Educational roadshow to showcase University life

The ‘First Steps to University Roadshow’, taking place between November 5-8, will see academic staff members and current students from the University delivering fun-filled activities around STEM subjects – Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths.

The roadshow is aimed at Year 5 students at eight primary schools in the North West Midlands region, and is part of the wider ‘Primary to Higher Education Scheme 2013’.

The University of Wolverhampton has organised the event alongside three other Higher Education Institutions – Harper Adams University in Shropshire, Keele University, and Staffordshire University.

The scheme intends to make a difference to young people as they begin to make choices about their futures when they grow up, and is built on the previous work of ‘Aimhigher’.

The eight primary schools involved are: St Matthew’s C of E Primary, Wrockwardine Wood Junior, Burnwood Community Primary, Hempstalls Primary, Flash Ley Community Primary, Harpfield Primary Academy, Windmill Primary, and The Woodlands Primary.

The Roadshow, to be held at Harper Adams University, is the first of a series of events taking place. The next event scheduled is a summer school for Year 6 children, at the University of Wolverhampton, for students of their partner schools – St Matthew’s C of E Primary and Wrockwardine Wood Junior.

Speaking about the event, Ian Hart, Head of Access and Outreach at the University of Wolverhampton, said: “Giving young children a taste of university life builds their confidence and helps them and their families to understand the range of learning opportunities that exist in higher education.

“Participation in these events is intended to raise children’s aspirations and encourage a desire to work hard and achieve good results while they are at school.

“Many young pupils are not sure what a university is and this scheme will let them have a fantastic learning experience and a real taste of what goes on.”

For more information, contact Monica Belhouche, Senior Careers Consultant at the University of Wolverhampton, on Monica.belhouche@wlv.ac.uk

ENDS

For more information please contact Patrick Campbell in the Media Relations Office on 01902 322448

Date Issued: Monday 28 October 2013