News
The Widening Participation team is constantly striving to improve existing activities, and create new projects. UW students are welcome to apply for paid work opportunities through our WOW scheme, and we would like to hear from schools, colleges, and community groups who wish to access the campus or have activities delivered on their site. Please contact a member of the team on 01905 855554 to discuss what we can offer.
WOW Scheme (July 2009)
This year has seen the continuing success of the Widening Participation Unit’s WOW Scheme. WOWs (Worcester Outreach Workers) are University of Worcester students trained to help us develop and deliver innovative new projects and intervention activities.
The role of the WOWs moves far beyond that of a spare pair of hands to help out on events. Our WOWs are involved in planning, delivering, and devising fresh approaches to our work. Whether mentoring, leading fun activities, or running study skills workshops, the WOWs provide positive role-models and an invaluable form of direct, relevant engagement for young learners across a range of subject areas.
In addition to these activities, our WOWs are also involved in a series of intensive intervention activities, including the ThinkSmart programme - a form of group mentoring which utilises Cognitive Behavourial Therapy to underpin a range of workshop sessions designed to raise self esteem and increase motivation.
We are always happy to hear from those who have fresh and innovative ideas for new directions in which we can move.
For more information on the WOW Scheme and the activities on offer, please request a copy of our WOW Menu.
Excellence Hub
The Widening Participation Team is part of the Excellence Hub for the West Midlands. A number of activities for gifted and talented learners aged 11 – 19 take place including interactive subject days and masterclasses. The Hub is designed to give pupils the opportunity to work with current students and lecturers, and to inspire them in the subjects they are interested in. Activities will be available to all talented learners, regardless of their background.
Summer School Applications – Online Pilot We are taking part in a West Midlands Area Wide Pilot of an online summer schools application system. Hosted by UCAS, the system is being trialled in three Worcestershire schools. Following the pilot, summer school applications will all be handled online from 2010 onwards. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Summer School 2009
(April 2009)
This year the University will be organising two Summer Schools. Both will take place during the week Sunday 19th July to Friday 24th July 2009.
Both offer young people the chance to experience university life, from attending lectures to staying in halls of residence.
The Specialist Sports Science Summer School is well established and offers participants the chance to enjoy a variety of sports including: watersports, outdoor pursuits, ultimate frisbee, and access excellent facilities such as the Motion Analysis and Rehabilitation Centre. If you are currently in Year 11 or 12 and have a keen interest in sport, and are planning to study a sports related course or get a job in sports then this is a fantastic opportunity.
The Drama and Performance Summer School is now in its second year. The focus for this residential week will be on creating a piece of theatre for public performance. The students will be guided through this process by University of Worcester staff and current students.
Both Summer Schools are provided completely free of charge, as the University of Worcester and Aimhigher provide full funding.
For further details check out the Summer School pages.
Aimhigher Associates Pilot (January 2009)
Aimhigher Herefordshire and Worcestershire is taking part in the Aimhigher Associates Pilot. Catherine Smith and Hilary Fox at the Area Office have now recruited 20 Aimhigher Associates who will deliver support to their allocated pupils as part of Aimhigher’s Learner Progression Framework.
The Associates Scheme involves current undergraduates from state school backgrounds providing targeted support for pupils between year groups 9 – 13. Associates might for example help their learners to prepare to get the most out of an upcoming HE Fair or help guide them through their UCAS applications.
The scheme will be rolled out nationally from September 2009.
If you would like further information on the Associates Scheme in Herefordshire and Worcestershire, please contact Catherine Smith on Catherine.smith@worc.ac.uk.
New Year Lectures at Malvern Theatre – The Science in Sport
In January 2009 Sports Science experts from the University of Worcester delivered a series of lectures to nearly 1200 Year 7 – 9 students. The lectures were designed to stimulate the interest of students in science and help them to understand science in the context of university life. Using examples within sport the students were introduced to the importance of science in advancing elite performance and how the underpinning science relates to all aspects of everyday life. The lectures were delivered in a simple and easy to understand manner and were very well received by both the staff and students of the Schools who attended.
