Two sixth form student support programmes in action
An important aspect of our work is ensuring that local colleges are able to access Uni Connect funding that enables them to support the achievements and progression of priority students in imaginative ways. We oversee the full funding process, but give the sixth form colleges we work with autonomy to decide how funds are best allocated. Here, we take a look at the very different, but equally impactful approaches taken by Brighton sixth form colleges Varndean and BHASVIC…
BHAVIC chose to use their Uni Connect funding to create an intensive mentoring initiative – the Flourish Programme. Students invited to be a part of the programme were those most at risk of not completing their study or those who met key Uni Connect criteria including care-experienced young people, those living in postcodes with low HE participation rates and those coming to the college with low GCSE point scores.
Each of the students on BHASVIC’s Flourish Programme received half-termly mentoring. During these sessions staff helped them discover new study skills tools, explore future career and education plans and apply for widening participation opportunities. In its pilot year, the Flourish Programme engaged with 26 students and was such a success that by year two participation increased by over 50% to 42 students.
Varndean College took a very different approach to their funding allocation – choosing to use it to support a number of interventions rather than invest it in a single programme:
- Two part time HE Champions were appointed to offer 1:1 advice to priority students and to build an exciting calendar of progression related events and activities– many of which also involved parents and carers
- A termly Uni Connect newsletter was developed to ensure all Uni Connect students and their parents and carers were aware of all the opportunities and support available to them
- A new Level 2 to 3 Support and Transition programme was created to ensure that students who may struggle were identified quickly and offered study skills support, coaching sessions, tutorials and the opportunity to be inspired by motivational speakers
- Funding was also used for a Bridging the Gap in Science programme to ensure that Uni Connect eligible students aiming for competitive medicine, veterinary science and dentistry courses were fully supported to make successful applications
Check out Varndean’s video to be inspired by the student successes that have been enabled by the imaginative and tailored use of the Uni Connect funds we attract into and distribute across Sussex.