Pupils Aim Higher with Interactive Roadshow

School pupils from across North Somerset were given an insight into the world of Higher Education as the Aimhigher Roadshow returned to Weston College.

Year nine pupils from Worle, Wyvern and Priory Community School participated in the roadshow, alongside Weston College students, to gain information on the benefits of progressing to degree level study and advice and guidance on applying.

The school pupils had a tour of the college, led by student ambassadors, and took part in a programme of activities throughout the day.

These included an Aimhigher multiple choice quiz, about the different progression routes into HE, and a question and answer session with current students from the University of the West of England and the University of Bristol.

Students then spent time in the state-of-the-art 27ft Aimhigher bus.

The impressive high-tech vehicle, kitted out with brightly coloured beanbags, used the latest technology, such as DVDs, plasma screens and laptops, to make learning about higher education a fun experience.

Here pupils used interactive hand-held voting systems to answer questions and give their opinions about Higher Education, with their results appearing on screen.

They also watched an interactive DVD about the benefits of studying of progressing to degree level study.

A recent graduate facilitated each session with the aim of dispelling any myths about Higher Education and inspiring youngsters with their own personal experiences of University life.

Ryan Bird, progression co-ordinator at Weston College, said: “The aim of the roadshow is to raise aspirations and provide young people with information about Higher Education, highlighting the opportunities available to them and how best to make use of them.

“The roadshow takes students outside of the classroom environment and is designed to encourage them to consider progressing to Higher Education in a fun and informal way.

"The students responded very well to the roadshow and it was an extremely positive day for all involved.”