Supporting transitions to Further Education during the Covid-19 pandemic through partnership
During summer 2020 , neaco worked with the Norwich and Ipswich Opportunity Areas to support the transition of over 30 students from Year 11 to further education through the What A Difference A Day Makes programme . To address the impact of the Covid-19 school closures on students ’ transition to further education , neaco Higher Education Champions ran wellbeing sessions with students alongside a programme which supported numeracy , literacy , study skills and provided mentoring .
At the end of the eight week programme , an increased proportion of students reported they were likely to apply to higher education aged 18 / 19 than at the start of the programme ( after 69 % fairly , very likely or definitely would apply , compared with 39 % before ). Student feedback was extremely positive :
“ This programme was enjoyable , extraordinary and relaxing . Everything was perfect ! The environment ! The people ! The Teachers / Mentors were absolutely astonishing and remarkable ! Thank you for this programme !!!” “ Brilliant course !”
Working with young men in the North East
Engaging young men in the North East to consider and apply to higher education is one of the challenges facing the Uni Connect programme in the region . In response , the partnership created an Enterprise Challenge to capture learner voice and enable young men to develop their own ways of communicating what higher education means to them through an innovative 12 week structured programme , in partnership with local football club education teams ( Foundation of Light , Middlesbrough FC Foundation and Newcastle United Foundation ).
It utilises the Premier League Enterprise Programme to inspire young people , increase their aspiration and skills , and support informed decisions about higher education .
The programme was underpinned by a competition in which boys create their own storyboard for a digital / media advertisement aimed at encouraging their male peers to consider higher education in the North East . In 2019 , the winning team had their storyboard turned unto a 30 second YouTube advertisement ( viewed 46,937 times ) and each area winner had their storyboard adapted into a comic book now used in schools across the region . This advertisement was launched on North East Live and broadcast on Tyne and Wear TV . Evaluation focused on skills gained by the participants and the shift in attitude to consider higher education . 84 % of students participating in the programme stated they were now considering higher education . Teachers commented on the “ engaging ” and “ high-quality ” content of the programme .
18