MCR Pathways is thrilled to celebrate this year’s first University of Strathclyde Higher Education Taster. It’s one of many commitments by the Institution to increase Higher Education aspirations and widen access for all of Glasgow’s young people and especially YGT young people..
Now in it’s 4th year, these Tasters have proved highly successful. A threefold increase in attendance has been recorded since the first Strathclyde event. Over 30 14 and 15 year old young people were inspired to visit, a huge increase from 10 in 2013, 13 in 2014, and 17 in 2015. This reflects both the increase in youngsters looking for YGT’s help, and the phenomenal interest these Tasters generate. The University and especially the widening access and outreach team have been fantastic supporters of MCR Pathways.
Additionally, Strathclyde joined forces with Glasgow’s other HE Institutions in April to set out all the many support programmes and numerous additional resources available. Our young people, will now be fully informed through their individual mentors, of every opportunity available to them.
Some of our young attendees had already experienced HE Tasters and were keen to advance their plans. For others this was a first. Eyes were opened to future potential pathways and choices.
As well as the multitude of study subjects available to spark interests, independent learning, increased responsibilities, and no uniform proved very exciting prospects! Living as a student, being treated as an adult and more freedom were also aspects of HE that raised a lot of excitement.
Young people came from almost all of YGT’s secondary schools. Each school’s Pathways Coordinators attended to offer support and guidance. The day started off in the Graham Hills building where staff introduced themselves and set the schedule for the day. The young people were split into groups and each assigned a special Strathclyde Mentor.
There was then an array of team building and some fantastic “get to know you” games, including building balloon towers. As you can see, there was some stiff competition!
The Uni team went to great lengths to ensure the young people were well informed of what university has to offer. Heather, from the University, delivered a fantastic “University – What’s it All About?” interactive session. She guided our young people through everything they should expect. From applying through UCAS, to different learning styles and the support available for those who might need an extra helping hand. The young people were really involved in the discussion, bringing up different concerns from finances to meeting new people. Heather discussed and emphasised the amazing reward in specialising in one subject.
The young people were inspired by the many great reasons why they should go to University. The valuable skills to be gained, an enhanced CV and of course the social life. Entry requirements were also discussed, so the young people can understand what they need to do now to secure this pathway. This talk was invaluable, a boost of confidence and a forum for questions and concerns. After learning about the extra curricular activities at Strathclyde, they were excited to start their tour of the campus.
There was a quiz and scavenger hunt element of the tour, exploring the student halls! However, no one came close to guessing how many reside at Strathclyde University. All were amazed to learn that the University has over 20,000 students living there throughout the year! Exploring the on-campus bar, computer lounge and canteen left everyone impressed. Finally an excursion around the union finished the tour off.
Next was an info session on the MCR Strathclyde Summer Experience. The two day experience will immerses our young people even further into University life. These experiences mean YGT young people have the foundations and connections established when they decide that Higher Education is for them.
Like our young people, we would like to say a massive THANK YOU to Strathclyde University for hosting such a fantastic event. As a Pioneering Partner, delivering summer schools, day visits, subject tasters and student tutoring support, the organisation has gone above and beyond for our young people. On top of this, the Business School has taken the step of offering a volunteering experience as part of its Management Development Programmes. Eight and 12-week placements are also now part of the MCR Pathways support for some course work in the Humanities and Social Sciences Faculty, with many students remaining actively involved through internships and work placements. We cannot thank the Strathclyde enough for it’s growing support of YGT.
GET INVOLVED!
We have many more young people signing up for Young Glasgow Talent’s help. They need mentors to make a huge difference to their confidence, educational outcomes and future life chances. Can you help them? Find out more about becoming a mentor.
We’re always looking for new mentors to reach all the new young people who are coming on board with the programme. Help us spread the word by letting your friends and family know how worthwhile mentoring can be!
