Projects & Initiatives with Schools and Colleges
The term Access is used to describe any activity that aims to promote the more widespread uptake of Higher Education (HE) among those groups that are traditionally underrepresented at university. In real terms this means St Andrews is committed to ‘Fair Access’ by offering opportunities to those who come from 'non-traditional' backgrounds to take part in school and college projects. This will enable those pupils and college students to not only aspire to university, but also to have the means in which to access the ones of their choice.
The four project areas include:
1. Aspire (ages 10-13)
2. First Chances (ages 14-17)
3. STAR (ages 18+) - Students Through Alternative Routes
4. Teachers Together Conference
1. Aspire
Space School @ St Andrews
Space School is a project in partnership with the University and Fife Education Service, whereby each primary school involved selects two Primary 6 pupils. They attend six Saturday classes in Physics & Astronomy and Mathematics, Biology, Computer Science, Geography & Geosciences, Psychology and Chemistry centred on a space theme which dovetails with the National Curriculum for Excellence.
Astronauts and NASA scientists are invited over to St Andrews to help deliver phase two of the project in the form of a one week Summer Space School in June. Working with the Traveller Education Unit, two places have been made available for pupils within the travelling community.
Loan Boxes
As a spin-off to the Space School programme, Loan Boxes are provided to schools containing Lego Mindstorm and Robotic Kits. These can be loaned anywhere in Fife for use in either their lessons or after school clubs which would not normally have access to such equipment.
Science Camp
This is a residential science camp specifically aimed at Primary 6 and 7 pupils. Lasting two days with an overnight stay in University accommodation, pupils undertake a series of scientific activities:
- Rock Pool Research
- Computer Programming
- Building Rockets
- Making Robots
- Learning about Marine Life
- Using Telescopes
- Space Quest
- A Night in the Museum
Living Local, Thinking Global
This is a HSBC Global Education Fund supported project. The target group is upper primary and lower secondary pupils. Through the resources of the University and the student body, a programme has been developed with the theme of ‘Global Citizenship’ in the areas of Health & Wellbeing, Enterprise and Culture & Diversity.
The project involves the following activities that take place throughout the year:
- Cultural Exchange Day
- Teddy Bear Hospital
- University Challenge
- Global Experience Day
2. First Chances
First Chances Project
A number of secondary schools from the Fife area participate in the First Chances project. The rationale behind First Chances is for the school to select ten pupils at the start of S3 who they feel can be aided in raising their aspirations and attainment. Pupils attend a residential summer school at the University and then over the period of the year, with the help of St Andrews student mentors, complete a project report and deliver a PowerPoint presentation. At the start of S4 the pupils return for phase two of their residential experience to take part in feedback sessions, academic workshops as well as a graduation ceremony.
Reach Scotland
Reach Scotland is aimed at increasing and diversifying applications to high demand subjects in competitive universities. Reach (St Andrews) invites Fife secondary school pupils from S4 to S6 to take part in the programme. The programme is open to those interested in studying Medicine, Economics and one other subject offered at St Andrews. Pupils also have access to a variety of projects that St Andrews already runs as well as the opportunity to get involved in events such as:
- After school workshops (clinical skills, exploring professional jobs)
- Opportunities to gain work experience
- Mini lecture series
- UCAS and university application guidance (Personal Statements, UKCAT, interview preparation)
- Information for parents and teachers
Sutton Trust Summer School
The only one in Scotland and co-funded by the Sutton Trust, this summer school offers up to 100 places for S5 pupils across Scotland . Pupils who are considered for this summer school meet most if not all of the following criteria:
- Show academic potential through their S4 exam results
- Are the first in their family to go to university
- Attend a school with low progression to university
- Attend a school with low attainment in S5
The aim of the summer school is to get the pupils to focus on applying for competitive courses and universities rather than 'just settling' for the nearest or easiest option. Pupils live in a hall of residence for a week and attend lectures, laboratories and tutorials in two subject areas of their choice. Sessions are held on the UCAS application process, student finance, student life and teamwork.
Student Shadowing & Mentoring
This programme is specifically aimed at encouraging pupils from non traditional backgrounds to spend a day shadowing an undergraduate student to appropriate lectures, tutorials and seminars. The student is also there to answer any questions on student life the pupils may have. They then have the opportunity to take part in the ementoring scheme StAN (St Andrews Access Network) where they continue to receive help and advice from current students on a secure online forum site.
3. STAR
Local College Initiatives
St Andrews works closely with six local colleges:
- Adam Smith
- Angus
- Carnegie
- Dundee
- Elmwood
- Perth
The University aims to help ease the transition for students from college to university by giving the appropriate advice and guidance, in terms of:
- Talks to local college students
- Attendance at college careers events
- Guidance sessions on applying to university
- Shadowing invitations
SWAP
St Andrews is committed to working in partnership with the Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP) to ensure all students coming through this route have the information required to make a competitive application to the University of St Andrews.
Access to Medicine
In partnership with Perth College and the University’s Medical School a 'Pathway to Medicine' has been developed whereby places in Medicine at St Andrews are offered to students coming through this HNC Applied Sciences programme.
4. Teachers Together
Teachers Together is a partnership between Scottish state schools, Local Education Authorities and the University of St Andrews. The partnership is designed to encourage links between schools and higher education to ensure that relevant, accurate and timely guidance is given to pupils when preparing to study at university. University staff also have an opportunity to hear about subject developments in schools which may influence attainment and achievement levels.
Teachers Together has become a key event in bringing together teachers from all sectors of education and been the catalyst for forming long lasting partnerships. Both local primary school teachers and state secondary school teachers throughout Scotland have taken part.
Guidance information
Attending Careers Conventions pupils and parents receive informative and relevant advice on how to apply to the University as well as details of attending Visiting Days or Summer Schools. S2 pupils and their parents will find these nights useful when choosing which Standard Grades to choose while S4/5 pupils will gain expert advice on taking the right Higher or Advanced Higher combination to apply to university.
A range of school talks are also provided on topics such as:
- Choosing a University
- Writing a UCAS Personal Statement
- Applying to the University of St Andrews