Welcome to Aimhigher Rotherham
Aimhigher is about inspiring young people to consider higher education as an option for the future, especially those who come from families and communities with little or no history of HE. When it comes down to who does, or does not, get the opportunity to benefit from Higher Education, there are still too many inequalities. For example, people living in the most advantaged areas are six times more likely to enter Higher Education than those living in the more deprived areas.
Latest
Web based online prospectus - applyrotherham.org.uk
The new 14-19 prospectus is now available on the internet for all 14-19 learners.
applyrotherham.org.uk will provide comprehensive details about all 14-19 learning programmes on offer in Rotherham and information, advice and guidance on progression options and career pathways. It will also provide valuable links to other websites including finance information to help with the cost of studying beyond 16.
Roadshow
The Aimhigher roadshow is a DfES initiative designed to promote the benefits and dispel the myths about HE.
The roadshow is aimed at Year 9 pupils and Year 12 students in areas and communities with traditionally low levels of participation in higher education. The idea behind the roadshow is to take young people out of the classroom environment and inspire them with an informative, fast-paced presentation given by someone from a similar background to them.
To find out when the Roadshow is visiting your School or College see the full list of dates for 2007.
Masterclasses 2007
From Architecture to the Bio Engineering these 31 fascinating Masterclasses are to be delivered in Universities in the South Yorkshire area for Y12 Gifted and Talented students from Rotherham.
Furthermore, the classes are to be delivered by lecturers from Cambridge, Sheffield Hallam and the University of Sheffield.
These masterclasses will be delivered from 15-30 March2007.
Parents Experience Evenings
On 15 March 07, Y9 students and their parents attended Sheffield Hallam University where information about the benefits and financial costs of staying on in education after GCSEs and why students go on to study were provided in a Parent’s Experience Evening.
It also included a ‘taster’ lecture and a tour of the campus giving students and parents an insight into university life.
e-mentoring
Aimhigher has now trained mentors and mentees from Universities, Schools and Colleges as part of Rotherham’s e-mentoring project.
eMentoring is “one-to-one, non-judgmental relationship in which an individual mentor voluntarily gives time to support and encourage another”
using electronic communication (e-mail) as the medium under a controlled software environment.
For more information please see our events page
Impact Theatre 2007
From February through to March 2007 Rotherham schools will again benefit from another fantastic ImpAct production of Stay in Learning which is designed to highlight the benefits of staying in learning and the options available post 16 and 18.
It will also include 3 parents' evenings, on the 1st, 19th and 22nd of March at Dearne Valley, Carlton Park Hotel and Dinnington Community Centre respectively.
Want to see more? Why not check out the highlights of last year's successful production.
Careers for the Future 07
On 21st & 22nd May Yr 10 Aimhigher students are invited to the Careers for the Future event at The Source, Meadowhall.
The event is organised by Nord Anglia Lifetime Development Ltd and Aimhigher Rotherham and it consists of interactive workshops in 8 growth occupational areas from Construction through to Leisure & Tourism.
It aims to raise awareness of employment opportunities, progression routes as well as highlighting the qualifications and skills needed to take students forward into employment or higher education in the 21st century.
Aimhiger HE Summer Schools 07
Applications Have now been received from our Rotherham students for the 2007 regional higher education summer schools.
The summer schools are part of a scheme to encourage a wider range of young people to consider going to university. They're an opportunity for those who have just finished GCSE's to stay at a university for a week, in June, July or August and take part in subject tasters and social activities supported by university staff and current students.
Read about last year’s summer schools on our Aimhigher Summer Schools page and see the feature opposite.
Feature - Higher Education Summer Schools
In summer 2006, 118 Rotherham students were offered the opportunity to participate in a summer school at universities across Yorkshire and Humberside.
They travelled to Bradford, Hull, Leeds, Sheffield and York, with most spending the week staying in student accommodation, experiencing a range of learning activities and lectures as well as enjoying varied programmes of social activities, which included theatre trips, gallery and museum visits, gym sessions, quizzes, dinner-dances, bowling, disco’s and much more.
The students agree that Summer Schools are a fantastic way of finding out more about what student life is really like.
Emma Bradley (Brinsworth Comprehensive) said:
“It was a great experience that I will remember for many years to come. The best and the hardest part was meeting new people. It was nerve wracking being surrounded by so many people I didn’t know. On the first day there was a speed meeting which was great as it allowed us to get to know more people in the same position. The experience has really made me consider going to university. I had a wonderful time and would advise everyone to attend.”
Rachel Poultney (Wingfield Comprehensive) said
“I felt that the trip to SHU was helpful and confirmed my thoughts on what to do in the future. I also made friends and had a fun experience. I feel this should be repeated next year because students will think it is a great event.”
Danielle Jow (Pope Pius X) said of the Leeds Met summer school
“I really enjoyed it and felt it was a good experience, giving an insight into university life. I felt very apprehensive, but it wasn’t long before I began talking to other students from all parts of Yorkshire and Humberside. I met some fantastic people. I would advise anyone who has the opportunity to participate, to go for it!!”
Shauni Sanderson (Swinton Community School) said
“I believe that I have had an authentic insight to student life. I feel that I have gained confidence since attending the summer school. I now find it easier meeting new people, and I also feel better about speaking in front of groups of people – a thing I used to get really nervous about. I made so many friends and I had an amazing time! Previously I had been unsure about going to uni, worried about debt and doubting my ability to make it, but the week I spent in Leeds has made me 100% positive about the future. Now I can’t wait to go to university – I’m going to have the time of my life!.”
In Focus
Specialised Diplomas
“The 14-19 Reforms are designed to encourage more young people to continue learning for longer and gain the qualifications they need to progress into further and higher education or employment.”
A key part of the Reforms is the introduction of a new qualification – the Specialised Diploma. Diplomas will be available in 14 lines of learning at Levels 1, 2 and 3. The first five Diplomas will be available for teaching from 2008. Further information can be found at www.dfes.gov.uk/14-19/