Widening Participation
WORKING WITH SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES 2013-14
CONTENTS About LSE
1
Politics Conference
17
Activities at a glance
2
Taster Courses
17
Key dates for your calendar
3
LSE CHOICE 18
Widening Participation at LSE
4
Student Shadowing
20
Visits and Tours
21
Visits and Tours
22
Email an Alum
22
LSE Open Days
23
Public Lectures
24
Advising the Advisers
25
Additional support and other activities
26
Safeguarding children and young people
27
Contact details
28
How to find LSE
29
Higher Education Progression 5 Framework LSE Access Agreement and financial support
6
Disabled students
7
Looked after children
7
Moving On
8
LSE Tutoring
9
LSE Mentoring
10
Introduction to Social Sciences 11 Promoting Potential Spring School
12
The Black Achievement Conference
13
ACE and ACE High Days
14
Year 11 Summer Schools
15
Pathways to Law (London)
16
The information in this brochure can be made available in alternative formats, on request. Please contact: 020 7955 6613 email: widening.participation@lse.ac.uk The London School of Economics and Political Science is a School of the University of London. It is a charity and is incorporated in England as a company limited by guarantee under the Companies Acts (Reg No 70527). Freedom of thought and expression is essential to the pursuit, advancement and dissemination of knowledge. LSE seeks to ensure that intellectual freedom and freedom of expression within the law is secured for all our members and those we invite to the School.
lse.ac.uk/wideningparticipation
Design: LSE Design Unit Photography: Nigel Stead, LSE Photographer and page 16, Guy Jordan.
1
ABOUT LSE Founded in 1895 by Beatrice and Sidney Webb and George Bernard Shaw, LSE is one of the 18 selfgoverning colleges of the University of London. It is the only university in the UK which specialises in the social sciences. LSE is consistently one of the UK’s highest ranked universities and also has an excellent reputation globally. 16 Nobel prize winners and 34 past or present world leaders have been LSE staff or alumni. At LSE a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in social sciences are taught across 24 academic departments, institutes and centres. The School has a cosmopolitan student body, with around 9,500 full-time students from 150 countries. Students regularly cite the international mix as one of the major benefits of studying at LSE, together with the opportunity to study alongside many of the leading academics working in their particular subject area.
LSE has always recruited the best students, irrespective of socioeconomic background. LSE admissions tutors are looking for students who have the academic ability to succeed on our programmes, but also those students who are clearly passionate about their subject and who will make a significant contribution to the life of the School. Information on all our undergraduate programmes can be found in the 2014 undergraduate prospectus at lse.ac.uk/undergraduate/ Details of the application process, including entry criteria and guidance on completing the UCAS form, are also available online.
2
ACTIVITIES AT A GLANCE
Moving On
Page
Yr 6
Yr 7
8
4 4
4 4 4
LSE Tutoring
9
LSE Mentoring
10
Introduction to Social Sciences
11
Promoting Potential Spring School
12
Black Achievement Conference
13
ACE Days
14
ACE High Days
14
Year 11 Summer Schools
15
Year 12 Politics Conference
17
Pathways to Law LSE CHOICE
Yr 8
Yr 9
Yr 10
Yr 11
Yr 12
4 4 4 4
4 4
4 4
4 4
4 4
4
4
4
4 4 4
16 20
Personal Statement Workshops
22
Organised Visits to LSE
21
School/College Talks
22
Email an Alum
22
Visits and Tours
22
Open Days
23
Taster Courses
17
LSE Public Lectures
24
Advising the Advisers
25
Activities shaded in grey are open to students and teachers from all state schools in the UK
Adult Teachers/ Learners Advisers
4 4
18-19
Student Shadowing
Yr 13
4 4 4
4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
4 4 4
3
KEY DATES FOR YOUR CALENDAR 2013
Page
19 October
Black Achievement Conference
13
25 October
Moving On
8
28 October
Campus Tour
21
30 October
Campus Tour
21
1 November
Campus Tour
21
28 November
Introduction to Social Sciences
11
16-18 December
Moving On
8
2014
Page
9 January
Moving On
8
28 January
Moving On
8
29 January
Introduction to Social Sciences
11
17 February
Campus Tour
21
19 February
Campus Tour
21
21 February
Campus Tour
21
26 March
LSE Open Day
23
24 March – 4 April
ACE and ACE High Days
14
7-11 April
Promoting Potential Spring School
12
14 May
Introduction to Social Sciences
11
28 May
Campus Tour
21
30 May
Campus Tour
21
9-13 June
ACE and ACE High Days
14
13 June
Advising the Advisers
25
For LSE CHOICE Saturday session dates see page 18. For additional Moving On dates please contact the project coordinator.
24 June
Year 12 Politics Conference
17
2 July
LSE Open Day
23
4 July
Taster Courses
17
7-11 July
Year 11 Summer Schools
15
18-22 August
LSE CHOICE Summer School
Term
Dates
Michaelmas Term
3 October – 13 December 2013
Lent Term
13 January – 21 March 2014
Summer Term
28 April – 4 July 2014
18-19
4
WIDENING PARTICIPATION AT LSE At LSE we believe that all students should have the opportunity to go on to higher education regardless of their background, and that it is our social responsibility to encourage and support them in exploring their options and making their decisions. LSE has been involved in widening participation and access initiatives since 1998 and our activities aim to address the differences in take-up of higher education opportunities across different social groups. Under-representation is directly linked with broader issues of equity and social inclusion and LSE works to ensure equal opportunities in higher education for students from widening participation backgrounds. Our outreach programmes help London students from widening participation backgrounds discover more about the opportunities available to them and encourage them to consider how best they can fulfil their potential and reach their goals. We work with the capital’s state schools, colleges and sixth forms to raise aspirations, awareness and attainment among communities which are underrepresented in higher education. For detailed information regarding our targeting and selection criteria please
refer to the relevant programme pages at lse.ac.uk/wideningparticipation In our work with London students aged 10 to 15 we aim to instil a love for learning and begin to raise awareness of the benefits of education. We also aim to break down myths and misconceptions about university, its associated costs and the application process. Our post-16 programmes are designed to academically stretch students in their chosen subject as well as provide them with the knowledge and skills to apply to LSE and other competitive Russell Group universities. All of our widening participation activities are led by staff and supported by LSE student ambassadors, mentors and tutors, who act as role models, talk about their own experience of higher education and encourage younger students to think about university.
This brochure outlines the programmes LSE offers to London schools, colleges and sixth-forms in the 2013-14 academic year, and provides contact details for project coordinators should you wish to take part or find out more. We aim to make all of our activities fully accessible. If you would like to take part and you have disabled students or staff please let us know this when booking so that we can discuss our facilities and your requirements. We hope that you and your students will be able to take part in some of our schemes over the coming year. Thank you for supporting LSE’s widening participation activities.
Funding All activities are free for schools and colleges to take part in. Activities listed in this brochure are fully funded by LSE and through the generous support of private donors: The Legal Education Foundation The Sutton Trust Robert Hodges (BSc International History, 1990) Peter Oppenheimer (BSc Geography, 1985) Tim Frost (BSc Government, 1987) and Alison Rankin Frost (BA International History, 1985)
5
HIGHER EDUCATION PROGRESSION FRAMEWORK In November 2007 the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust published its Higher Education Related Learning Framework, which was followed in June 2008 by the publication of the Higher Education Progression Framework by Action on Access. Both frameworks provide useful guidance for schools, colleges and universities to support them to work in partnership to develop a comprehensive range of studentcentred HE-related activities that span across the secondary school years with the following aims: 1 T o raise awareness of higher education generally 2 T o raise aspirations and motivate students 3 To help raise attainment The progression framework concept involves creating opportunities for selected students from backgrounds which are traditionally underrepresented in higher education to experience a sustained programme of university-related activities and events across their school years. It requires long-term, deep and coordinated partnerships between schools and universities in order to be effective.
During 2013-14 we will ensure that past participants are invited to future activities at LSE in order to develop stronger links with pupils and partner schools. CONTACT Samantha Paxton Email: s.c.paxton@lse.ac.uk
6
LSE ACCESS AGREEMENT AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT LSE is committed to ensuring that students from all social and economic backgrounds continue to apply to the School and that no-one is deterred from doing so because of financial considerations. Since the introduction of variable fees in 2006, around one third of LSE’s additional fee income has been reinvested in widening participation and student bursaries. Our latest Access Agreement builds on past success and commits half of our additional fee income to undergraduate bursaries, outreach and on-course support. As part of this agreement, LSE offers a generous package of bursaries and scholarships to undergraduate students, which do not have to be repaid. 1 L SE Bursaries are available for all students who are in receipt of a full or partial maintenance grant. For new students starting in 2014, the maximum bursary available is £4,000 per year for students from the lowest income backgrounds. The Bursary value tapers to £750 for those students on a partial grant.
lse.ac.uk/financialsupportoffice
2 L SE National Scholarship Awards, worth £6,000 over a three year programme, are available for students in receipt of a full maintenance award and from the lowest income backgrounds. This is in addition to an LSE Bursary. 3 A range of scholarships and awards, funded by external donors and foundations, are available for undergraduates each year. 4 O n-course financial help is available in the form of the Access to Learning Fund and an expanded Student Support Fund. Details of the LSE Bursary scheme and other student support measures can be found on the LSE website at lse.ac.uk/financialsupport To read our latest Access Agreement please visit www.offa.org.uk/access-agreements
7
LOOKED AFTER CHILDREN
DISABLED STUDENTS
LSE is committed to promoting equality and diversity. If you are a Looked after children are vulnerable to missing out on disabled person and need assistance to take part in any of our education. LSE is fully committed to providing opportunities activities or if you have disabled students or staff, please let us for children in care or leaving care. know when booking in order to discuss your requirements. We are committed to complying with the Equality Act 2010 by: • Maximising accessibility to the School’s services and activities for disabled staff, students, alumni, visitors, and prospective students, and ensuring that noone is treated less favourably on the ground of disability. • Developing a culture of inclusion and diversity in which people feel free to disclose an impairment, should they wish to do so, and to discuss reasonable adjustments in order to promote equal participation in the School’s services and activities. In adherence to the Data Protection Act 1998, such information shall be passed on only with consent and where there is a legitimate reason to do so.
• Creating, maintaining and disseminating information about services and facilities available for disabled staff, students, alumni, visitors and prospective students.
Nationally, an estimated one per cent of care leavers progress into higher education and the barriers faced by looked after children can be very different to those faced by other groups. The Widening Participation team works hard to ensure that looked after children are able to benefit from our activities and guidance. The team is an active member of AccessHE Looked After Children Forum which works to ensure that partner universities have provision in place to support looked after children. During 2013-14 we will be involved in the AccessHE pan-London Looked After Children Conference which will provide networking opportunities for those involved in supporting looked after children. Local authority looked after children teams are encouraged to contact LSE if they have a particular group of students that they think would benefit from participation in our programmes.
lse.ac.uk/disabilityoffice
The special circumstances of looked after students are always considered when assessing applications for all LSE widening participation programmes. CONTACT Email: widening.participation@lse.ac.uk
8
Years 6-7
MOVING ON Moving On aims to make a valuable contribution to Year 6 and 7 pupils’ transition to secondary education, by showing them that change happens throughout life and can be a positive experience.
This is often the first taste of university for pupils and so the programme is also designed to help raise aspirations.
“Wow! What an inspirational and thought provoking day! I was amazed to see children who often struggle to formulate and share ideas, having The three hour interactive programme high level discussions and engaging is led by widening participation staff in activities. Moving On really inspires with LSE students facilitating group children to understand the higher work and providing positive role models. educational options available to them Moving On culminates with a class and to question pre-conceived ideas graduation ceremony. about university”. The main components of the programme are: • The life ladder: Looking at changes which take place throughout a lifetime.
Deborah Hogan, Thomas Buxton Primary School
LSE can accommodate up to 30 pupils per session.
Current available dates: Friday 25 October 2013 Monday 16 December 2013 • Agony Aunt: Helps students analyse fears for moving to secondary school and Tuesday 17 December 2013 Wednesday 18 December 2013 thinking of solutions. Thursday 9 January 2014 • A campus tour: A guided campus trail Friday 19 January 2014 completing questions along the way. Tuesday 28 January 2014 Future dates will be made available online. • Planning a day out: Becoming more For detailed information on our independent by planning a hypothetical targeting and selection criteria trip around London. please visit lse.ac.uk/movingon • Graduation: Opportunity to look at a CONTACT graduation outfit and graduate from Sophia Mousoulides Moving On. Email: s.mousoulides@lse.ac.uk Tel: 020 7955 7003
9
Years 6-12
LSE TUTORING LSE Tutoring has been running since 1988 and in 2012-13 87 LSE students volunteered in 13 primary and secondary schools across seven London boroughs.
Student tutors work in schools, under the supervision of teachers, helping pupils with their academic work. The project has a number of important aims: • To help raise pupils’ achievement and increase the amount of contact time they have with an adult. • To raise pupils’ aspirations and to encourage them to consider higher education when they leave school. • To give university students the opportunity to develop their social, organisational and problem solving skills. • To enable university students to gain important work experience, and to take part in a valuable community programme. Student tutors normally spend two to three hours per week at a school or college in the Spring Term, on a convenient afternoon. Students work in small groups assisting selected pupils with their academic studies.
Feedback received from schools demonstrates how valuable this adult support is, however, the benefits work both ways. Past tutors from LSE have gained confidence and improved their skills, with a student tutor commenting “I learnt how to interact and how to teach pupils, working on their level. The experience has taught me a lot about myself and others, and will definitely benefit me in my life and future employment.” Last year, LSE students who participated in the scheme were studying a variety of both undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Tutors are able to work with pupils in Years 6-12. “The students at Maria Fidelis have benefited enormously from the scheme. Not only have they received excellent tutoring, their aspirations have been raised by the tutors – such that our students are saying that maybe in the future they too may be able to go to a prestigious university, like LSE.” Suba Dickerson, Maria Fidelis RC Convent School
“It made me want to give back to individuals or my community even more than before, it made me want to perform well academically even more than before, it made me want to go to university even more than before.” Student from Christ the King Sixth Form College
Recruitment takes place in October 2013 and the programme runs in schools from January to March. For detailed information on our targeting and selection criteria please visit lse.ac.uk/studenttutoring CONTACT Sophia Mousoulides Email: s.mousoulides@lse.ac.uk Tel: 020 7955 7003
10
Years 7-12
LSE MENTORING LSE Mentoring seeks to raise aspirations, improve attainment and help pupils to become more confident, focused, organised and motivated at school or college, and in the communities in which they live.
The programme promotes high standards of mentoring and provides a body of expertise which can be of considerable benefit to the pupils involved in the project and to their schools and colleges.
• Raise their awareness of higher
The project aims to help mentees:
• Develop greater self-esteem, motivation, confidence and persistence.
• Improve their performance in key stage assessments and at GCSE and A Level
“ It gave me a better insight into the world of college and universities.” Charlie Serra Mentee from LSE Mentoring Scheme
“ I enjoyed being able to talk to someone about what’s going well and not so well in my education.” Olayinkia Taiwo Mentee from LSE Mentoring Scheme
“ It was useful to learn about ways to revise for any subject.” G Dilara Bektas Mentee from LSE Mentoring Scheme
education opportunities • Acquire and develop study skills in order to improve their application to their studies
Potential mentors are put through a rigorous selection process and receive intensive training, after which they become recognised mentors. Each week the mentor visits a school for three hours, spending 30 minutes with each pupil, discussing the progress of their studies and identifying any areas in which the pupils can improve.
The programme runs in schools from January to March. For detailed information on our targeting and selection criteria please see lse.ac.uk/wpmentoring CONTACT Alexandra Smith Email: a.smith@lse.ac.uk Tel: 020 7107 5250
11
Year 8
INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL SCIENCES
This one day event aims to introduce the content and language of the social sciences to Year 8 pupils who are considering their GCSE choices.
Staff and students from LSE work with pupils to explore the social sciences, their relevance to the big questions of the day and how GCSE choices can facilitate progression into the study of social sciences at higher level. Subjects are introduced through 45 minute formal lectures by LSE academics. Topics are also discussed in small groups supported by LSE students. Previous topics have included the Happiness of Economics and London, a History. The day also includes student led Q and A sessions and a tour of the LSE campus. There is one Introduction to the Social Sciences session each term. LSE can accommodate up to 50 Year 8 pupils per session (25 pupils from two schools).
“The day was very stimulating, well organised and pitched at the right level to engage the Year 8 pupils in preparation for thinking about their GCSE choices.� Maria Fearon, Southfields Academy
Dates: Thursday 28 November 2013 Wednesday 29 January 2014 Wednesday 14 May 2014 For detailed information on our targeting and selection criteria please see lse.ac.uk/introsocsci
CONTACT Joanna Pink Email: j.pink@lse.ac.uk Tel: 020 7955 7645
12
Year 8
PROMOTING POTENTIAL SPRING SCHOOL
This spring school provides 50 places for boys from African-Caribbean backgrounds to learn about the range of subjects available to them at university.
LSE’s Promoting Potential Spring School provides Year 8 boys from AfricanCaribbean backgrounds the opportunity to explore a range of subjects available to them at university.
• Opportunities to interact with LSE’s African-Caribbean undergraduates
The school aims to stimulate interest in the social sciences as well as encourage excitement and debate, support formal and informal learning and reach new audiences not normally engaged with higher education.
Dates: Monday 7 – Friday 11 April 2014
The course is non-residential, runs from 9am to 4pm each day and there is no cost to the pupil. Lunch is available free of charge each day, all course materials are provided and travel costs are refunded at the end of the week. Pupils have the opportunity to work closely with LSE’s African Caribbean Society, meet LSE academics and gain an insight into studying at university. The programme consists of the following: • Social sciences workshops and taster sessions • Tour of LSE’s halls of residence
• An off-site workplace visit.
For detailed information on our targeting and selection criteria please see lse.ac.uk/ PromotingPotentialYear8
CONTACT Rosie Tattersall Email: r.tattersall@lse.ac.uk Tel: 020 7852 3662
13
Years 10-12
THE BLACK ACHIEVEMENT CONFERENCE As part of the UK’s Black History Month, LSE hosts a conference for African-Caribbean heritage students and their families. The Black Achievement Conference aims to encourage young AfricanCaribbean students in years 10, 11 and 12 to continue to aim high, celebrate past achievements and involve parents in the decision making process. Hosted by presenter and entertainer Kat B from MTV and including a lineup of speakers from London’s African Caribbean community, the conference is designed to help students and their families plan for their future by providing a taste of higher education. The event will inspire students to aim higher, think bigger, realise their potential and make informed choices about what to do with their futures and will include: • Motivational seminars • Parent workshops with practical tips on supporting their childs’ education • Student life workshops led by LSE’s African Caribbean Society “ It was such a great event. My son found it inspirational and said it has changed his perspective and attitude towards life.” Parent of conference attendee
Date: 19 October 2013 For detailed information on our targeting and selection criteria please see lse.ac.uk/blackachievement conference
CONTACT Rosie Tattersall Email: r.tattersall@lse.ac.uk Tel: 020 7852 3662
14
Years 9-11
ACE AND ACE HIGH DAYS ACE and ACE High Days give pupils the opportunity to spend time on campus exploring higher education and finding out about student life.
ACE days
ACE high days
Schools are invited to send a group of pupils to spend half a day at LSE following a specially designed programme of activities. Our Aiming for a College Education (ACE) days encourage Year 9 and 10 pupils to start thinking about the possibility of going to University. The activity based sessions give pupils an insight into university life, the opportunities available to them in higher education, and the options attending university can open up to them.
ACE high days are for Year 10 and 11 pupils who have already had a basic introduction to university and are ready to explore higher education in more detail. These interactive sessions are a fun and enjoyable way for Year 10 and 11 pupils to explore various aspects of student life.
During these interactive sessions pupils work in small groups led by LSE students. Each ACE session lasts half a day and schools can request a morning (10am – 12noon) or an afternoon (2-4pm) session.
A typical session looks at: • The financial responsibilities of being a student • Progression routes into higher education • Research skills • Balancing study and social life. Pupils work in small groups led by LSE students. Each ACE high session lasts half a day and schools can request either a morning (10am – 12noon) or an afternoon (2-4pm) session.
ACE and ACE high days will be running on the following dates: Monday 24 March 2014 – Friday 4 April 2014 (excluding Wednesday 26 March 2014) Monday 9 June 2014 – Friday 13 June 2014 LSE can accommodate up to 25 pupils at a time on both ACE and ACE high days. For detailed information on our targeting and selection criteria please see: ACE Days: lse.ac.uk/acedays ACE High Days: lse.ac.uk/acehighdays
CONTACT Alexandra Smith Email: a.smith@lse.ac.uk Tel: 020 7107 5250 “ACE was an excellent opportunity for our younger students to really understand the concept of higher education, being a student and the positives of a university education. There were some really fun and interactive activities”. Miss Chitra Iyengar, Woodbridge High School
15
Year 11
SUMMER SCHOOLS
Running since 2000, the LSE Summer Schools offer 120 pupils the opportunity to spend a week at LSE in the summer after completing their GCSEs. Pupils get the chance to experience university life first hand and have a taste of subjects available to them at university.
The Year 11 Summer Schools aim to give students who have just completed their GCSEs an opportunity to spend a week at LSE taking part in a range of social science subjects whilst learning more about university.
Monday 7 – Friday 11 July 2014
Pupils have the opportunity to meet LSE academics and students and get a taste of different subjects and how they are taught at university. They study alongside pupils from different schools across London, giving them the chance to make new friends and exchange ideas.
CONTACT Rosie Tattersall Email: r.tattersall@lse.ac.uk Tel: 020 7852 3662
The courses are non-residential, run from 9am to 4pm each day and are available to pupils at no cost. Lunch is available free of charge each day, all course materials are provided and travel costs are refunded at the end of the week. “It was brilliant; I’ve learnt so much Economics and made lots of friends.” Summer School student
“The best thing about the summer school, was meeting new people and learning more about law” Summer School student
For detailed information on our targeting and selection criteria please see lse.ac.uk/ Year11SummerSchools
16
Years 12-13
PATHWAYS TO LAW (LONDON) Pathways to Law is a two year legal programme run in conjunction with the Sutton Trust and the Legal Education Foundation. LSE and UCL (University College London) jointly recruit students for Pathways to Law (London).
Pathways to Law aims to give students the information, advice and guidance needed to succeed in a career in law. Students join Pathways to Law in year 12 and continue through to the end of year 13. Students on the programme are invited to attend LSE based academic sessions on legal issues as well as a diverse range of topics including choosing and applying to university, CV and interview techniques, subject-specific revision sessions and workshops on different areas of the law. Students will also visit the Old Bailey, Supreme Court, Inner Temple and the Royal Courts of Justice. In addition students will take part in work experience in the legal sector as well as receiving e-mentoring from LSE undergraduate law students.
For detailed information on our targeting and selection criteria please see lse.ac.uk/pathwaystolaw
CONTACT Rosie Tattersall Email: r.tattersall@lse.ac.uk Tel: 020 7852 3662
17
Year 12
Year 12
This annual conference for Year 12 students examines contemporary issues in government and politics.
LSE is one of 25 institutions which take part in the University of London Taster Course Programme.
TASTER COURSES
POLITICS CONFERENCE
The conference is run in partnership with the Department of Government and the Department of International Relations, at LSE. A programme of lectures and seminars is led by senior LSE academics and research students and is complemented by a campus tour, an interactive student panel and a session with the LSE Careers Centre. Each year the conference takes a different contemporary subject as its theme. Previous conference themes have included: What way forward for Britain in Europe, The Ethics of War and Globalisation; Civil Society; Religion in Politics Across the World; The New British Politics; and Riots, Rebellions, Revolutions: The Politics of Popular Mobilisation Today. “The conference gave me a great insight into EU politics and expanded beyond the A Level curriculum”. “It made me feel more relaxed about student finance and university life in general”.
“The seminar session was very interesting and talking to students and teachers from LSE gave me more information overall”. Year 12 Politics Conference attendees
Tuesday 24 June 2014 For detailed information on our targeting and selection criteria please see lse.ac.uk/ year12politicsconference
CONTACT Sophia Mousoulides Email: s.mousoulides@lse.ac.uk Tel: 020 7955 7003
The Programme provides Year 12 students thinking about attending university the opportunity to experience life as a university student, in the subject area of their choice. Taster courses take place at universities across London. The LSE taster courses last for one day, and students select one of a range of subject specialisms which will be published on the University of London website nearer the time. Students who are selected will spend a full day at LSE and will gain an insight into the School, its departments and courses, the application process and student life. Current LSE students will also attend the sessions, introducing their chosen subject. “ I really enjoyed the interactive and friendly atmosphere. It showed me the many degree options available.” “ The lectures provided an insight into possible study aspects and gave a taste of the teaching environment.”
Provisional date: 4 July 2014 Available to Year 12 students Places are limited and applications are handled on our behalf by the University of London’s Taster Courses office. Please do not contact LSE directly to apply for a place. For more information and to submit an application, please visit london.ac.uk/tasters
18
Years 12-13
LSE CHOICE LSE CHOICE identifies talented young people from London state schools and colleges and gives them the tools they need to successfully apply to LSE and other competitive Russell Group universities.
LSE CHOICE stands for:
The programme
LSE Challenge
The programme is based at LSE and the next cohort will run from August 2014 through to March 2015.
LSE Higher LSE Opportunity LSE Investment LSE Commitment
There are two main elements to the programme – a week-long summer school followed by 16 two-hour Saturday sessions.
LSE Excellence
Summer School
Each year, the LSE CHOICE programme works with 180 students from nontraditional backgrounds. Students apply for a place on one of five LSE CHOICE subject streams:
The Summer School offers students the opportunity to spend one week studying a subject in which they are interested, together with sessions designed to develop key skills and critical thinking. It is delivered after the AS level results have been published and includes subject consolidation as well as preparation for A2 level study together with university information sessions based on real experiences and expectations, covering topics such as UCAS applications and personal statements. These university information sessions will be delivered by LSE staff from the Student Recruitment and Admissions teams.
• Economics • Government and Politics • History • Mathematics • Sociology.
The non-residential Summer School lasts for five days at the end of August and is delivered by current LSE academic staff and research students, external speakers and experienced subject teachers.
Saturday sessions
Saturday sessions: commence September 2014 2014: 20, 27 September 4, 11, 18 October 8, 15, 22, 29 November 6 December
The two-hour Saturday sessions run on 16 Saturday mornings during the school and college autumn and spring terms of Year 13. Each Saturday session focuses on an important area of the subject, intended to encourage students to think about their subject more broadly.
2015: 24, 31 January 7, 14, 28 February 7 March
There will be an additional optional session which comprises a visit to the University of London open day in September 2014. Students are also expected to attend LSE public lectures.
CONTACT Joanna Pink Email: j.pink@lse.ac.uk Tel: 020 7955 7645
Participation in the programme is free of charge and lunch is provided each day of the Summer School. All transport costs are reimbursed, and students are given an attendance allowance of £12 for each Saturday session. Dates Summer School: 18-22 August 2014
For detailed information on our targeting and selection criteria please see lse.ac.uk/lsechoice
“I got to meet like-minded people and engage with a subject at a different level from what I was used to at college.” LSE CHOICE, Sociology student
“LSE CHOICE has been an amazing compliment to my A-level studies.” LSE CHOICE, Government student
19
STUDENT PROFILE “Having parents that have not obtained a degree can make you feel as if you are at a disadvantage. However LSE CHOICE was instrumental in giving me the confidence, knowledge and belief that I would be able to cope with a Maths based degree. During the summer school I particularly enjoyed learning about the mathematics of the debt crisis and going through STEP papers on the Saturday sessions was a huge help. The teachers on the programme were hugely inspiring and the programme really motivated me to work hard. I now have a place at LSE to read Mathematics with Economics and I’m really excited about starting my course. LSE CHOICE was extremely worthwhile and I am very glad and grateful to have been part of it.” Grisilda Duli LSE CHOICE Student 2012-13 First year Mathematics with Economics, LSE
20
Years 12-13
STUDENT SHADOWING Student shadowing is available to Year 12 and 13 students from London state schools and colleges who are interested in finding out about life as an LSE student.
The shadowing scheme allows Year 12 and 13 students to make an informed decision about whether or not to apply to LSE. Students spend up to three hours at LSE, shadowing a current undergraduate. Pupils accompany their host to an undergraduate lecture, tour the campus and see the Students’ Union. Pupils also have the chance to quiz LSE students about their life at university. There is also the opportunity for students studying languages to shadow undegraduates who have opted to take a language module as part of their degree. Visitors with specific questions about admissions or other aspects of studying at LSE can speak to a member of the Student Recruitment team. In the past three years, over 400 Year 12 and 13 students have taken part in LSE’s student shadowing scheme. Feedback from visitors is resoundingly positive.
Applications open online at the end of September. The scheme runs at LSE between November and March, at various times between 10am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. “ I loved walking around the university and talking to a current student allowed me to get a real feel for the course.” “ It was great to see what a lecture is really like and how students spend their days at LSE. The student I shadowed was really friendly and helpful.” For detailed information on our targeting and selection criteria please see lse.ac.uk/ studentShadowing
CONTACT Jen Coyne Email: widening.participation@lse.ac.uk Tel: 020 7852 3687
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Years 11-13
VISITS AND TOURS The Student Recruitment Office welcomes invitations to attend careers and Higher Education fairs and to arrange campus visits/tours for school groups, prospective students and other visitors.
Careers and Higher Education fairs The Student Recruitment Office is happy to receive invitations to individual school and college careers/HE fairs. We also subscribe to the UCAS Education Conventions programme. For further information visit ucas.com Available to all schools and colleges subject to staff availability.
CONTACT Alice Else Email: a.else@lse.ac.uk Tel: 020 7852 3694
Organised visits to LSE
Campus tours
LSE is happy to arrange visits to campus for groups of ten or more students from schools and colleges. Visits usually last one hour and can include a tour of the campus, a talk by LSE staff and current students, and a question and answer session. Book a visit at lse.ac.uk/visitingLSE
Campus tours are an opportunity for visitors and prospective students to be guided around the school by those who know it best – the students. Tours of the LSE campus take place during each school and college half term holiday. Visitors are not required to book; they can simply turn up at the Student Services Centre at 3pm on their chosen date where they will be met by Student Ambassadors who will show them around the LSE campus. Once the tour is finished visitors can attend an admissions presentation given by a representative from the Student Recruitment Office. The presentation also incorporates a question and answer session.
Available to all schools and colleges subject to staff availability.
CONTACT Alice Else Email: a.else@lse.ac.uk Tel: 020 7852 3694
“ Campus tours were a great opportunity to talk to current LSE students.”
Dates and times 2013-14 Campus tours will take place at 3pm on the following dates: Monday Wednesday Friday
28 October 2013 30 October 2013 1 November 2013
Monday Wednesday Friday
17 February 2014 19 February 2014 21 February 2014
Wednesday Friday
28 May 2014 30 May 2014
Available to all students
CONTACT James Brown Email: j.a.brown@lse.ac.uk Tel: 020 7852 3696
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Years 12-13
Years 11-13
The LSE Student Recruitment Office regularly visits schools and colleges to give talks about a variety of subjects relating to Higher Education.
When choosing a university, prospective students often have questions that are not answered in prospectuses or on websites.
School and college visits
Personal statement workshops
The Student Recruitment Office will work with schools and colleges in order to provide a bespoke talk which is both relevant and informative.
These sessions give students the opportunity to learn from an expert exactly what highly selective universities look for in personal statements. This covers the basics of structure and style as well as more tailored advice regarding content. Workshops can last between 20 minutes and one hour and allow students great insight into the purpose and importance of the personal statement.
The “Email an alum” service allows potential applicants to make contact with recent LSE graduates and ask them questions about their experiences of studying at the School and the impact it has had on their careers since their graduation. Alumni are sorted by country to allow students to contact alumni from their part of the world, but they may also contact people to ask about the particular course they studied, or their chosen career.
VISITS AND TOURS
Popular topics include: • Thinking about and choosing your university • UCAS application process • Student finance and budgeting • Student life • Applying to and studying at LSE • Writing your UCAS personal statement. Talks can last between 20 minutes and one hour and, where necessary, a staff member could be accompanied by an LSE Student Ambassador. The team can be flexible and are willing to consider any format that you feel would be appropriate for your school/college.
CONTACT Alice Else Email: a.else@lse.ac.uk Tel: 020 7852 3694
Personal statement workshops are available to london state schools performing below the national average or those with a higher than average percentage of pupils eligible for free school meals. All workshops are subject to availability.
CONTACT Email: widening.participation @lse.ac.uk
EMAIL AN ALUM
To use the service visit the Email an alum website or contact the Student Recruitment Office: lse.ac.uk/emailAnAlum
CONTACT Daniel Newby Email: d.newby@lse.ac.uk Tel: 020 7955 6143
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Year 12
LSE OPEN DAYS LSE holds two open days each year for prospective undergraduate students. The open day is an opportunity for students to visit LSE and learn more about the courses on offer as well as student life. Students can attend talks, tour the School and a hall of residence, chat to current students and meet with academics from the subject areas they are interested in. The programme of talks will include specific subject sessions, general talks on applying to LSE and student life and specific sessions for parents. Dates for 2014 Wednesday 26 March Wednesday 2 July
Advanced booking for the open days is essential. For block bookings for a group of ten or more students, please contact James Brown. Available to all Year 12 students.
CONTACT James Brown Email: j.a.brown@lse.ac.uk Tel: 020 7852 3696
“ The Open Day proved to be a great taste of life at LSE. It affirmed my decision to apply to the School… and was extremely informative.”
lse.ac.uk/meetLSE
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Year 12
PUBLIC LECTURES LSE holds a series of public lectures which take place throughout the academic year. Everyone is welcome to attend LSE’s public lectures, where some of the most influential figures in the social sciences can be heard. Most lectures are followed by a lively question and answer session where you can take part in the debate. In previous years, lectures by world leaders such as Bill Clinton, Kofi Annan, Nelson Mandela and Mary Robinson have been part of the lecture programme. Although open to all students, LSE Public Lectures are most suited to school or college students studying for A Level or Access qualifications. In some cases, a particular lecture or series of lectures may be appropriate to certain A Level courses, such as a series of talks from three decades of Chancellors of the Exchequer – from Lord Healy to Kenneth Clark MP – which was particularly useful for students studying politics or economics. Most events are free and open to all, with entry on a first come, first served basis. However, in some cases entry is by ticket only, and tickets can be booked online in advance.
lse.ac.uk/events
Podcasts and transcripts of many past lectures and debates are available to download for free at lse.ac.uk/events If you would like to receive a copy of LSE’s termly leaflet which lists upcoming lectures, you can join the mailing list by contacting the Events Office (see below) or visit the website for further details. Available to all students.
CONTACT LSE Events Email: events@lse.ac.uk Tel: 020 7955 6566 Follow LSE events on Twitter at twitter.com/lsepublicevents and on Facebook at Facebook.com/ lseps
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Teachers
ADVISING THE ADVISERS A one day conference providing teachers and higher education advisers with information and guidance on how best to support their students through the university admissions process. The conference has a particular emphasis on the admissions policies of the Russell Group of 24 leading UK universities. During the course of the day advisers have the opportunity to talk to admissions tutors and members of LSE Student Recruitment staff about LSE’s courses and admissions procedures.
The Programme • Applying to Russell Group universities How does applying to Russell Group universities differ from other universities? What should students and teachers be aware of? • Admissions policies and processes Why can it take so long to receive a decision? A look at admissions policies and behind-thescenes procedures.
• The personal statement workshop What are admissions selectors looking for in a personal statement? • Teacher’s reference workshop Information and advice on what admissions selectors look for in a teacher’s reference. Date: 13 June 2014
Available to heads of sixth form and higher education advisers from state schools and local education authorities.
CONTACT Alice Else Email: a.else@lse.ac.uk Tel: 020 7852 3694
TEACHER PROFILE “ The LSE Advising the Advisers conference was an invaluable source of information for teachers who support their students through the UCAS application process. The personal statement and the reference workshops were particularly useful, providing practical guidance on how applicants and teachers should complete these elements of the application form.”
lse.ac.uk/advisingtheadvisers
Stephen Wood, Teacher, Walbottle Campus
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ADDITIONAL SUPPORT AND OTHER ACTIVITIES It is not just the Widening Participation Team and the Student Recruitment Office that support fair access and run activities for schools and colleges at LSE. Others are involved too and a couple of examples are featured here: Language Centre
LSE Students’ Union
The LSE Language Centre runs preuniversity language programmes designed to link schools to LSE and encourage a greater uptake in language studies post-14. Activities also include e-mentoring, cinema and language related projects, language days and student shadowing for A Level students.
The SU is committed to ensuring that students, regardless of background or socio-economic status, are able to enter both LSE and higher education in general. The SU has a long history of campaigning for wider participation in education and has often played a key role within the national student movement to bring about fairer access for all.
CONTACT LSE Language Centre Email: languages@lse.ac.uk Tel: 020 7955 6713
The SU also administers Hardship Funds for students facing financial difficulties during their time at LSE, to ensure that no student is forced out of their studies for financial reasons.
CONTACT Email: su.communitywelfare @lse.ac.uk Tel: 020 7955 7471
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SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE LSE is committed to creating an environment in which it is safe for children and young people to learn and grow. We value children and young people and promote an inclusive environment for all. Child protection is an important part of the training programme undertaken by all LSE staff and students who work with children and young people. This training is refreshed on a regular basis and all members of LSE staff who work with children and young people are given a copy of the LSE child protection policy before they start work.
All activities run on the LSE campus are subject to a risk assessment before they take place.
All LSE staff and student volunteers who work with children and young people undergo a Disclosure and Barring check at the appropriate level before they begin.
CONTACT Email: widening.participation@lse.ac.uk
The Widening Participation team is happy to provide schools, colleges and parents with copies of risk assessments for individual activities if requested. Copies of LSE’s child protection policy are also available.
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CONTACT DETAILS Widening Participation Team Samantha Paxton Widening Participation Manager Email: s.c.paxton@lse.ac.uk Tel: 020 7852 3642
Joanna Pink
Rosie Tattersall
Widening Participation Officer Email: j.pink@lse.ac.uk Tel: 020 7955 7645
Widening Participation Officer Email: r.tattersall@lse.ac.uk Tel: 020 7852 3662
Alexandra Smith
Sophia Mousoulides
Widening Participation Coordinator Email: a.smith@lse.ac.uk Tel: 020 7107 5250
Widening Participation Coordinator Email: s.mousoulides@lse.ac.uk Tel: 020 7955 7003
Jen Coyne Widening Participation Assistant Email: widening.participation @lse.ac.uk Tel: 020 7852 3687
The London School of Economics and Political Science Houghton Street London WC2A 2AE Email: widening.participation@lse.ac.uk Tel: 020 7955 6613
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