Secondary and Further Education Pupils into University: An outreach Summer School Project working with pupils aged fourteen to nineteen. Jane Ellis and Kathryn Maddy

CONTEXT First Campus collaboration between Cardiff University; UWIC; UoG; UWN and RWCMD. Project aims to unlock talent, widen access and encourage young people into learning who haven’t considered it before. Summer School one example of the variety of activities offered as part of the First Campus programme of events.

DELIVERY Four bands from the secondary sector and eight engineers from the Further Education. Recruited through letters to Schools and Colleges; Ads in local press and radio, school visits and word of mouth. Participants should have limited experience of HE. Participants should have potential to engage with and benefit from HE.

RESEARCH Frame of reference is the Music Technology Summer School The three broad aims of the research are: 1.Understand participants’ attitudes to higher education. 2.Provide feedback to facilitators. 3.Assist participants in assessing existing experience and how they can make use of that experience at the Summer School.

METHODOLOGY Two Questionnaires Interviews DVD

INFORMATION REQUIRED FROM THE QUESTIONNAIRES Participant profile – including family education history Self perceptions of own learning styles Knowledge of and attitude towards higher education Future career and educational plans Relations with and to fellow Summer School participants

PREDICTED OUTCOMES FROM THE FIRST QUESTIONNAIRE Limited post 16 educational experience and awareness of progression routes. Negative view of learning competence. Limited understanding and knowledge of HE sector.

PREDICTED OUTCOMES FROM THE SECOND QUESTIONNAIRE Greater awareness of progression routes and subject areas in post compulsory education. Increased intentions to study at FE or HE. Improved self perception of themselves as a competent learner

PREDICTED OUTCOMES FROM THE INTERVIEW PHASE Family not in a position to be able to provide the participant with the background knowledge required to progress into HE. The activity worked to enhance participants self esteem and confidence in their learning ability. Knowledge of progression routes and HE generally. Aspirations raised in the short term.

OUTCOMES FOR HIGHER EDUCATION How outreach activities improve perceptions and knowledge of university for peoples from disadvantaged areas and industry. University staff and postgraduate student skill development. How industry perceives public engagement initiatives in terms of their content and relevance to employment. The environment and conditions under which young people learn best. Specific content that young people want to learn. An analysis of what young people need to learn. Making cultural changes in an effort to make pedagogical and physical environment more welcoming and accessible.

CONCLUSION Expected that the research finding will indicate that there is a recognized value to both participants and academic staff and students undertaking and participating in widening access initiatives