The UP for It Initiative. The University embeds its commitment to widening participation and raising aspiration within its schools liaison and other outreach work. The team visits schools to engage potential students in the benefits of higher education and to advise them on their choice of courses. The team concentrates its efforts on children in Key Stages 2 - 4. In 2003 the highly successful, energetic UP for It membership scheme for 11-16 year olds was established. The club, which is free to join, aims to raise aspirations, break down perceptions and encourage pupils, particularly those from areas of social and economic deprivation to see higher education as an attractive and accessible option. Many of the outreach activities are targeted at schools in Portsmouth and its sub- region which have below average educational attainment, as measured by GSCE/GNVQ results. UP for It gives members -15,000 current and alumni- a taste of university life. It allows access to university facilities and has its own website, magazine, events and workshops. It is involved with all 30 local secondary schools and support teachers by providing complete lesson plans for specific curriculum areas and inspirational activities. It also provides holiday activities for pupils such as art, illustration and video production workshops.
The UP for It Initiative. In 2001, the University established a programme to reach out to young people in years 7 to 11. UP for It was designed to raise the level of interest amongst young people, particularly those living in the local region, in staying in full-time education and eventually progressing HE. The design of UP for It activities recognises that early disengagement occurs in groups traditionally under-represented in HE. The University’s outreach activities support teachers in providing inspirational activities and developing an understanding of HE from year 7 onwards. UP for It works through schools and also communicates directly through its club membership. Members receive magazines, access to a dedicated website and invitations to events. It’s UP 2U – a mini-prospectus and options guide for years 7 – 11 was launched in the autumn of 2006. Accompanying lesson plans and extension activities are delivered in all local secondary schools. Membership of UP for It is open to all young people in the target age group. However, many of these outreach activities are targeted at schools in Portsmouth and its sub-region which have below average educational attainment measured by GSCE/GNVQ results. We have developed specific streams of UP for It activity to target particular areas of need, and to take advantage of subjects where the University can provide clear added value to schools. Currently programmes are targeted around the STEM agenda. Languages, healthy schools and Every Child Matters. The University works in partnership with other relevant organisations in the development of these programmes. 14,000 young people have already participated in the Up for It programme, significantly exceeding original targets. UP for It won national recognition with a HEIST Gold Award for Widening Participation in 2002. It was also nominated for the Times Higher Award for WP in 2005. Its membership was the subject of a research report into aspirations and influences launched at the House of Commons in 2006. Expanding a successful programme The continued expansion of the UP for It scheme is targeted at offering an exciting range of activities to change perceptions and promote higher education to pupils from all backgrounds. • Improving aspirations in schools with lower than average progression rates to HE (in Hampshire and Isle of Wight). • More activity for 16-18 year olds, including Up for Your Future – using new media to reach students in FE colleges. • Linking into the 14-19 agenda and progr...
The UP for It Initiative. In 2001, the University established a programme to reach out to young people in years 7 to 11. UP for It was designed to raise the level of interest amongst young people, particularly those living in the local region, in staying in full-time education and eventually progressing to higher education (HE). The design of UP for It activities recognises that early disengagement occurs in groups traditionally under- represented in HE. The University’s outreach activities support teachers in providing inspirational activities and developing an understanding of HE from year 7 onwards. UP for It works through schools and also communicates directly through its club membership. Members receive magazines, access to a dedicated website and invitations to events. Membership of Up for It is open to all young people in the target age group. However, many of these outreach activities are targeted at 11-16 schools in Portsmouth and its sub-region which have below average educational attainment measured by GSCE/GNVQ results.
