Schools engagement programmes
University Collections and Museums coordinate and deliver this service in partnership with Admissions, Widening Participation colleagues and relevant academic departments.
Admissions staff use the service to support their work engaging with schools to widen access to university by under-represented groups. Research and academic staff use the service to deliver research engagement and impact.
Teachers use the service to provide engaging learning opportunities for their pupils. Pupils use the service to develop skills, confidence and knowledge, achieve specified learning outcomes and recognise University study as an option for their future.
What we will do:
We will provide access for staff, teachers and pupils to four core engagement strands delivered by University Collections and Museums in partnership with Admissions and academic colleagues:
- First Chances Fife – curriculum-linked sessions delivered in participating schools alongside exhibition activity.
- Family Fun Day – family-focused engagement activities introducing young people and families to University spaces, collections and study opportunities.
- Teachers Together – professional engagement for teachers, showcasing University teaching, research, collections and resources.
- Common Ground – a longer-term programme using collections and research to support sustained engagement, progression awareness, confidence and skills development.
Across all strands, users can expect:
- structured and inclusive learning experiences
- opportunities to engage with University spaces, staff and collections
- clear communication about bookings and participation
- activities designed to support access, aspiration and meaningful learning outcomes.
Delivery timescales vary depending on the programme and academic calendar.
How this will be delivered:
University Collections and Museums coordinate and deliver the service in partnership with Admissions, Widening Participation colleagues and relevant academic departments.
Depending on the programme, delivery may include:
- promotion of opportunities and recruitment of participating schools or groups
- booking, scheduling and confirmation of sessions
- liaison with teachers, school contacts and partner organisations
- agreeing learning aims, group needs and practical arrangements in advance
- delivery on campus, in schools, online or at partner venues
- provision of collections-based learning activities, workshops, tours or resources
- management of materials, spaces and agreed delivery costs where applicable
- collection of feedback, evaluation and impact reporting.
What we will ask of you:
To take part in the service, you may be asked to:
- respond to calls for participation or invitations issued through Admissions or partner teams
- complete booking or registration processes by published deadlines
- confirm attendance, participant numbers and relevant group information at least three months in advance
- share any access, safeguarding or support requirements to help plan delivery
- provide appropriate staff supervision for pupils during activities
- support participant attendance and engagement across agreed sessions, particularly for sustained programmes such as Common Ground
- maintain communication with University staff if circumstances change
- some programmes operate within fixed annual timescales linked to the academic calendar, so places may be limited.
What this will cost:
- participation is free of charge for schools, teachers, pupils.