SUPPORTING STUDENTS FROM A LOOKED AFTER BACKGROUND s ce ac gu
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Robert Gordon University is dedicated to providing an accessible student environment for all students, including those who have been looked after at home, in residential care, foster care or kinship care. Going to university is a fresh and exciting chapter but it can also be a daunting prospect where many new students will look to previous experiences or family for support in getting through these new challenges. In many cases, a disrupted education or lack of family support may make the transition to university study more demanding for care experienced individuals. RGU is proud to have been awarded the Buttle UK Quality Mark, which requires us to demonstrate that we have a robust strategy in place to ensure that students from a looked after background can access a package of support. This includes; • Assistance with your application to the University • Financial assistance to attend interviews, selection visits and Open Days •
Inclusion in our contextualised admission process
• A free enrolment support pack including travel support, vouchers and essential stationary • 365 day accommodation in student halls for first year students with a 20% reduction in cost • Advice on external financial support • Other support includes counselling, disability services, help with employment opportunities and careers and academic support. Our dedicated adviser can guide you through the wide range of student services available, helping you make the most of life at university and preparing you for a successful future career. In addition, students and applicants from Scotland may also be entitled to the Care Leavers Vacation Grant through the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (www.saas.gov.uk), which can assist with paying for accommodation costs during the vacation period.
Case Studies
1. Efia – MSc Digital Marketing
Efia recently graduated with an MSc in Digital Marketing after achieving a First in BA (Hons) Media. Some people may think being in care is a ball and chain you’re doomed to carry around with you for the rest of your life. But I believe with the right support it doesn’t have to be an end, it can be a beginning. When I became looked after I certainly didn’t see it as a beginning. And I think when you’re faced with tragedy or extreme change it’s hard to see that any opportunities could ever come. But the people who have encouraged and supported me through the difficult times and celebrated my achievements have touched my life in ways I cannot put into words.
2. Shaun – BSc (Hons) Applied Sport and Exercise Science
Shaun is in the final year of the BSc (Hons) Applied Sport and Exercise Science and will undertake the MSc Social Work following this.
Change is often seen to be daunting for a number of reasons. Perhaps because of the lack of familiarity in the situation presenting itself, or the overwhelming temptation to over-analyse all the potential risks within that environment.
Being in care for a brief period of time has sensitized some of these feelings, and the transition from further education to higher education was more comfortable with the support and guidance from a number of staff within the university. The continued support from staff during periods of adversity, whilst recognising the achievements throughout my time here, has allowed me to strive for success on a personal level as well as promote it among others who may be uncertain of their potential through various university mediums.
As a care experienced student, knowing the support (in whatever form that may be) is available throughout the year is a great relief and one that I will cherish when I look back at my time here at Robert Gordon University
Above all care experienced students want to be treated like everyone else. And being treated like everyone else means being recognised, being praised and being told to keep going when there may not be anyone else to say it.
UCAS Remember to tick the box on your UCAS application to let the university know you have been in care. This information is confidential and will only be used in positive way to provide support whilst you are at university. The UCAS website (www.ucas.com) has a range of specific advice and information that you may find useful if you have been in care. CONTACT If you would like to chat about the support available or would just like some more information, you can call 01224 263092 or email access@rgu.ac.uk. Our adviser is based in the Health and Social Care Building; just ask at the Student Help Point on level 3 if you would like to meet in person or discuss any issues.
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DEPARTMENT FOR THE ENHANCEMENT OF LEARNING, TEACHING AND ACCESS