College offers insight into courses

A group of youngsters were given a valuable insight into Higher Education last week, when the College hosted its fourth Early Years summer school.

The event was organised as part of the government's Aimhigher scheme, which is designed to encourage non-traditional students into college or university.

Schools from around the country nominated 17 students to take part in the event, who were felt to have the potential to continue their studies, but came from families where no-one had yet gone into Higher Education.

The programme featured a series of seminars, practical workshops in subjects such as art and IT, educational visits to childcare centres in Birmingham and careers advice. The students worked on a project and final day presentation which brought together their experiences during the week.

The participants stayed at the College's own halls of residence, The Maltings, while there was also a packed social calendar, including ten pin bowling, a cinema visit and a karaoke night.

One of the students who took part, Catherine Howard, said: "I've really enjoyed the experience and I've learned so much. It was great going out on placement and working with the children, and we were also given some really helpful advice on careers.

"No-one in my family has been to university before, so I wasn't sure what to expect, but I loved it here, and I would now like to come back and do an Early Years course."

The visitors were supported throughout the week by ten student mentors from the College and three members of staff.

Early Years lecturer and summer school co-ordinator Colette Foley said: "It's been a very positive experience for everyone. When they went on their placements for the first time on Tuesday, we dropped them off in the minibus and a lot of them were really subdued, then they came out at the end of the day absolutely ecstatic and had had a wonderful time.

"The workshops were really successful and I’ve been very impressed with the work they've produced - the way they worked as a team and did so much in only two days was amazing. There was also a fun side too with the social events every night."

Sarah Howe, from Aimhigher, added: "A lot of the students who took part have made some very positive decisions about their futures and several have told me they would now like to go on to Higher Education, which is what this week was all about."