1. Helping learners make informed choices Welcome

2. Timetable for the afternoon 2-2.15pm: Introductions 2.15-2.45pm: Supporting vocational learners make the right HE choice: Kiran Rami 2.45-3.30pm: Unistats; Catherine Cameron and Helen Blencowe 3.30-3.45pm: Break 3.45-4pm: Adviser website HECAIL and student ambassador scheme 4pm-4.40pm: Breakout session followed by panel discussion 4.40-4.45pm: Round up and Evaluation 5pm: Finish

3. Introductions

4. Where to begin? How did you get to where you are now? Who where the key people that influenced your career? How was your own experience different from that of the learners you are now advising?

5. The choices Over 50,000 joint and combined course combinations available Over 115 universities and over 200 more other higher education providers in the UK What can applicants do to find a course and place that is right for them?

6. Supporting Vocational Learners Kiran Rami Head of Guidance and Information Services at Uxbridge College

7. Unistats Catherine Cameron and Helen Blencowe

8. Break

9. www.hecail.ac.uk Higher Education College Advisers in London

10. Collaborative Student Ambassador Scheme Pilot year Specific BTEC and Access learner support Undergraduate students who have studied on either an Access or BTEC course prior to going to HE, will act as role models and help support current Access and BTEC learners. Ambassadors will be available to attend a number of college events including information evenings, student life talks, careers events and UCAS days. Outline of timings… December 2015/January 2016 ( and ongoing): Expression of interest from colleges and HEIs wanting to take part in the scheme. January 2016: A training plan will be agreed with each participating HEI, and ambassadors to take part in the scheme also identified. Colleges will identify events or dates that they would like ambassadors to be available to give support. February/March 2106: Training sessions at HEI led by Linking London staff March onwards: Ambassadors will go and deliver sessions in participating colleges. July 2016: Evaluation of scheme and plan produced for next academic year.

11. Discussion Groups In your group discuss: 1.Thinking about your own work context, from your own experience … a)What are the main factors that influence your learners the most when making a decision about higher education? b)When your learners are considering higher education what are the most common questions they ask you? 2.What are the key factors to consider when supporting BTEC and Access learners make informed choices and successful application to HE? Then come up with 3 questions per group that you would like to present to the panel to answer.

12. Panel Session Andrew Jones, Deputy Director and IAG Specialist, Linking London Kiran Rami, Head of Guidance and Information Services, Uxbridge College Sarah Tucker, Widening Participation Officer - Post 16, SOAS, University of London

13. HE in London Student Award 2016 HE in London has received a donation through HEFCE, which will be used to award selected students currently in their final year at a school or college in London, who hold a conditional or unconditional offer to begin a higher education course in Autumn 2016. There are 20, £500 cash awards available for your students to receive. The student must come from a widening participation background and be attending a London school or college. The award recognises the barriers that young people and adults have overcome, as well as their educational achievements. We are asking for nomination now from teachers, tutors and advisers: the nomination form and full criteria can be found on www.heinlondon.ac.uk Deadline for nominations: 15 April 2016 Successful nominations will be informed by: 6 June 2016 The award ceremony will be held in on 3 rd November 2016 in the evening at Senate House

14. Coming up…NNCO activities Subject specific workshops (27th April, 2pm - 5pm: Spotlight on Psychology ) Collaborative Student Ambassador Scheme Online personal statement checking service (September 2016) Plus… 10 th May, 1pm-5pm: Linking London’s NNCO one year on: Working collaboratively to support learner progression to HE 23rd June, 10am - 4pm: Linking London NNCO Conference