Pupil Premium Network
The first meeting of our Pupil Premium/Disadvantaged Leads Network meeting took place on 29th November with a range of schools and sixth forms represented. Barriers to participation in higher education for disadvantaged pupils were discussed with some clear themes emerging which we will be sharing with the Sussex Learning Network partners, schools and colleges across Sussex.
Some brilliant examples of good practice around working with disadvantaged students were shared in breakout groups which participants found helpful. Some examples of these include:
- Individual pupil profiles for each PP learner. The live document is completed by each subject teacher and allows opportunities to share strategies and interventions they are using
- PP learners being prioritised for individual careers sessions with targeted earlier intervention
- Funding for PP leaners to take part in out of school visits
- Linking widening participation offers to specific subject to ensure take-up
The group also discussed barriers to accessing widening participation and enrichment activities and shared examples include:
- Transport makes it difficult for disadvantaged students to stay after school for clubs and societies.
- Many disadvantaged students also have caring responsibilities at home which makes it difficult to engage with enrichment offers.
- Universities’ widening participation offers have complex eligibility criteria and there are multiple interventions on offer. Having these simplified and streamlined would encourage take-up and make it easier for schools to access.
- Parental engagement needs to be sensitive, supportive and consistent. Examples of involving parents in forums and other activities which helped them support their children’s aspiration and attainment were discussed.
Uni Connect encourages and supports parental engagement and is pleased to offer the following free webinar:
Building Future You: Preparing for the Undiscovered Country
In this webinar, Andrew from Action Your Potential will unpack the key skills students need to tackle the challenges of preparing for exams, manage their goal-setting and get stuff done. Procrastination is the biggest issue holding thousands of students back in achieving their amazing, inspirational goals. Andrew will explain how to build the skill of "Have-To" motivation. The webinar will take place on 17th January 7.00pm – 8.00pm. All are welcome, please email f.lofty@brighton.ac.uk for more information and a booking link.
The next Pupil Premium network meeting will take place on 7th February at 3.30pm. If you would like to find out more about the network please email Fay Lofty by clicking here.