School liaison guide 2015

Schools & Colleges Liaison Activities Guide

TRANSFORMATIONAL HIGHER EDUCATION

Here at the University of Bedfordshire we believe in transforming people’s lives through higher education.

We put our students first and work tirelessly to create an excellent learning environment and experience so they can go forward and achieve their ambitions.

University of Bedfordshire students can count on us for excellent personal tutoring, superb student facilities and the academic support they need to realise their full potential.

92% graduate employability 92% of our graduates go into employment or further study (DLHE 2014). Our high employment record is a result of career-driven courses as well as our great links with industry and professional bodies.

High-quality teaching Our lecturers combine industry experience with involvement in world-class research.

They have also picked up National Teaching Fellowship Awards, proving they can pass this experience and knowledge on to our students.

Modern facilities Over the last five years we have completely transformed our main campuses in Luton and Bedford. Our up-to-date facilities have been purposely designed to help students develop the skills they need to succeed.

That’s why we are continually investing in and developing our teaching and social environments. This includes a new £50m library in Luton and a new academic building, The Gateway in Bedford opening in 2015.

Outstanding student support Every University of Bedfordshire student has their own personal tutor who provides advice and guidance on academic performance. We also have Student Information Desks (SiD) across all our campuses where students can speak to someone face-to-face. Plus online SiD support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Free activities for schools We realise that supporting students to achieve their potential starts years before university and our Recruitment and Access Partnership Teams are here to help teachers support their students make the right higher education choice. Our most popular activities for schools are listed from page 6 onwards.

University of Bedfordshire:

A leading university for improving career prospects – National Student Survey 2014

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Schools & Colleges Liaison Team: 01582 743512

CONTENTS Path to university Primary School (Years 4-6) activities Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9) activities Key Stage 4 (Years 10 & 11) activities Key Stage 5 (Years 12 & 13) activities Subject activities – Art & Design – Business – Computer Science & Technology – Education & Teaching – English Language & Communication – Law – Life Sciences – Media & Journalism – Nursing, Midwifery & Health – Performing Arts & English – Psychology – Social Science – Sport Science & Physical Activity UCAS Convention Access Partnership Association Scheme Summer Schools Specialist Taster Days Access & Mature Learner activities Access Partnership Programme: specialist support Open days

4-5 6-7 8-9 10-11 12-19 20-47 20 21 27 28 29 31 33 36 37 37 41 43 46 48 49 50 51 52-53 54 55

University of Bedfordshire:

Ranked 1st for improving the student experience

– National Student Survey 2014

scl@beds.ac.uk

www.beds.ac.uk

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PATH TO UNIVERSITY

PATH TO UNIVERSITY

Maintaining and improving our strong track record of widening access is of the highest strategic importance to the University.

University is a truly transformational experience and means a lot more than just gaining a qualification. We believe that one of the most valuable assets of becoming a graduate is social mobility. Graduates tend to become more involved in communities and civil society, which broaden horizons and wellbeing. That’s why, here at the University of Bedfordshire, we are proud of the communities our students represent and are keen to engage with them right the way through their educational journey.

We are the only university in the county recruiting significant numbers of undergraduate students and the only higher education option in many local towns. Our contribution to widening participation is therefore of critical importance and we work with schools, colleges, local authorities, careers services and others to promote the benefits of participation in higher education.

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Schools & Colleges Liaison Team: 01582 743512

PATH TO UNIVERSITY

HE PROGRESSION PROGRAMME

scl@beds.ac.uk

www.beds.ac.uk

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PRIMARY SCHOOL (YEARS 4-6) ACTIVITIES

This unique programme is an opportunity for pupils in primary schools to find out about life at their local University.

By ‘Sowing the Seeds’ at an early age, young people are more likely to consider university as an option. This sustained engagement, combined with the notion that higher education is achievable, helps young people to create challenging but realistic goals for themselves.

“Hopefully one day I’ll be wearing the robe for real and getting a scroll with my name on it.”

Mackenzie, Pupil, St. Mary’s Catholic Primary School

“Excellent ‘eye opener’ for younger children and just starts them thinking about their own futures. Demystifies university life.”

Mr. Robinson, Teacher, Shortstown Lower School

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The ‘Sowing the Seeds’ programme is comprised of three stages: 1 Pre-Visit: This allows parents and young people to meet the University’s team to get a better understanding of what will happen during the campus visit.

2 Visit: Pupils take part in a visit to the campus covering a range of exciting topics and experiences to help broaden their horizons about what opportunities exist for them in the future. Typically they will: Gain information about Higher Education

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3 Graduation: An important part of the programme is giving the pupils the chance to experience the excitement of a graduation. Ideally, this will take place in the school after the initial visit, so that parents can share in this celebration as well. We hope this is just one of many graduations they experience (in their lifetime) and that it helps to motivate them to see consider university as part of their future.

The day can also be customised to link in with any particular topics or needs a school may have.

Take part in a myth busting quiz Explore the realities of student life Get to try out an academic seminar Meet and get to chat to real students.

Schools & Colleges Liaison Team: 01582 743512

scl@beds.ac.uk

www.beds.ac.uk

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KEY STAGE 3 (YEARS 7-9) ACTIVITIES

To complement the work surrounding careers and option choices within schools, we offer activities that can support and motivate students in the following key areas: Aim4Uni Our Aim4Uni Day gives students the chance to spend a day at one of our campuses to get a better flavour for university life. It aims to put into context some of the work students have done around careers and options to help motivate them in their choices. Each day is slightly different but focuses on: How options relate to future goals

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Breaking down stereotypes

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Developing self-awareness of interests and strengths

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Experiencing new subjects

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Demystifying student finance

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Supporting option choices We can deliver assembly presentations highlighting the significance and importance of option choices and influences of GCSE performance in relation to post-16 progression and future career choices pathways.

Careers We can support schools to meet their statutory requirement of supplying independent advice and guidance relating to careers. We are able to create and deliver bespoke sessions to meet the school’s specific needs as well as attend careers fairs.

Our mission is to help every individual to follow the pathway that is right for them and we are happy to support pupils even if they are unsure of their future destination or career pathway.

“I want to go to uni a lot more now.”

Lewis, Pupil, Linslade School

“Since doing the Aim4Uni event the children really seemed to have grown and matured. It has opened up a dialogue between the children and staff as to their future options and what they would like to achieve in life.”

Paul Edwards, Key Stage 3 Teacher, Robert Bloomfield Academy

Schools & Colleges Liaison Team: 01582 743512

scl@beds.ac.uk

www.beds.ac.uk

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KEY STAGE 4 (YEARS 10 & 11) ACTIVITIES Reach your goal For students visiting the University within their GCSE courses, we offer a day to help focus them on their studies and help assist them in their understanding of how their current education builds the basis for future career progression.

Campus visits for these year groups focus on the following issues: Helping students to develop focus on their studies

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Study skills and revision We can offer bespoke sessions to support students in GCSE study skills and revision.

This can take the form of both generic and subject specific support. Where subject specific support is requested, this can often be supplied by students currently studying at degree level in associated areas.

“University isn’t as scary as it seems.”

Gabbi, Pupil, Jack Hunt School

“Thank you so much for today, it really was a great introduction to University life, the students were buzzing when they came back.”

Deborah Gockelen, Key Stage 4 Teacher, Milton Keynes Academy

Developing awareness of links between GCSEs and future careers

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Helping students to harness transferrable skills

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Enabling students to realise their potential

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Enabling students to make well informed choices.

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Schools & Colleges Liaison Team: 01582 743512

scl@beds.ac.uk

www.beds.ac.uk

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KEY STAGE 5 (YEARS 12 & 13) ACTIVITIES

We offer a range of workshops, events and presentations that are useful for sixth form students who are considering progressing on to higher education, particularly those students who are undecided about whether university is for them.

Here are just a few of the most popular sessions we run. We are also happy to design something tailored to your students’ specific needs, simply call us on: 01582 743512.

“The University’s Recruitment Team organised a well-run and focused day, providing much valuable information for us to take away”.

Ian Wainer, Health and Social Care Tutor, Sir George Monoux College

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Schools & Colleges Liaison Team: 01582 743512

KEY STAGE 5 (YEARS 12 & 13) ACTIVITIES

Introduction to higher education (HE) This is a good first activity to encourage Year 12 students to think seriously about HE. The talk offers a general overview of HE and the benefits of continuing in education. We also talk about the next steps for students and start them thinking about how they are going to achieve their goals. We can offer a prospectus workshop to accompany the talk.

Who: Year 12 (or equivalent age group) When: Spring term Where: Your school

Student life A more detailed (and light-hearted) look at what life is like for students in HE, covering the academic, social and welfare aspects of university. Activities include students working out their own weekly shopping list.

Who: Year 12 (or equivalent age group) When: Autumn or spring term Where: Your school

Revision and study skills This talk offers guidance and information about the learning process, including effective revision strategies and developing study skills for further education and beyond.

scl@beds.ac.uk

www.beds.ac.uk

Who: Year 12 or year 13 (or equivalent age group) When: During preparation for AS or A2 examinations Where: Your school

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KEY STAGE 5 (YEARS 12 & 13) ACTIVITIES

Researching higher education: the HE convention This session concentrates on what a HE Convention is and why it is important for students to attend. We cover what research students should undertake prior to attending, key questions that they should ask delegates and common ‘traps’ to avoid.

Who: Year 12 (or equivalent age group) When: Autumn and spring term Where: Your school

Getting the most out of open days A guide to what students can expect from university open days, and the importance of attending these events. We cover the key things to look for, the crucial questions to ask, and the best people to speak to about different aspects of the institution.

Who: Year 12 (or equivalent age group) When: Spring term and summer terms Where: Your school

Applying to university (UCAS form and personal statement) A comprehensive guide to making UCAS applications. The second half of the presentation focuses specifically on the personal statement, with advice on what information students should include and what admissions tutors will be looking for.

There is also an interactive activity where students take on the role of an admissions tutor and assess example statements.

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Who: Year 12 or year 13 (or equivalent age group) When: Summer term for Year 12, autumn term for Year 13 Where: Your school

Schools & Colleges Liaison Team: 01582 743512

“It’s been very useful. The students have had a good overview of the application process and the kind of things they need to write on their personal statement. It has got their minds thinking about the process and how they need to approach it.”

Malcolm Williams, Maths Teacher, Fearnhill School

Personal statement drop-in sessions We are happy to come into schools to assist and advise students already writing their UCAS personal statements. These sessions can take place during students’ lunch breaks if necessary.

scl@beds.ac.uk

www.beds.ac.uk

Who: Year 13 (or equivalent age group) When: Autumn term Where: Your school

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KEY STAGE 5 (YEARS 12 & 13) ACTIVITIES

UCAS – the next step?

This presentation covers the important information for students once they have completed their applications. This includes an overview of the UCAS process explaining Extra and Clearing, as well as information about interviews, open days, and applying for accommodation and financial support.

Who: Year 12 or 13 (or equivalent age group) When: Spring term or late autumn term Where: Your school

Student finance A straightforward, student-friendly guide to HE finance explaining student loans, tuition fees, grants, bursaries and scholarships.

Additional sources of income and successful budgeting strategies are also discussed. The session can include a practical budgeting exercise.

Who: Year 13 (we can also deliver this session specifically for mature/access students) When: Spring term Where: Your school or the University of Bedfordshire

Budgeting Helpful advice for students worried about managing their finances whilst at university.

This session includes advice on the importance of successful budgeting, how to draw up a budget and useful advice on minimising outgoings and maximising income.

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Who: Year 12 or 13 (or equivalent age group) When: Spring term or summer term Where: Your school

Schools & Colleges Liaison Team: 01582 743512

KEY STAGE 5 (YEARS 12 & 13) ACTIVITIES

Interview skills Advice and tips for all students preparing for interviews. The presentation includes advice on body language and an activity looking at questions students may be asked.

We do focus on HE interviews but much of the advice will be suitable for employment interviews as well.

Who: Year 12 or 13 (or equivalent age group) When: Spring term or late autumn Where: Your school

Introduction to the University of Bedfordshire A general overview of the University, covering both academic and social aspects.

The session includes information about our history, campuses, accommodation, student support and the different courses on offer.

Who: Year 12 or 13 (or equivalent age group) When: Negotiable throughout the year – please call to discuss your requirements Where: Your school or University of Bedfordshire

“Visiting the University is a fantastic opportunity for sixth formers to focus on higher education for the day and concentrate on their options for when they leave school.”

Kay Everett, Assistant Head of Sixth Form at Wootton Upper School

scl@beds.ac.uk

www.beds.ac.uk

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KEY STAGE 5 (YEARS 12 & 13) ACTIVITIES

Parents’ talk This is an ideal presentation for an open evening or careers event. The talk prepares parents for what their children will go through during the UCAS application process and gives a general overview of HE and student life. We can also cover student finance advice.

Who: Year 12 parents (or equivalent age group) When: Spring or summer term Where: Your school

Campus visits A campus visit allows students to see an HE institution for themselves and to get a real flavour of what life at university will be like.

The day includes general sessions on HE, campus and accommodation tours and a chance to talk to current students.

Who: Year 12 or 13 (or equivalent age group) When: These visits can generally be arranged to suit your diary Where: University of Bedfordshire

Campus tours Campus tours are led by our student ambassadors who will walk you through all of the facilities and tell you what life is like studying at the University of Bedfordshire. The tours last 30-45 minutes and will also include a visit to our student accommodation.

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Who: Year 12 or 13 (or equivalent age group) When: Every Wednesday at 2pm Where: Every campus at the University of Bedfordshire

Schools & Colleges Liaison Team: 01582 743512

KEY STAGE 5 (YEARS 12 & 13) ACTIVITIES

Careers events, ‘choices’ evenings and HE events We are happy to offer presentations at these events, as well as to set up a stand and chat to parents and students about HE and the University of Bedfordshire.

Who: Year 12 students and parents (or equivalent age group) When: Negotiable throughout the year – please call to discuss your requirements Where: Your school

Student shadowing For students who may be unsure of what course to study at university, or who wish to find out more about specific courses.

We offer a unique opportunity to shadow an undergraduate student. Students will shadow our Student Associates to lectures, receive a tour of the campus and have the opportunity to receive an honest description of university life from a student who is living it, and experiencing it, for real. This opportunity will be available by request only and places may be limited.

Who: Year 12 students (or equivalent age group) When: Negotiable throughout the year – please call to discuss your requirements Where: University of Bedfordshire

“Our students had an extremely valuable and informative day. We would be very keen to come again!”

Sarah Tomlins, Librarian, Sharnbrook Upper School

scl@beds.ac.uk

www.beds.ac.uk

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SUBJECT ACTIVITIES

ART & DESIGN Art & Design workshop for teachers This session for year 12 and 13 teachers focuses on preparing students for possible degree level art and design education.

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Who: Teachers When: Autumn term – every Wednesday Where: University of Bedfordshire’s Luton campus Delivered by: School of Art & Design

Schools & Colleges Liaison Team: 01582 743512

SUBJECT ACTIVITIES

Preparing a portfolio This session is for students interested in studying art and design subjects at higher education level and focuses on creating a successful portfolio to support their UCAS application.

Who: Years 12 and 13 (or equivalent age group) When: Autumn term – every Wednesday Where: University of Bedfordshire’s Luton campus Delivered by: School of Art & Design

Careers in the creative industries This session focuses on the different creative careers there are for art and design graduates.

It also covers the UCAS application context and managing a portfolio.

Who: Any year group When: Autumn term – every Wednesday Where: University of Bedfordshire’s Luton campus Delivered by: School of Art & Design

BUSINESS Direct marketing This session encourages students to make decisions about direct marketing communications, initially with no background information. This exercise is then repeated, but with data and insight from the CACI Acorn database. This geodemographic system is based upon a classification of residential neighbourhoods. This session uses real data from a case study provided by a company and demonstrates the importance of segmentation and targeting.

scl@beds.ac.uk

www.beds.ac.uk

Who: Years 12 and 13 (or equivalent age group) When: Autumn or spring term Where: Your school or University of Bedfordshire Delivered by: Department of Marketing, Tourism & Hospitality

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SUBJECT ACTIVITIES

Research practice for tourism, hospitality and events This session encourages students to explore research in the local community, investigating the interrelationships between tourism and identity. It includes an interactive and reflective activity where students get a chance to participate in a ‘Who do you think you are?’ activity to trace their ancestral roots in the context of tourism, hospitality and events.

Who: Years 12 and 13 (or equivalent age group) When: Autumn or spring term Where: Your school or University of Bedfordshire Delivered by: Department of Marketing, Tourism & Hospitality

A road less travelled: education routes and roundabouts!

This is a motivational talk about a personal journey from school to university, discussing the various education and career choices that were made. The main focus of the session is to promote the aspiration to attend university – with the key message ‘you can do it too!’ The session requires the academic and student to be highly reflective, and engage in various activities.

Who: Years 12 and 13 (or equivalent age group) When: Autumn or spring term Where: Your school or University of Bedfordshire Delivered by: Department of Marketing, Tourism & Hospitality

Marketing in business This session involves a taste test whereby students will be provided with unlabelled products/brands (eg cola drinks) and they will be asked to identify the different brands.

This will be followed by a short talk by the tutor who will relate the results of the test to the role and importance of branding in facilitating consumer decision making in the purchasing of products; hence the role of marketing in customer satisfaction, and profitability.

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Who: Years 11, 12 and 13 (or equivalent age group) When: Autumn or spring term Where: Your school or University of Bedfordshire Delivered by: Department of Marketing, Tourism & Hospitality

Schools & Colleges Liaison Team: 01582 743512

SUBJECT ACTIVITIES

Marketing communications and segmentation This creative workshop asks students to use market segmentation principles at a very simple level to segment a market and subsequently develop an appropriate brand name and proposition. After a brief lecture students will work in small groups to develop their segmentation and communications plan. Groups will present their ideas at the end of the session and will receive tutor feedback.

Who: Years 11, 12 and 13 (or equivalent age group) When: Autumn or spring term Where: Your school or University of Bedfordshire Delivered by: Department of Marketing, Tourism & Hospitality

Telling the right ‘story’ in the right way This session encourages students to participate in ‘storytelling’ as a means of engaging and persuading consumers.

After a brief lecture, students will work in small groups to develop a ‘story’ for a contemporary service brand. Groups will present their ideas at the end of the session and will receive tutor feedback.

Who: Years 10, 11, 12 and 13 (or equivalent age group) When: Autumn or spring term Where: Your school or University of Bedfordshire Delivered by: Department of Marketing, Tourism & Hospitality

PR: getting your news in the news This creative session encourages students to create a successful product launch with minimal marketing budget through clever and creative engagement with the media, through either traditional or social media platforms. After a brief lecture, students will work in small groups to develop a way of getting free publicity for a new innovative product. Groups will present their ideas at the end of the session and will receive tutor feedback.

scl@beds.ac.uk

www.beds.ac.uk

Who: Years 10, 11, 12 and 13 (or equivalent age group) When: Autumn or spring term Where: Your school or University of Bedfordshire Delivered by: Department of Marketing, Tourism & Hospitality

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SUBJECT ACTIVITIES

Chat ‘n Chuck: a disposable mobile phone This session explores new product development through a creative marketing activity for small groups of students based on launching a disposable mobile phone. Students will be given a brief and encouraged to identify a potential market segment, a consumer benefit and a creative idea for a TV commercial with which to communicate that product benefit to the appropriate market segment. Groups will present their ideas at the end of the session and will receive tutor feedback.

Who: Years 10, 11, 12 and 13 (or equivalent age group) When: Autumn or spring term Where: Your school or University of Bedfordshire Delivered by: Department of Marketing, Tourism & Hospitality

Economics: a nation’s income A journey through the different ways economies are structured around the world, the possible failures, the role of Government in organising economic activity, measuring a country’s income, and how Government policies can be relevant to our wellbeing and income distribution.

Who: Years 12 and 13 (or equivalent age group) When: Autumn or spring term Where: University of Bedfordshire Delivered by: Department of Accounting & Finance

Is Johnny Cash responsible for the financial crisis of 2008?

All financial models are wrong, but some are useful. This is a true story of country music and romance, death, greed, statistics, life insurance, financial modelling, bankers and politicians hubris, disappearing Nobel Prize candidate and narrowly avoided collapse of the financial system. This session will outline the underlying factors behind financial modelling and present the events leading to the financial crisis of 2008, showing the role of banks, financial regulation, governments and general economic factors.

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Who: Years 12 and 13 (or equivalent age group) When: Autumn or spring term Where: Your school or University of Bedfordshire Delivered by: Department of Accounting & Finance

Schools & Colleges Liaison Team: 01582 743512

SUBJECT ACTIVITIES

How to impress your maths teacher – an introduction to behavioural finance Behavioural finance is a relatively new field that seeks to combine behavioural and cognitive psychological theory with conventional economics and finance to provide explanations for why people make irrational financial decisions.

Who: Years 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 (or equivalent age group) When: Autumn or spring term Where: Your school or University of Bedfordshire Delivered by: Department of Accounting & Finance

Employee versus entrepreneur This session is for students who are interested in starting their own business, explaining the differences between being an employee and working for yourself.

Who: Years 10, 11, 12 and 13 (or equivalent age group) When: Autumn or spring term Where: Your school or University of Bedfordshire Delivered by: Department of Accounting & Finance

Mobile phones and the marketplace This interactive session focuses on the mobile phone industry, which should be very familiar to students. It helps them to understand the direct and indirect issues of pricing and positioning in the marketplace.

Students work in groups to critically evaluate the competitiveness of an offering and use their own knowledge of the phone industry to test statements and draw conclusions from their analysis.

scl@beds.ac.uk

www.beds.ac.uk

Who: Years 10, 11, 12 and 13 (or equivalent age group) When: Autumn or spring term Where: Your school or University of Bedfordshire Delivered by: Department of Management & Business Systems

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SUBJECT ACTIVITIES

Social media: a force for good or bad?

Is social media a force for good or bad? Does the time spent engaging with social media mean that people become duller and develop fewer skills, abilities and hobbies?

This interactive session encourages students to look at the positive and negative aspects of social media. There will also be discussions about companies who have suffered badly as a result of poor social media management. Students will review and develop a social media policy to help protect the interests of companies.

Who: Years 12 and 13 (or equivalent age group) When: Autumn or spring term Where: Your school or University of Bedfordshire Delivered by: Department of Management & Business Systems

The eBook revolution Will eBooks change our world in the same way as the music industry has been transformed by digital downloads? This session engages students into the realms of eBooks, which are currently undergoing a significant growth in sales for both fiction and non-fiction.

Students will be encouraged to review aspects from a wide range of perspectives to be able to conclude business decisions within this relatively new media marketplace.

Who: Years 10, 11, 12 and 13 (or equivalent age group) When: Autumn or spring term Where: Your school or University of Bedfordshire Delivered by: Department of Management & Business Systems

Project management: building bridges This interactive session involves students working in small groups to build a lego bridge. Students will use the basic concepts of project management such as planning, implementation, evaluation, the importance of resource management, and division of labour in a team-based environment.

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Who: Years 10, 11, 12 and 13 (or equivalent age group) When: Autumn or spring term Where: University of Bedfordshire’s Luton campus or Bedford campus Delivered by: Department of Management & Business Systems

Schools & Colleges Liaison Team: 01582 743512

SUBJECT ACTIVITIES

Developing a new mobile app This session explores new product development and market research. Students work in groups to develop a new mobile app for the local council. They are provided with some information and statistics and are asked to come up with a basic entrepreneurial business model for their mobile app. Groups will present their ideas at the end of the session to the target audience.

Who: Years 12 and 13 (or equivalent age group) When: Autumn or spring term Where: University of Bedfordshire’s Luton campus or Bedford campus Delivered by: Department of Management & Business Systems

Teamwork: Lost in the desert Students work in groups to come up with a solution for surviving being stranded in the desert. They are given clues and data which they have to use to come up with a plan.

Who: Years 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 (or equivalent age group) When: Autumn or spring term Where: University of Bedfordshire’s Luton campus or Bedford campus Delivered by: Department of Management & Business Systems

COMPUTER SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY Robo wars Students will learn the fundamentals of object-oriented programming with robocode.

They have the chance to build their own on-screen robots and engage in a battle with their friends. They can reprogramme their robots to run away, hide behind someone else or blast their way to survival.

scl@beds.ac.uk

www.beds.ac.uk

Who: Any year group When: Autumn or spring term Where: University of Bedfordshire’s Luton campus Delivered by: Department of Computer Science & Technology

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SUBJECT ACTIVITIES

What‘s the difference between an engineer and the world’s richest man?

This session will focus on discussing what engineering means and explores the types of careers that graduates with an engineering related degree can expect to go into.

Who: Any year group When: Autumn or spring term Where: University of Bedfordshire’s Luton campus Delivered by: Department of Computer Science & Technology

EDUCATION & TEACHING So you think you’d like to be a teacher?

This session gives an introduction to the varied role of a teacher and asks students to consider their role models and stereotypical images. There will be interactive group discussion alongside the main presentation and a chance to ask questions throughout.

Who: Years 6, 7, 8 and 9 (or equivalent age group) When: Negotiable throughout the year – please call to discuss your requirements Where: Your school or University of Bedfordshire’s Bedford campus Delivered by: Department of Teacher Education

Routes into teaching This session will outline the different routes into teaching. It will help students to understand the core routes to becoming a teacher, the barriers they may face and what they need to do to be proactive in enhancing their chance of success. This can be tailored to a school or college’s specific needs.

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Who: Years 10, 11 and 12 (or equivalent age group) When: Negotiable throughout the year – please call to discuss your requirements Where: Your school or University of Bedfordshire’s Bedford campus Delivered by: Department of Education Studies or Department of Teacher Education

Schools & Colleges Liaison Team: 01582 743512

SUBJECT ACTIVITIES

Working with children and young people This session explores what is important to the lives of children and young people, and discusses how academic courses in the subject area can lead to future careers.

Starting with small group discussions about what is important in their own lives, the session will then move on to ideas of how degree courses can lead to careers which will have a meaningful impact on the lives of disadvantaged children and young people.

Who: Years 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 (or equivalent age group) When: Negotiable throughout the year – please call to discuss your requirements Where: Your school or University of Bedfordshire’s Bedford campus Delivered by: Department of Education Studies

Early years education: just playing?

This workshop introduces students to the importance of play in the school curriculum and how it supports learning. The students will have the opportunity to engage in a playful learning activity and reflect on the impact it has on their disposition to learning.

Who: Years 10, 11, 12 and 13 (or equivalent age group) When: Negotiable throughout the year – please call to discuss your requirements Where: Your school or University of Bedfordshire’s Bedford campus Delivered by: Department of Education Studies

ENGLISH LANGUAGE & COMMUNICATION Taster day in linguistics An opportunity to find out more about the subject area of linguistics and its applications, including Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL). A day of four lively, interactive workshops covering a variety of topics within the field such as the sounds of English, specific teaching approaches in TEFL, and language and culture. Morning coffee and lunch provided.

scl@beds.ac.uk

www.beds.ac.uk

Who: Years 12 and 13 (or equivalent age group) When: Friday 19 June 2015 (9.30am to 3pm) Where: University of Bedfordshire’s Luton campus Delivered by: Department of English Language & Communication

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SUBJECT ACTIVITIES

Language matters A range of lively activities to show why language matters and how communication breaks down, often with amusing results.

This involves a whirlwind tour of syntax, semantics and pragmatics. This can be tailored to a school or college’s specific needs.

Who: Years 10, 11, 12 and 13 (or equivalent age group) When: Negotiable throughout the year – please call to discuss your requirements Where: Your school Delivered by: Department of English Language & Communication

Cracking the code A range of lively activities to show how language is a code and how people use it to get what they want. This involves a whirlwind tour of things like rules, sounds, gesture and communication. This can be tailored to a school or college’s specific needs.

Who: Years 10, 11, 12 and 13 (or equivalent age group) When: Negotiable throughout the year – please call to discuss your requirements Where: Your school Delivered by: Department of English Language & Communication

What you say is what you are A range of lively activities to show how dialect, accent and identity are linked and how people use speech patterns every day.

This involves a whirlwind tour of things like phonetics, intonation, voice and vocabulary.

This can be tailored to a school or college’s specific needs.

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Who: Years 10, 11, 12 and 13 (or equivalent age group) When: Negotiable throughout the year – please call to discuss your requirements Where: Your school Delivered by: Department of English Language & Communication

Schools & Colleges Liaison Team: 01582 743512

SUBJECT ACTIVITIES

Language investigation day A session beginning with approaches to research methods and common challenges experienced, leading to focus on school students’ own language research projects.

This can be tailored to a school or college’s specific needs.

Who: Years 12 and 13 (or equivalent age group) When: Negotiable throughout the year – please call to discuss your requirements Where: Your school or University of Bedfordshire’s Luton campus or Bedford campus Delivered by: Department of English Language & Communication

English language workshop for teachers These sessions are aimed at teachers wishing to develop their knowledge and expertise in areas of English Language and Linguistics such as phonology, grammar and lexis. This can be tailored to a school or college’s specific needs.

Who: Teachers When: Negotiable throughout the year – please call to discuss your requirements Where: Your school or University of Bedfordshire’s Luton campus Delivered by: Department of English Language & Communication

LAW Contemporary legal issues This session gives students insight into contemporary legal issues that are often covered in the media, such as: gay marriage; the legality of sending troops abroad; the legal and ethical issues around euthanasia.

These sessions will be conducted as small discussion groups or small group debates with a feedback forum.

scl@beds.ac.uk

www.beds.ac.uk

Who: Years 10, 11, 12 and 13 (or equivalent age group) When: Autumn or spring term Where: Your school or University of Bedfordshire’s Luton campus or Bedford campus Delivered by: School of Law

31 |

SUBJECT ACTIVITIES

Law workshops Sessions covering a wide range of topics including: human rights and responsibilities; access to justice; how the European Union influences our politics through law; how laws are made and upheld; the courts and the legal process; foundations of law; business and its relationship to law; ethics and the law; politics and the law. This can be tailored to a school or college’s specific needs.

Who: Years 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 (or equivalent age group) When: Autumn or spring term Where: Your school or University of Bedfordshire’s Luton campus or Bedford campus Delivered by: School of Law

Studying law and future careers These are talks on law as a topic of study and as a future career. It includes details on the study of law at university as well as question and answer sessions.

Who: Years 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 (or equivalent age group) When: Negotiable throughout the year – please call to discuss your requirements Where: Your school or University of Bedfordshire Delivered by: School of Law

Legal workshops for teachers These sessions are aimed at teachers wishing to develop their knowledge and expertise in areas of law or gain insight into wider issues relating to a topic they wish to teach. This can be tailored to a school or college’s specific needs.

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Who: Teachers When: Autumn or spring term Where: Your school or University of Bedfordshire’s Luton campus Delivered by: School of Law

Schools & Colleges Liaison Team: 01582 743512

SUBJECT ACTIVITIES

Assisting with practical projects This can be at a number of levels ranging from advice on the law to the presentation of lectures/workshops etc. It can also involve an online dimension. The idea is that this offer is flexible enough to allow for development.

Who: Any year group When: Autumn or spring term Where: Your school or University of Bedfordshire Delivered by: School of Law

LIFE SCIENCES Life sciences: protein and carbohydrate analysis This practical session focuses on analysing proteins by electrophoresis, and carbohydrates by chromatography. It will enable students to have practical experience of research equipment that may not be usually available to them, in addition to learning the importance of following science protocols and good time management.

Who: Years 12 and 13 (or equivalent age group) When: April 2015 Where: University of Bedfordshire’s Luton campus Delivered by: Department of Life Sciences

Life sciences: PCR and electrophoresis taster session This practical session focuses on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and electrophoresis.

It will enable students to have practical experience of research equipment that may not be usually available to them, in addition to learning the importance of following science protocols and good time management.

scl@beds.ac.uk

www.beds.ac.uk

Who: Years 12 and 13 (or equivalent age group) When: June 2015 Where: University of Bedfordshire’s Luton campus Delivered by: Department of Life Sciences

33 |

SUBJECT ACTIVITIES

Life sciences: DNA analysis and electrophoresis This practical session focuses on analysis of DNA using restriction enzymes and electrophoresis. It will enable students to have practical experience of research equipment that may not be usually available to them, in addition to learning the importance of following science protocols and good time management.

Who: Years 12 and 13 (or equivalent age group) When: June 2015 Where: University of Bedfordshire’s Luton campus Delivered by: Department of Life Sciences

The Salters Festival of Chemistry This is an initiative of the Salters’ Institute in partnership with the Royal Society of Chemistry to help promote the appreciation of chemistry and related sciences among the young. The Salters’ Institute and up to 12 schools take part in the activities, with each school providing a team of four students.

Who: Years 7 and 8 When: April 2015 Where: University of Bedfordshire’s Luton campus Delivered by: Department of Life Sciences

The festival consists of one day practical chemistry activities for enthusiastic young students. Examples of different activities could include: ink identification/comparison using paper chromatography; metal analysis/ identification through colour reactions; creation of specific colour-based solutions based on pH titration/variation. Prizes are awarded to the winning teams and all students receive participation certificates.

Forensic science day Aimed at younger students, this interactive and practical day will give pupils a great introduction to the world of forensics.

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Who: Years 7 and 8 When: Negotiable throughout the year – please call to discuss your requirements Where: University of Bedfordshire’s Luton campus Delivered by: Department of Life Sciences

Schools & Colleges Liaison Team: 01582 743512

SUBJECT ACTIVITIES

Introduction to forensic science Forensic science has become very popular over the last few years due to hit television shows bringing the discipline to the eyes of the world. There’s no doubt that forensic scientists undertake essential work, translating the remains of a crime scene into evidence that police can use to convict criminals. This session will give students an insight into the whole field.

Who: Years 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 (or equivalent age group) When: Negotiable throughout the year – please call to discuss your requirements Where: University of Bedfordshire’s Luton campus Delivered by: Department of Life Sciences

The history of forensic science This talk could be of interest to GCSE history students as well as science students. It covers the key events in the history of forensic science and how it got to be such a crucial element of modern day law enforcement.

Who: Years 10 and 11 (or equivalent age group) When: Negotiable throughout the year – please call to discuss your requirements Where: University of Bedfordshire’s Luton campus Delivered by: Department of Life Sciences

A day in the life of a forensic scientist Students will gain an insight into the work of forensic scientists and the typical activities they undertake on a daily basis. It should inspire students who are thinking of taking their science studies further and looking at forensics as a career.

scl@beds.ac.uk

www.beds.ac.uk

Who: Years 10, 11, 12 and 13 (or equivalent age group) When: Negotiable throughout the year – please call to discuss your requirements Where: University of Bedfordshire’s Luton campus Delivered by: Department of Life Sciences

35 |

SUBJECT ACTIVITIES

MEDIA & JOURNALISM Radio LaB – presenting a programme Suitable for groups of up to 13 young people, this session utilises our professional Radio LaB studios to create a radio programme which will be broadcast at a later date on Radio LaB 97.1FM. Each participant will be asked to introduce themselves and a song for the programme.

Who: Any year group When: Negotiable throughout the year – please call to discuss your requirements Where: University of Bedfordshire’s Luton campus Delivered by: Division of Journalism & Communications

Radio LaB – recording and editing Suitable for groups of up to 15 young people, this session utilises our professional Radio LaB studios, state-of-the-art recording equipment, and editing suite to create a radio programme which will be broadcast at a later date on Radio LaB 97.1FM. Each participant will be taught basic audio-recording and audio-editing skills to create content for the programme.

Who: Any year group When: Negotiable throughout the year – please call to discuss your requirements Where: University of Bedfordshire’s Luton campus Delivered by: Division of Journalism & Communications

TV production: be a director for the day!

Using our professional TV studios students can work on a TV show. They can try a variety of roles from camera operator, sound desk, vision mixer, floor manager, autocue operator or director. Students will be taught how to use our state-of-the art equipment – as used by the BBC.

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Who: Years 10, 11, 12 and 13 (or equivalent age group) When: Negotiable throughout the year – please call to discuss your requirements Where: University of Bedfordshire’s Luton campus Delivered by: Department of Media Arts & Production

Schools & Colleges Liaison Team: 01582 743512

SUBJECT ACTIVITIES

NURSING, MIDWIFERY & HEALTH Nursing & Midwifery workshop This session will help students to understand more about nursing and midwifery careers.

It gives an accurate picture about the role of a nurse or midwife and covers the entry requirements needed to start a higher education course in addition to what to expect at interview.

Who: Years 10, 11, 12 and 13 (or equivalent age group) When: Negotiable throughout the year – please call to discuss your requirements Where: Your school or University of Bedfordshire’s Luton campus or Aylesbury campus Delivered by: Department of Acute Healthcare

PERFORMING ARTS & ENGLISH Choreography and devising day Students can watch work-in-progress created by our students and lecturers, and undertake a workshop either about dance choreography or devising drama. This session will support students working towards A Level or BTEC courses in dance, theatre or performing arts.

An additional and optional workshop for staff on facilitating creative work is also available.

Who: Years 11, 12 and 13 (or equivalent age group) When: Wednesday 19 November 2014 Where: University of Bedfordshire’s Bedford campus Delivered by: Department of Performing Arts & English

Performance day Students are invited in for an afternoon to perform their own work in our professional theatre. Pupils and accompanying staff will have a tour of our campus, engage in a warm up workshop with our lecturers and then undertake a technical rehearsal in our theatre.

In the early evening they will perform work to an audience of other schools, friends and family. The work could range between dance and drama and provides students and teachers the opportunity to use our professional facilities.

scl@beds.ac.uk

www.beds.ac.uk

Who: Years 11, 12 and 13 (or equivalent age group) When: Wednesday 25 February 2015 Where: University of Bedfordshire’s Bedford campus Delivered by: Department of Performing Arts & English

37 |

SUBJECT ACTIVITIES

Musical theatre performance Students are invited in to watch our second year performing arts students perform a musical as part of their curriculum. This will be followed by a post-show discussion about studying performing arts, and a question and answer session with students.

Who: Years 10, 11, 12 and 13 (or equivalent age group) When: w/c 25 May 2015 (TBC) Where: University of Bedfordshire’s Bedford campus Delivered by: Department of Performing Arts & English

Dance workshop Students studying GCSE, A Level or BTEC dance, are invited to our dance workshop delivered by the University Dance Company.

The performances are followed by a discussion or question and answer session about choreography and performance.

Who: Years 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 (or equivalent age group) When: 27 April to 22 May 2015 Where: Your school Delivered by: Department of Performing Arts & English

Dance and leadership day Students can join us for inclusive ‘Dance for All’ community dance activities including workshops, dance classes and a performance.

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Who: Years 10, 11, 12 and 13 (or equivalent age group) When: Monday 11 May 2015 Where: University of Bedfordshire’s Bedford campus Delivered by: Department of Performing Arts & English

Schools & Colleges Liaison Team: 01582 743512

SUBJECT ACTIVITIES

SHIFT dance company tour These sessions will develop students’ performance, technical and choreographic skills. There are three formats we can offer: Performance of repertory works by Helen Parlor and Adriana Boreillo, followed by questions and answers on the working processes of the choreographers and the performance process of the works

■

Who: Years 10, 11, 12 and 13 (or equivalent age group) When: 1 February to 31 May 2015 Where: Your school Delivered by: Department of Performing Arts & English

Lecture demonstration with performed excerpts of the repertory

■

Workshop on the repertory for a range of levels of students.

■

PROFESSIONAL THEATRE SEASON We have a programme of student performances in April and May each year in our 280 seat theatre and 65 seat studio in Bedford – free for schools who book in advance.

We also present a regular programme of professional theatre and contemporary dance performances by visiting companies in our 280 seat theatre in Bedford and 85 seat studio theatre in Luton – tickets from £5.

www.beds.ac.uk/theatre or contact: boxoffice@beds.ac.uk For further details see:

scl@beds.ac.uk

www.beds.ac.uk

39 |

SUBJECT ACTIVITIES

Travel writing This session will examine where travel writing is today. We will discuss a number of contemporary travel writers and their quite different attitudes towards travel writing. We will also practice some of the techniques travel writers employ to express their experiences as literature.

Who: Years 12 and 13 (or equivalent age group) When: February to June 2015 (dates TBC) Where: University of Bedfordshire’s Bedford campus Delivered by: Department of Performing Arts & English

Reading modern poetry Students preparing for their GCSEs and A Levels will have the opportunity to take part in an interactive workshop on reading modern poetry. This is a great opportunity to get students to build confidence in reading poetry and to dispel some myths about its difficulty. The session will be run by Dr Gareth Farmer who is a lecturer in modern literature as well as a poet.

Who: Years 10, 11, 12 and 13 (or equivalent age group) When: February to June 2015 (exact dates TBC) Where: Your school Delivered by: Department of Performing Arts & English

English literature sixth form conference A/S and A Level students from a number of schools will convene at the Bedford campus with lecturers in English to take part in a day of lectures, seminars and interactive workshops on a few core texts. The conferences are usually designed around a key theme. Past themes have included ‘Literature and Social Commitment’ and ‘Novel Openings’.

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Who: Years 12 and 13 (or equivalent age group) When: September 2015 (date TBC) Where: University of Bedfordshire’s Bedford campus Delivered by: Department of Performing Arts & English

Schools & Colleges Liaison Team: 01582 743512

SUBJECT ACTIVITIES

PSYCHOLOGY Psychology talk This talk helps pupils to understand more about psychology, what they can expect to study during a psychology degree and future careers related to psychology.

Who: Years 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 (or equivalent age group) When: Negotiable throughout the year – please call to discuss your requirements Where: Your school or University of Bedfordshire Delivered by: Department of Psychology

Tour of psychology labs Demonstrators will conduct a guided tour of the psychology labs and TV studio. The full range of equipment will be on display in the different labs. They will explain how each piece of equipment is used in a research context. Depending on time, a pupil will be asked to volunteer to be measured or take part in an activity/task.

Who: Years 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 (or equivalent age group) When: Negotiable throughout the year – please call to discuss your requirements Where: University of Bedfordshire’s Luton campus Delivered by: Department of Psychology

Mini psychology lectures Lectures based on specific topics of the psychology A Level curriculum. These sessions are meant to make a contribution to the teaching of psychology at your school as well as to the students’ knowledge. They are delivered in the typical style of a lecture, so we contribute to the pupils’ decision-making process about coming to university and studying psychology.

Who: Years 11, 12 and 13 (or equivalent age group) When: Negotiable throughout the year – please call to discuss your requirements Where: Your school or University of Bedfordshire Delivered by: Department of Psychology

These mini-lectures are not meant to replace the teaching of essential topics in the psychology syllabus and may relate loosely to those topics.

scl@beds.ac.uk

www.beds.ac.uk

41 |

SUBJECT ACTIVITIES

Open discussion with psychology students Three current psychology students, or recent graduates, talk for 10 minutes about their experiences of studying psychology, with no staff present. This is a unique opportunity for potential applicants to hear what it is really like to study psychology. The psychology students are briefed previously in order to ensure that they are generally constructive, but honest and answer the pupils’ questions in a helpful way.

Who: Years 10, 11, 12 and 13 (or equivalent age group) When: Negotiable throughout the year – please call to discuss your requirements Where: Your school or University of Bedfordshire Delivered by: Department of Psychology

Demonstration of psychophysiological measures/equipment Demonstrators show students how to take measurements such as heart rate or skin conductance to assess arousal, and how to obtain data from these measurements.

Pupils can volunteer to be measured or take part on more than one activity/task. Eye trackers and driving simulators can also be used in demonstrations.

Who: Years 12 and 13 (or equivalent age group) When: Negotiable throughout the year – please call to discuss your requirements Where: University of Bedfordshire’s Luton campus Delivered by: Department of Psychology

Psychology workshops These practical sessions focus on a topic that relates to the A Level psychology syllabus. This will resemble a tutorial in the area of research methods or another area.

The research methods version can include collection discussion of an simple empirical study (design, measurement), data collection and analysis, in some cases, using SPSS. Students can work in pairs to carry out descriptive analysis or basic comparisons and then interpret the results in the light of the proposed hypotheses.

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Who: Years 12 and 13 (or equivalent age group) When: Negotiable throughout the year – please call to discuss your requirements Where: University of Bedfordshire’s Luton campus or Bedford campus Delivered by: Department of Psychology

Schools & Colleges Liaison Team: 01582 743512

SUBJECT ACTIVITIES

Psychology practitioner panel Three psychologists talk for 5-10 minutes each on their own professional experience of training and practising as professional psychologists. Our careers service also contributes a broader perspective. Their short presentations are followed by time for questions from the pupils.

Who: Years 12 and 13 (or equivalent age group) When: Negotiable throughout the year – please call to discuss your requirements Where: Your school or University of Bedfordshire Delivered by: Department of Psychology

SOCIAL SCIENCE Social sciences in the 21st Century Students will be encouraged to think about a range of contemporary issues in social sciences relevant to the world today and how a degree in this area opens doors to employment in a range of roles in the human services. The session will allow students to take part in enjoyable group exercises in addition to having the chance to meet and talk to current University students about their experience.

Who: Years 12 and 13 (or equivalent age group) When: Negotiable throughout the year – please call to discuss your requirements Where: University of Bedfordshire’s Luton campus Delivered by: Department of Applied Social Studies

Social work, and youth and community work Through this interactive workshop students will be able to think about the skills they already have and need to develop for working in the human services. It also enables students to experience the interactive learning that is typical of higher education courses focusing on social work and youth and community work.

scl@beds.ac.uk

www.beds.ac.uk

Who: Years 12 and 13 (or equivalent age group) When: Negotiable throughout the year – please call to discuss your requirements Where: University of Bedfordshire’s Luton campus Delivered by: Department of Applied Social Studies

43 |

SUBJECT ACTIVITIES

What would you do if...?

This interactive scenario exercise will help students to develop social responsibility and citizenship.

Who: Years 12 and 13 (or equivalent age group) When: Negotiable throughout the year – please call to discuss your requirements Where: University of Bedfordshire’s Luton campus Delivered by: Department of Applied Social Studies

A career in human services This talk gives an introduction to working in the human service covering social work and youth work. Current undergraduates will be able to give a realistic insight into the courses that lead to the professional qualifications needed for a career in this sector and there will be time at the end for questions and answers.

Who: Years 12 and 13 (or equivalent age group) When: Negotiable throughout the year – please call to discuss your requirements Where: University of Bedfordshire’s Luton campus Delivered by: Department of Applied Social Studies

Interacting with the social world We can offer three sessions to help students engage in some social science research: Option A) Social research: providing students

with an opportunity to interact with

the social sciences by participating

in social research and sharing their

findings with other students in a

plenary discussion.

Who: Years 12 and 13 (or equivalent age group) When: Negotiable throughout the year – please call to discuss your requirements Where: University of Bedfordshire’s Luton campus Delivered by: Department of Applied Social Studies

Option B) Debate session: providing students

with information about a current

social issue and to debate this

issue in the session.

Option C) Exploring current issues in society:

engaging students themselves in

analysing the emerging and

current issues in the media.

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Schools & Colleges Liaison Team: 01582 743512

SUBJECT ACTIVITIES

What is criminology?

Students can gain an insight into criminology as an interdisciplinary, scientific (as opposed to a moral) undertaking that involves the study and understanding of the making of laws, the breaking of laws and of society’s reaction to the breaking of laws. A wide range of topics can be offered, including: a consideration of what is crime; what is a criminal; the extent of crime and the causes of crime; the reaction of the justice system and society to the breaking of laws; policing and penal policy; women and crime; the mentally disordered offender; international criminal law; delinquency and delinquency legislation.

Who: Years 12 and 13 (or equivalent age group) When: Negotiable throughout the year – please call to discuss your requirements Where: Your school or University of Bedfordshire’s Bedford campus Delivered by: Department of Applied Social Studies

The sociology of human rights The aim of this session is to introduce students to what is an emerging field in sociology; human rights. Human rights within the disciplines of law, politics and philosophy are well-established. There is, however, far less on human rights explicitly in the field of sociology. This session will examine the role for sociology in understanding human rights and will discuss and debate the issues around ‘human rights abuses’.

Who: Years 12 and 13 (or equivalent age group) When: Negotiable throughout the year – please call to discuss your requirements Where: Your school or University of Bedfordshire’s Bedford campus Delivered by: Department of Applied Social Studies

Sociology workshops These workshops will be designed to support an area of the A2 sociology curriculum. They will be delivered as an interactive workshop where students will be able to engage with sociological literature, debate the issues in question, draw conclusions and present their findings.

The workshop will help students to move beyond general sociology text books and to engage with journal articles, data sets and web based information.

scl@beds.ac.uk

www.beds.ac.uk

Who: Years 12 and 13 (or equivalent age group) When: Negotiable throughout the year – please call to discuss your requirements Where: Your school or University of Bedfordshire’s Bedford campus Delivered by: Department of Applied Social Studies

45 |

SUBJECT ACTIVITIES

Crime and the media This session will develop students’ knowledge and understanding of the central role played by the media in the construction of the crime problem. Crime occupies a principal place in public concerns. Nonetheless, for the most part, public knowledge of crime and criminal justice is filtered through the media in all its forms. In the context of this session, students will have the opportunity to examine the multifaceted relationship between the media, crime and culture. Print crime journalism, crime novels, movies and TV dramas will all be discussed.

Who: Years 12 and 13 (or equivalent age group) When: Negotiable throughout the year – please call to discuss your requirements Where: Your school or University of Bedfordshire’s Bedford campus Delivered by: Department of Applied Social Studies

SPORT SCIENCE & PHYSICAL ACTIVITY Sport science: cardiovascular function ‘testing and training’ In this session students perform a range of laboratory cardiovascular fitness tests and discuss what the data represents. The session will review practical ways to train the cardiovascular system and what physical changes this training should cause. Exact tests can be discussed with participating schools/colleges, but could include assessment of VO2max, aerobic efficiency and lung function.

Who: Years 10, 11, 12 and 13 (or equivalent age group) When: Autumn or spring term Where: University of Bedfordshire’s Bedford campus Delivered by: Department of Sport Science & Physical Activity

Sport science: muscular function ‘testing and training’ In this session students perform a range of laboratory muscle function tests and discuss what the data represents. The session will review practical ways to train the muscular system and what physical changes this training should cause. Exact tests can be discussed with the school but could include assessment of peak force, power production and limb asymmetry.

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Who: Years 10, 11, 12 and 13 (or equivalent age group) When: Autumn or spring term Where: University of Bedfordshire’s Bedford campus Delivered by: Department of Sport Science & Physical Activity

Schools & Colleges Liaison Team: 01582 743512

SUBJECT ACTIVITIES

Sport science: field-based fitness testing In this session students perform a range of field-based fitness tests, exploring different physical capacities and how this data should be collated and presented. The concepts of accuracy, validity and reliability of field versus laboratory tests will be discussed. Exact tests can be discussed with participating schools/ colleges, but could include field measures of speed/agility, muscular power/force, flexibility and aerobic fitness.

Who: Years 10, 11, 12 and 13 (or equivalent age group) When: Autumn or spring term Where: University of Bedfordshire’s Bedford campus Delivered by: Department of Sport Science & Physical Activity

Sports therapist: anatomy and biomechanics This session explores the role of a sports therapist, the surface anatomy and the terminology used on the course. Students will palpate and examine their own feet, arch structure and ankle bones. They will assess the structure and function of the foot by looking at their own arches and footprint.

They will also watch a demonstration of strapping and taping including an introduction to rehabilitation tools. It’s advisable for students to wear comfortable clothing.

Who: Years 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 (or equivalent age group) When: Autumn or spring term Where: University of Bedfordshire’s Luton campus Delivered by: Department of Sports Therapy & Rehabilitation

Sports therapy: more than a massage!

This session summarises the role of the sports therapist and shows students some of the facilities and equipment which sports therapists work with. Our undergraduate students will support the group to explore some basic anatomy and talk to them about their experiences of being a sports therapy student and working in the industry.

scl@beds.ac.uk

www.beds.ac.uk

Who: Years 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 (or equivalent age group) When: Autumn or spring term Where: University of Bedfordshire’s Luton campus Delivered by: Department of Sports Therapy & Rehabilitation

47 |

facebook.com/joinucmk twitter.com/ucmk youtube.com/uobvideos

UCAS Convention

Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes Where: University of Bedfordshire When: 22-23 June 2015

Find out more at: www.beds.ac.uk

More details about other UCAS Fairs, can be found on the UCAS Conventions website ww.ucas.com/events

ACCESS PARTNERSHIP ASSOCIATE SCHEME

ACCESS PARTNERSHIP ASSOCIATE SCHEME

The Access Partnership Team employ a number of current University students to support our activities with schools.

Their experiences provide a vital insight to the learners we work with.

They can offer a student’s perspective on relevant issues

■

Are open, honest and friendly

■

Motivate and inspire students from primary school to further education college, sixth form, apprenticeships etc.

■

Can support a arrange of activities in schools, colleges or on campus

■

All DBS checked and trained

■

Supported by the University’s Access Partnership Team

■

“Before university, I studied an Access course, and as an Access Partnership Associate I have also been involved in supporting local Access students on their pathway to Higher Education.

I have worked with small groups in two different schools. Year 9 groups focusing on raising attainment and boosting ambitions and a year 11 group focusing on improving their maths GCSE grades. I went to these sessions every week and built a great rapport with the young people.

I definitely think it helped them aim a bit higher and make better informed decisions about their future.”

Fran Hudson,

Access Partnership Associate

scl@beds.ac.uk

www.beds.ac.uk

“I have worked with the Access Partnership Team for just over two years now. It has been a joy! I have been involved in sowing the seeds events on campus, 1-1 mentoring with pupils with challenging behaviour in a middle school, as well as the annual year 12 residential summer school at the University!”

Adam Chapman, Access Partnership Associate

To find out more, please visit: www.beds.ac.uk/partners-and-community 49 |

SUMMER SCHOOLS

The University offers an eclectic range of residential and non-residential summer schools. These cover a number of specialist subjects, age groups and experiences.

In 2014 we offered: Year 12 residential summer schools in psychology, law, business, sports science, art & design, media, computer science and nursing & midwifery

■

Year 10 residential in conjunction with Cambridge University in physics and mathematics

“It has been a great experience to find out more about the nursing course and has inspired me even more to work hard to get the A Level grades that I need.”

Lucy

■

Year 5 non-residential programme for speakers of English as an additional language.

■

The Academy Programme providing out-of-term (holiday) activities covering a range of subject areas.

■

“I’d just like to take this opportunity to thank you very much for the Summer School! I had the best time of my life.”

Devika “I had a brilliant time and made new friends. It was an unforgettable experience.”

Dana

More specific details of upcoming events for 2015 will be announced on the Access Partnership website at: www.beds.ac.uk/pac or via: @bedsAteam on twitter as they are confirmed.

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Schools & Colleges Liaison Team: 01582 743512

SPECIALIST TASTER DAYS The University of Bedfordshire can offer a wide range of subject taster days which allow students to participate in interactive lectures and seminars, meet students currently studying the course, and find out about the next steps to applying to higher education.

Specialist taster days are delivered by course lecturers and provide an overview of the key subject areas offered at degree level.

If you haven’t found what you are looking for in this guide, we are happy to design something tailored to your specific needs, simply call us on 01582 743512. scl@beds.ac.uk

www.beds.ac.uk

51 |

ACCESS & MATURE LEARNER ACTIVITIES

ACCESS & MATURE LEARNER ACTIVITIES

We offer support to a range of learners in further education to help them succeed and progress on to pathways into employment and further study as best suits their individual needs.

Level 2 learners We offer bespoke support through visits, workshops and mentoring in order to engage, motivate and support these individuals in their studies, helping your students to make informed choices be they further study or entering the workplace prior to considering entry into higher education or the world of work.

Level 3 learners Much of what is on offer to Level 3 learners is already laid out in the previous section focusing on sixth form activities. We are aware that in some cases, vocationally oriented students may have subtly different needs and activities can be modified accordingly.

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Access students A number of activities are on offer to adults returning to education to support them with key decisions about what and where to study, and assist in making a successful transition to undergraduate level studies.

Access all areas This one day orientation event is specifically designed for Access students starting an honours degree at the University of Bedfordshire. Students will have an opportunity to ask questions related to their academic journey into higher education to ensure they are prepared for their courses from day one. The event will also provide students with a chance to meet their peers through networking who are in a similar position to them, helping to ease the transition from the college environment into the University setting and to prepare them for the challenges ahead.

Student shadowing For many Access students, one of the barriers to realizing university can be an achievable goal is not knowing what to expect. Our student shadowing opportunity allows them to spend the day with a current undergraduate student to gain a taste of university life. This opportunity is available by request and spaces in some subjects may be limited so early applications are encouraged.

Foundation degree and HND A programme of activities has been designed to support both foundation degree and HND level learners to succeed within their respective study disciplines and to prepare them for the transition into university should they wish to attend a top-up year on to a Honours degree.

Schools & Colleges Liaison Team: 01582 743512

ACCESS & MATURE LEARNER ACTIVITIES

Transition events These events give learners the chance to to visit a University campus and focuses on supporting the journey from the final year of their course on to the Honours degree to enable higher levels of student success and to help develop a sense of belonging when they join the University.

Associate Scheme Becoming an Associate with the Access Partnership team gives learners a chance to develop employability skills and confidence.

More information on this scheme can be found on page 49.

Mentoring Mentoring through peer support and buddying is offered to help with the transition in the early stages of the foundation degree, HND level study and the Honours top-up year.

Peer mentoring of existing second year learners with those starting their first year can help by providing support for them to adjust to the demands of the course quickly.

Resources to support success and progression The Access Partnership Team have access to a range of resources and interactive activities to both engage and support students on foundation degree and HND programmes. These focus primarily on study skills and employability and enable them to become more successful students.

Buddying of current second year students with colleagues on the second year of University Honours degree programmes allows students to begin the transition to the top-up year and to develop friendships and a sense of belonging within the associated honours degree to aid the transition and help them to better reach their potential within the top-up year.

“The impact from your recent motivational talk was excellent with 41 out of 51 students saying they felt motivated to get a higher grade as a result.”

Ruth Tippell, Tutor, Bedford College

“It made me want to be able to learn more and gain more qualifications in what I wish to do, but also it will make me feel more confident as a person.”

Sashe Tejt, Student, Bedford College

scl@beds.ac.uk

www.beds.ac.uk

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ACCESS & MATURE LEARNER ACTIVITIES

ACCESS PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMME: SPECIALIST SUPPORT

The University is keen to support progression to higher education for all; including those learners who may face additional barriers or who come from communities with low participation in higher education.

We therefore offer a range of additional support to care leavers, learners with disabilities or those at risk of disengagement from the education system. We aim, so far as is possible, for all learners to participate in the Access Partnership Programme, but we recognise that some may require additional support. To this end we offer the following additional programme elements:

Collaborative working The University works collaboratively with other agencies such as local authorities and specialist providers to establish collaborative approaches. For example, the established steering group for young people in care and leaving care brings together key providers who meet regularly.

Pre-entry support From primary level to adult learners the University offers a range of support to help young people decide their next step.

Sessions include:

By involving children in care and care leavers it allows the group to gain a real understanding and knowledge of the key issues that students face.

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Taster visits

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Support of local led community events

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Finance talks Pre-entry guidance to social workers/foster carers and key care providers

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Support to attend open days

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Transitional mentor support to University.

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Schools & Colleges Liaison Team: 01582 743512

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Discover a path to your future

Visiting our campus is the best way to get a taste for University life, meet staff and students and see our fantastic facilities for yourself. We hold open days throughout the year, so simply choose the best date to suit you and pre-register online at: www.beds.ac.uk/opendays

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Bedford Luton Aylesbury & UCMK

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Summer festival theme with live music playing across the campuses

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We look forward to meeting you soon!

www.beds.ac.uk 01582 743512 scl@beds.ac.uk Luton campus University Square Luton Bedfordshire United Kingdom LU1 3JU Bedford campus Polhill Avenue Bedford Bedfordshire United Kingdom MK41 9EA Buckinghamshire campus
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