses and relevant articulation pathways.

Where: At your school or RGU Garthdee campus Capacity: flexible, tailored as required Stage: S5/S6

When: October holidays Where: RGU Garthdee campus Capacity: 15-20 Stage: S5/S6

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Study Smart Day This motivational one day event can be scheduled to run before prelim exams and again before final exams. The event aims to encourage pupils to consider the effectiveness of their current study and revision habits and equip them with strategies and techniques to suit their learning style and improve their performance Pupils start their day with a hearty breakfast followed by an energetic workshop where they engage with positive student role models who aim to motivate and raise aspirations. Pupils explore the best learning environment for them and use the study spaces at RGU to work on their own revision materials.

With the s upport of RGU staff and students the pupils are encouraged to develop support networks and good study practice.

When: December & March/April Where: RGU Garthdee campus Capacity: 15-20 Stage: S5/S6

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PROGRAMMES Subject Specific ‘Access To’ Programmes ACCESS RGU provides pupils with an opportunity to further their interest in a chosen subject area whilst also benefiting from tailored support from the University’s Study Skills and Access Unit. Programmes currently available include: • Art, Design & Architecture • Communication & Media • Allied Health Professions

A maximum of 20 pupils per course enables RGU staff to build relationships with pupils and provide pastoral support and guidance.

Financial support is available to fund pupil journeys to on-campus sessions.

When: Twilight sessions from August to April (approximately 4.30-6.30 pm) Where: RGU Garthdee campus Capacity: 15-20 Stage: S5/S6

• Business & Management There are further courses in development.

The programme is delivered by specialist academic staff and it provides pupils an opportunity to experience learning and teaching in a university environment.

Through participation in project work and independent study pupils develop their skills and knowledge in their chosen subject area to enable them to make informed decisions about their future study paths.

Alongside the subject focused element of the course pupils also benefit from workshops designed to support them in their applications to university and prepare them for study at higher education level.

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SPECIALIST SUPPORT, PARTNERSHIP AND ENGAGEMENT Care Leavers Robert Gordon University is committed to supporting students from a looked after background, including those who have a history of being looked after at home, in residential care, foster care or kinship care. Our dedicated adviser can provide new students with information and support to ease the transition from school to university life. For more information please contact the Care Leaver Adviser on 01224 263048 or email access@rgu.ac.uk Applicant Support The university applies contextualised admissions as part of the admissions process, whereby a broader set of criteria is considered when making offers to prospective students from under-represented groups. In practice this means that the context of the circumstances in which an applicant’s attainment levels were achieved will be considered and some applicants will receive a lower offer rate as a result.

In addition, the ACCESS RGU Team coordinates a range of activities that provide support and guidance for applicants from under-represented groups.

This includes 1-1 advice and guidance by phone and email, study guides and resources and exclusive access to the ACCESS RGU online applicant support and information page. The ACCESS RGU Degree Prep course is held immediately prior to enrolment and provides an invaluable induction into university life and the support services on campus, as well as providing a fantastic opportunity to meet and connect with fellow students from the outset.

The ACCESS RGU Team also distributes a free enrolment support pack at the start of the first semester. In 2013/14, this pack included travel support, book voucher for course texts, and a messenger bag packed with a comprehensive range of stationary.

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ASPIRENorth We work in close partnership with ASPIRENorth to provide opportunities for their cohort groups from S3-S6. We deliver a range of sessions on campus to raise aspirations and awareness of pathways into higher education.

Guidance Staff and Schools’ Liaison In order to provide up to date information on the sector and changes within the university, the Education Liaison team hosts an annual conference for further and higher education advisors every spring. This event is designed to support and inform staff who play a key role in advising students about future careers, education choices and admission. It gives delegates the chance to discuss a variety of topics from entry requirements and personal statement advice to course content and graduate prospects and provides an additional opportunity to network with colleagues and pick up further information.

Additionally, we are happy to host or present at Subject Level Meetings or other teacher events at our Garthdee Campus as required.

Parent Engagement We recognise that parents and guardians play an active role in their children’s decision on post school education. As such we are keen to engage with groups of parents and would be happy to consider requests to attend parent events at school or arrange visits or events on campus.

Wider Community We also aim to engage with the learning providers in the wider community for example youth work and adult learning, and we can tailor the activities listed in this booklet to be delivered in a community setting.

Open Days and Visit Afternoons Open Days and Visit Afternoons are a great chance to visit the University, meet the academic staff, experience the first-class facilitates on offer and talk to current students. For more information on open days and visit afternoon and to register for the events, please go to www.rgu.ac.uk/visit-us For more information on the program of engagement or to discuss wider access matters, please contact: Access RGU Team Study Skills and Access Unit 01224 263048 access@rgu.ac.uk

February 2014

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