Common use of Additional Access Measures Clause in Contracts

Additional Access Measures. 4.1. The University already works closely with local partners on outreach programmes. Local outreach work will be enhanced through the introduction of a new sustained programme for groups of learners from schools in low participation areas who will receive detailed and focused information, advice and guidance, and academic support in order to enable them to maximise their chances of gaining entry to the most competitive institutions. We will build on the existing Pathways to Law programme, which combines work experience and networking opportunities with advice and guidance, by working to develop similar programmes focussing on other professional courses. The University will also build on the success of existing teaching fellow appointments in the physical sciences and mathematics, whose remit is to work within academic departments to develop subject specific outreach activities with schools, by making further appointments to support outreach in other academic areas. The International Gateway for Gifted and Talented Youth (IGGY) will offer free membership and access to its resources for eligible students from low participation neighbourhoods helping to raise their aspirations through on-line resources and networking events. We will continue to build on our successful 2+2 programmes, delivered in partnership with local colleges, seeking to extend the range of courses that we offer through this route. 4.2. The University is keen to explore the ways in which contextual data can be used to inform and support its access and widening participation aims, and will be appointing a member of staff to conduct research in this area. Initial work will focus on the ways in which contextual data can be used to support the targeting of outreach activity, the impact of contextual data on the admissions process, and the tracking of students with whom we have worked through our outreach events. The University has a strong track record of retention of students from all backgrounds and hence will be focusing its resources on measures to promote access and widening participation in the first instance, but contextual data will be included in subsequent monitoring of retention and student performance and action will be taken to improve retention in future access agreements should issues be identified. 4.3. A summary of current and proposed outreach work is provided in Annex 2.