Continued success of UEA outreach programme celebrated
By: News Archive
The University of East Anglia (UEA) has celebrated the continued success of its programme to raise the aspirations of local young people, with around 30 students taking part in an end-of-year celebration, which took place yesterday (26 June).
The year 10-13 students, from eight local schools, are part of the Norfolk Scholars Programme, run in partnership by UEA and Villiers Park Educational Trust, which is designed to help build skills, confidence and aspirations and encourage young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to move on to higher education.
Last year, 100% of year 11 students who participated in the Programme went on to achieve at least five A*-C, distinction or merit GCSE grades. Since the Norfolk Scholars Programme first began in 2015, many have gone onto study at University.
“Programmes such as this play an important part in helping pupils overcome the hurdles that so often prevent them from fulfilling their potential.” said Laura Anderson, Programme Manager with UEA’s Outreach team.
“Young people from disadvantaged backgrounds are two and a half times less likely to go to university than pupils from the most advantaged ones, so this is all about ensuring that their futures are determined by their ambitions and ability, not by their background.”
The end-of-year celebration was attended by the Sheriff of Norwich Ros Brown, the Scholars and their families. Daniel Bartle, who is a year 13 student from Ormiston Victory Academy won the scholar of the year award, he said: “The Programme is a brilliant opportunity that I’m glad I took and I can safely say that joining this was one of the best decisions of my life.
“It has helped me prepare for higher education in ways that I couldn’t have done by myself. I have met a lot of great people, learnt a lot of great things, and have been to a lot of interesting places.”
Mrs Crane, a teacher at The Thetford Academy, said: “Students benefit from bespoke and personalised support that caters for each individual. The team are always enthusiastic and positive and students enjoy working with them.
“Opportunities are varied and allow our youngsters to meet, get to know and collaborate with others of a similar mind set, as well as university students and graduates. An exciting and well balanced opportunity that we have been delighted to be able to participate in.”
“We are delighted to be working with UEA on this project,’ said Richard Gould, Chief Executive of Villiers Park Educational Trust.
“The University has a strong commitment to make degree level study available to currently under-represented groups, and equally, a determination to help improve the life chances of young people in the local community. Our Scholars Programme provides the perfect mechanism for addressing these two objectives.”
The Norfolk Scholars Programme is just one of the initiatives run by UEA’s Outreach Team which includes summer schools, mentoring and taster days.
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