Laura Cattell

Goldsmiths, University of London

Laura CattellOutreach ManagerGoldsmiths, University of London

What are we doing?

• Goldsmiths’ widening participation priorities for 2012-13 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 ActivitiesThe 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.

PrimaryAspiration-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 16-24 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 DevelopmentWe 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 centresMature 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 stagesActivities 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

FinanceGoldsmiths 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 disability5 x £4000 to students who are care leavers

THANK YOU

Questions?

outreach@gold.ac.uk020 7717 2596