Schools & Colleges Liaison
www.aston.ac.uk/schliaison
Services for
Services for Schools & Colleges
The Schools & Colleges Liaison Office exists to help prospective students, their parents, teachers and careers advisers looking for information on all aspects of Higher Education, including applying to University and specific updates about Aston University. We aim to raise awareness of Higher Education opportunities, support potential applicants in making an informed choice, and update advisers about current issues in the sector.
Open Days
Pre-Application Open Days 2016:
Saturday 25 JuneTuesday 13 September October - date tbc
www.aston.ac.uk/opendays
Aston Pre-Application Open Days provide presentations on University degree programmes, student life, graduate employment, student finance and much more. Campus tours and accommodation viewings are also available.
Booking for the Open Day is not essential but we would encourage visitors to register via our website to receive programme information and further details prior to the event.
Aston University
Founded in 1895 and a University since 1966, Aston is a long established research-led University known for its world-class teaching quality and strong links with industry, government and commerce.
Aston has been a leading University for graduate employment success for over 25 years. The University ranked 8th in the UK and 1st within the Midlands for graduate employability (2013 Sunday Times University Guide), with over 89% of our employed graduates finding graduate level jobs against a UK average of less than 70%. Allied to this, almost 75% of eligible Aston students
study for degrees involving a placement year or year abroad. This puts Aston in the Top 4 UK Universities for placement years.
Aston University is based in the centre of Birmingham, home to over 70,000 students, and described by Rough Guides as a world top 10 destination. Our friendly and safe 40 acre campus houses all the University’s academic, social and accommodation facilities for our 10,000 students.
Each year around
20,000 school/
college students,
teachers and
parents visit Aston
University for events
and activities to
inform, inspire and
educate.
Talks provided include:
XApplying through UCAS and Choosing a Course/University XWhat Admissions Tutors look for in UCAS Personal Statements XStudent Life and Financial Support
XWhy go to University?
XGraduate Employability and the Benefits of a Placement Year XAston University – Why students choose to study at Aston
Talks in schools/colleges are provided free of charge. We usually require projection facilities, and prefer to engage with large or whole year groups where possible. Staff resource limitations mean we cannot accept requests to provide multiple workshops to small groups over a period of hours (we also prefer school HE Fairs of between 1.5 and 3 hours, which provide ample time for several year groups to visit stands). Similarly, we find that interview preparation sessions provide very limited benefit to the majority of students seeking Higher Education entry, and as such we do not accept requests for these.
Support for Teachers and Careers Advisers
We can provide reference writing workshops to teachers and tutors in your school or college. This is a free service. On 7 January 2016, Aston will host its 21st Annual Admissions Conference. This free event is one of the largest events of its type in the UK, and bookings can be made by emailing below.
For an informal discussion, please telephone 0121 204 4771 or email schliaison@aston.ac.uk
Careers Fair Attendance & Talks/Presentations in your
School/College
Members of our team are happy to attend fairs and give various talks and presentations for your students. Every year we visit over 100 schools and colleges across the UK.
2017 Admissions Conference
The date for our 2017 Admissions Conference for teachers and advisers is Thursday 5 January. More information will be made available nearer the time at www.aston.ac.uk/teachers.
Applicant Visit Days
From late December until late March, UCAS applicants (offer holders) are invited to attend Applicant Visit Days (AVDs), organised by our Academic Schools. AVDs offer more comprehensive subject/degree content than our general Open Days but still offer tours of the campus and opportunities to view our accommodation.
We strongly recommend prospective students attend an Open Day to enable them to make an informed choice.
School and college groups are welcome to visit our campus throughout the year and programmes can be tailored to meet individual requirements. Schools and colleges may also be able to use our lecture or seminar rooms for their own events, for example enterprise days or sixth form induction days.
In addition, visitors are able to visit on any weekday during the year and can be provided with a self-guided campus tour leaflet to help them navigate our compact, self-contained city-centre campus.
Contact 0121 204 4771 or email schliaison@aston.ac.uk
Aston University sends
representatives to over 35
UCAS Education Conventions
around the UK.
Please visit
www.ucas.com/conventions
for more information.
UCAS Higher Education Conventions
Visiting the University at other times
Public Lectures and Events
Aston University hosts a range of free lectures which are open to Aston University staff and students, as well as members of the public. ‘Aston Inaugurals’ celebrate the research of recently appointed Professors at the University, and enable visitors to gain a unique insight into their particular field of research. Six Aston Inaugurals are planned between Winter and late Spring, with subjects ranging from the historical and societal importance of roads, to how light has powered the information revolution.
www.aston.ac.uk/events
Aston University Learning Development Centre Resources
The Learning Development Centre (LDC) supports all Aston students, including applicants, to develop their strategies for academic success. The LDC’s ‘Get Ahead’ website advises prospective university students on studying effectively at university and contains useful study tips from current students and lecturers.
Widening Participation & Outreach Activities
Aston University is committed to broadening awareness and understanding of Higher Education and raising aspirations. We are able to offer a wide variety of activities and events for primary, secondary and post-16 students on and off campus.
Aston University students are always on hand to talk about their own personal experiences and their studies. Activity days are flexible and programmes can be tailored to meet individual school/ college requirements.
Campus Visit Days
Our campus visit days for Years 7 – 11 are generic in nature and focus on raising the aspirations of pupils whilst dispelling any myths or misconceptions they may have about accessing Higher Education. Although the dates have been set for the Campus Visit Days this academic year, the year groups, numbers and the type of visit are flexible and can be tailored upon request.
Subject Specific Conferences and Guest Lectures
Schools and Colleges Liaison run an annual series of subject specific Conferences and Guest Lectures in a range of subjects including: Biology, English, Health Sciences, Mathematics and Psychology.
Conferences are full day events incorporating a number of intensive activities within a specific STEM subject. Due to the nature of the conferences they are aimed at Year 9 and Year 10 pupils. Guest Lectures are 1 hour subject-specific sessions provided by external speakers on the Aston campus and are open to Years 7 – 11.
For information about all Pre-16 Enrichment activities and availability please visit: www.aston.ac.uk/pre-16
Telephone 0121 204 4750 or email aimhigher@aston.ac.uk
Pre-16 Enrichment Events
Campus Visit
Post-16 Enrichment Events
We offer a wide range of events and opportunities for Sixth Form pupils to support them in making crucial decisions about their future in Higher Education.
Aston Masterclass Programme
Our Masterclass programme offers a great opportunity for Year 12 and 13 pupils to enrich their Sixth Form studies by providing stimulating workshops from Aston University academics in a Higher Education setting. Masterclasses generally last 2 hours and take place on Wednesday afternoons. All Masterclasses are free to attend but please note that booking is essential and a maximum of 15 places per school or college will be allocated on any one Masterclass in the first instance. www.aston.ac.uk/masterclasses
Sixth Form University Visit Days
We are very happy to consider requests for bespoke Sixth Form Visits to our campus for large groups (around 80+). A typical visit for pupils would include an introduction to the University, campus tour with a current undergraduate student, plus talks on the UCAS process and choosing the right course and University. We can also discuss what to do in Year 12, including how to prepare a strong Personal Statement and what young people should know about Student Finance. Visits can be tailored to suit individual school or college requirements.
Computer says YES!
Wednesday 6 - Friday 8 April 2016.
Computing Science - Aston hosts a three-day non-residential Computing Science course during the Easter holidays for Year 12 pupils studying ICT or Mathematics. This will expose pupils to a range of challenging and exciting topics with real-world applications. With a mix of hands-on exercises and workshops, pupils will gain a real impression of what life is like at a small, friendly campus university.
See ‘Residentials’ section for details of our Sixth Form Easter/Summer Schools.
PwC Sixth Form Conference
Tuesday 16 February 9.30am - 2.30pm.
Organised jointly by PwC and Aston University, this conference is aimed at bright Year 12 and 13 pupils who are expected to achieve at least ABB grades at A Level and who have a genuine interest in Accountancy, Finance and Business. Held at PwC’s offices in Birmingham City Centre, the conference gives pupils the opportunity to learn about studying these subjects at University. Visit www.aston.ac.uk/post16
Telephone 0121 204 4787 or email sixthformenrichment@aston.ac.uk
Campus Visit
dates for 2016
Tuesday 19 January Tuesday 9 February Wednesday 18 May
Year 10 - 12 Access to Professions
Conferences
These are designed to provide pupils with careers information to aid their future decision making. Companies from across a wide range of sectors come to Aston to offer stimulating workshops that provide students with a ‘taster’ experience in a particular profession. Students are also given the opportunity to network with employers about entry routes into their profession.
During the conference students will also attend sessions about the practicalities of job hunting, including writing a CV and communication skills.
www.aston.ac.uk/pre-16 Telephone 0121 204 4750 or email aimhigher@aston.ac.uk
Access to Professions
Outreach for Care Leavers and Looked
After Children
X Care Leavers are prioritised in the allocation of places on all outreach activities including Conferences, Masterclasses, Challenge Days and Summer School
XAston has strong links with Local Authorities in the West Midlands
X Schools and Colleges Liaison host on campus events aimed specifically at Looked After Children and Care Leavers, providing information on Higher Education pathways and support available
XOn campus events are organised for teachers and carers of Looked After Children X Bespoke University visits and services for Looked After Children and Care Leavers can be
catered for on request
For information about our provision for looked after children and care leavers please visit: www.aston.ac.uk/schliaison
Students into Schools
Students into Schools forms an extensive part of Aston University’s Outreach programme. Through activities such as tutoring and mentoring, Aston students provide ongoing support and act as positive role models in local primary, secondary and post-16 schools and colleges.
Student Tutoring
Aston University students work in local schools and colleges acting as tutors to school pupils with the aim of raising academic attainment. Tutoring is subject specific, and dependent on school needs and Aston students’ skill sets. Tutoring takes place in a classroom setting or in supervised small groups, providing an excellent additional resource to schools. Student Tutoring is provided at no cost to schools.
Student Mentoring
Aston University students work in schools on a one-to-one or small group basis to provide pupils with ongoing support as they encounter the various transition milestones throughout secondary school. Mentors work with pupils for a full academic year with the aim of improving attainment and aspirations.
Aimhigher Mentoring
Aston University provides aspiration raising mentors through the Aimhigher West Midlands Partnership. This is a subscription based programme.
Aston Progression Pathways
(APP) Mentoring
The APP programme seeks to empower Year 12 pupils who are considering studying a STEM subject at university, to confidently make decisions about their progression into Higher Education. In addition to mentoring, pupils will also benefit from a three day non-residential Summer Research Project led by our world-class academics. APP mentoring is provided at no cost to schools.
Year 11 Academic Tutoring
Aston University students work in schools to provide small group support to Year 11 pupils in Maths and/or English. Year 11 tutors are a useful resource for schools looking to ensure pupils achieve C grades and above in their GCSEs. Year 11 Tutoring is provided at a cost to schools.Telephone 0121 204 4774 or email outreach@aston.ac.uk
International Business and Modern Foreign Languages Residential
Saturday 12 - Sunday 13 March 2016
For students studying French, Spanish, or German at AS or A Level. This is a great opportunity to develop language and communication skills, and understand the role languages play in the world of work. Students learn by participating in Business projects whilst building confidence in their target language.
Email sixthformenrichment@aston.ac.uk for details.
Year 12 Business Challenge Easter School
Thursday 31 March - Friday 1 April 2016
A 2 day / 1 night Business themed residential Easter School for Year 12 pupils who are strongly considering studying a Business related course at University. Taking place in the Easter Holiday, the event is aimed at equipping your students with the knowledge, skills and motivation to excel in Year 13.
Year 10 STEM UniFest Summer School
Wednesday 13 - Friday 15 July 2016
A Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths (STEM) themed 3 day / 2 night residential Summer School aimed at providing pupils with the experience of University Life. UniFest is fully catered and will include activities designed to boost motivation, confidence, knowledge and understanding of Higher Education.
Further details on how to get involved can be found at www.aston.ac.uk/outreach We offer a flexible service to schools, colleges and academies. We are always keen to develop collaborative outreach activities either as a stand alone event or on a regular basis involving Aston students working in an aspirational capacity with learners.
Telephone 0121 204 4774 or email outreach@aston.ac.uk
Residentials
Primary School Outreach
The Outreach office works with local primary schools to help support academic attainment and aspiration of young pupils from an early age. This is done through a varied programme of Outreach activity. If you are interested in any of the Primary Outreach activities please telephone
0121 204 4776 or email outreach@aston.ac.uk. Our activities include:
Transition Days
Year 6 primary school groups are invited to visit the campus on a pre-set Transition Day, designed to introduce the concepts of transition into secondary school and Higher Education.
Reading Buddies
Aston University students act as guided readers to pupils in schools over a 10 week period during spring term with the aim of improving literacy and reading levels.
Numeracy and Mathematics
Aston University students deliver interactive workshops to small groups of pupils in schools with the aim of improving and maintaining interest in numeracy, such as the Numeracy in Nechells Project developed in partnership with Nechells POD.City of Birmingham Children’s
University
Monday 4 July 2016
CBCU provides high quality and innovative learning experiences outside normal school hours to children aged 7 to 14. Aston University works in partnership with CBCU to host their annual graduation ceremony. For more information about the CBCU or to sign up to become a member please visit: www.birminghamchildrensuniversity.co.uk
Schools and Colleges Liaison have a departmental Safeguarding Policy to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all young visitors involved in our activities. We also have a Code of Conduct in place for all internal staff supporting our events which they must adhere to.
All Schools and Colleges Liaison staff have been DBS checked and all students who work intensively within schools have also received a fully enhanced DBS check.
Disclosure details can be made available to schools upon request.
Safeguarding
Booking is essential for all Schools and Colleges Liaison events and places will be allocated on a first come first served basis.
All our Conferences, Masterclasses, Pre-16 Guest Lectures, Challenge Days and University Visit Days are free to attend. However, due to the large number of events that we co-ordinate on campus and the limited number of places available please note that Schools & Colleges Liaison have a Cancellation and Non-Attendance Policy in place.
The Policy does not apply to the Aston University Open Days.
For further details about all our events or to book places please visit our website www.aston.ac.uk/schliaison
We look forward to
hearing from you
Schools & Colleges Liaison
Aston University
Aston Triangle
Birmingham
B4 7ET
0121 204 4771
schliaison@aston.ac.uk
www.aston.ac.uk/schliaison
James SeymourDirector of UK Recruitment and Outreach John Connolly
Head of WP & Recruitment
Lisa Mitchell
Administrator for Schools & Colleges Liaison Gill Clark
Student Recruitment Officer Sarah Fullwood
Sixth Form Enrichment Amanda Cudby
Pre-16 Enrichment & Access to Professions Jayne Reilly
Schools Liaison Assistant
Widening Participation and Outreach Activities
Baljinder Rana Outreach Manager Stephen Heslegrave Outreach Officer Maria Crawford Outreach Assistant Jessica East Outreach Assistant
