Aimhigher Northamptonshire Examples of Activities

Aimhigher works with schools and colleges in Northamptonshire to raise awareness about Higher Education. We are committed to raising aspirations and preparing students for Further and Higher Education.

The following activities are available to all schools and colleges in Northamptonshire. We will endeavour to work to your timetable and specific needs.

Suggested Year Group	Activity
Years 9, 10 & 11	Interactive careers sessions "Behind the Scenes" looks at different careers of the rich and famous and the progression routes associated with them, and people who work with them. "Get on track" careers game allows students to look at different career areas, what qualifications they require and what salaries are associated with different jobs. "Work it out" a careers opportunity for students to take part in an interactive half day, exploring different careers areas and the skills and qualifications they require. Students then undertake a "skills audit" of themselves and "what they may have to offer". They also have the opportunity to speak to industry professionals.
Years 9 to 13	Parents Evenings Members of the Aimhigher team are available to attend Parents Evenings. We can bring information on higher education, e.g. finance, progression routes information, researching courses and useful websites. We can give a presentation or just be on hand to offer information and advice to parents and students.
Years 9 to 13	General Taster days An interactive day or half day spent on a University campus. This introduces students to a range of issues they face at University, for example, student life talk, finance talk, careers sessions and a campus tour which allows students to get a feel for what a University is really like.
Years 11, 12 & 13	Subject Specific Taster days The same as a taster day but with a focus on a specific subject. Students can visit subject departments and have an input from subject lecturers.
All years	School/College sessions Members of the Aimhigher team are happy to visit Schools and Colleges to undertake presentations and/or workshops on the following areas: Why choose Higher Education? Student Life UCAS Applications and preparing Personal Statements Time Management and Organisational skills Student Finance Study and Revision Skills All of the above subjects have interactive elements and can be tailored to suit your specific needs
Years 10 & 11	Mentoring (only available to Aimhigher cohort) Current UCN undergraduates arrange to meet students for one to one mentoring sessions approximately once every three weeks. The trained (through EBLO) undergraduates discuss any issues the student may have with their current studies, assist with a revision timetable, discuss future options and help point them in the right direction for further information, should they need it. Developments are in place for other mentoring and e-mentoring projects.
Years 12 & 13	Play Your Cash Right An interactive finance game. Students work their way through a University term making choices about how to spend their money and balancing their bank account. This session can be used as part of a finance talk or part of a taster day.
Years 11, 12 & 13	Interview Skills Workshop Preparing students for university interviews, or 6th form/college interviews.
Years 11, 12 & 13	Options session This session is aimed at students who are not considering University as a first choice. The session encourages students to assess their own skills and abilities. The session also covers the various vocational progression routes e.g employment with training, apprenticeships and foundation degrees and how they may lead to a full degree.
Years 11, 12 & 13	Masterclasses Subject specific classes aimed at encouraging students to continue studying a subject at a higher level. A masterclass will aim to enrich the curriculum students are working to, and may also involve open discussions. Examples: Global and environmental crisis, Elections and political processes, Terrorism
Years 12 & 13 (students must be 16 years or over)	Student Shadowing Students spend a day or half day on a university or college campus shadowing an undergraduate. Students will attend lectures and seminars in their area of subject interest.
Years 12 & 13	Higher Education Evenings Information and advice available for parents and students on student funding, student life and the application process.
Years 9, 10, 11 & 12	Theatre Workshops Motivational workshops can be arranged in school or college, or as part of a taster day. The workshops involve the use of drama.
Years 12 & 13	Residential or Educational Activity Centres Prospective students have the option of staying in halls of residence or an activity centre, and will take part in both academic and social activities.
Information for school and college staff	Staff Development We offer presentations to staff on areas such as, what is Aimhigher and progression routes for students. These can be used as part of Professional Development days, team meetings, or conferences.
Years 9 to 13	Vocational Progression Routes A short session for learners who have chosen not to continue onto higher education after completion of their FE education. The aim is to ask learners to think about what they would like to do next and to discuss the options and sources of information available to them. To encourage learners to think about focusing in - Self Perception - What have you got to offer? To encourage learners to think about their skills and strengths, and painting a positive picture about themselves. To encourage the learners appreciate the options available to them other than direct entry into HE from FE. To facilitate an understanding of the options available to them i.e. Apprenticeships, Employment with training and Foundation Degrees.