Spring School: 12–13 April 2011

Children in care visit the University of Brighton’s Hastings campus

Published April 2011

For two days during their Easter school holiday, 23 children in care were given a chance to have a closer look at university life by taking part in a two-day programme of activities at the University of Brighton’s Hastings campus, run in partnership with AimHigher Sussex.

One of the most popular activities was a TV taster day in the university’s industry-standard studio. One of the university’s key lecturers, Jo MacDonnell, helped each young person create a DVD to take away with them. Other sessions enjoyed by the group were Radio taster sessions, team building activities using Wii and Star Student giant floor-based board game.

At the end of the two days, the young people donned real caps and gowns for a graduation ceremony, and were each given a certificate to take away and remind them of their experiences.

Wendy Philcox, Widening Participation co-ordinator for the University of Brighton in Hastings and organiser of the Spring School, said: “Children who have been in care are underrepresented at universities, so our aim was to give these young people a chance to spend some time in a university setting. The University of Brighton offers excellent support to students who have been in care, giving each one a personal guidance tutor for their time of study and preferential access to accommodation, and has been awarded the Frank Buttle Trust Quality Mark. It was wonderful to see these young people enjoying the activities and increasing their understanding of what a university can offer.”

Anna Brooks, Education and Training Coordinator, Virtual School for Children in Care, said: “As corporate parents we are always looking for opportunities to raise the aspirations of young people in care.  The spring school we hope will do just that, giving our young people the opportunity to find out more about further and higher education opportunities, to meet student ambassadors and learn new skills in a relaxed and supportive setting.”