Laura Cattell

Goldsmiths, University of London Laura Cattell Outreach Manager Goldsmiths, University of London

What are we doing? Goldsmiths’ widening participation priorities for 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 Activities The 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.

Primary Aspiration-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 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 Development We 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 centres Mature 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 stages Activities 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

Finance Goldsmiths 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 disability 5 x £4000 to students who are care leavers

THANK YOU Questions?