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Students get a taste of university level study
06 December 2011
A group of students from The College Ystrad Mynach were given the opportunity to try university level study in a pilot programme which will now be rolled out by UHOVI (Universities Heads of the Valleys Institute) across the Valleys region.
The students aged 16–18 years were enrolled on further education courses studying for level 3 qualifications when they were invited to study bite-sized modules comparable to those taken in the first year of a university degree. Lecturing staff from the University of Wales, Newport attended the college to work with the students over an intensive four week period.
All those who took part in the project achieved the desired learning outcomes making this pilot an overwhelming success. Students were presented with Certificates of Achievement last week by representatives of UHOVI, University of Wales, Newport and The College Ystrad Mynach.
The project has been supported by the Caerphilly 14-19 network and aims to break down any perceived barriers young people might have of higher education. The idea that students at college can access curriculum choices from universities is a groundbreaking scheme that enables participants to ‘have a go’ and realise that they can achieve at a higher level of learning.
Tom Croke, Project Coordinator, states: “This kind of partnership working will be hugely beneficial to young people across the Valleys region. Further Education Colleges and Universities are working together with support from 14-19 networks, to ensure that students see the opportunities beyond school and college. This new innovative approach puts learners first by enabling access to additional learning and helping to give young people the confidence to study for higher education qualifications.”
David Finch, Deputy Principal Academic at The College Ystrad Mynach added: “The College is delighted at the outcomes of this new partnership initiative with the University of Wales, Newport. The students have done exceptionally well in gaining credits at Level 4. They handled the challenges of this degree level work with both flair and skills. It has assured all of the students that they can study at a higher level.”
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