Menu
03/02/2005
Widen access to higher education says NI expert
Education authorities must do more to widen access to higher education, a local expert told a UK conference today.
Dr Damian O’Kane, Director of Access and Educational Partnerships at the University of Ulster, said funding councils and education departments needed to review their strategies, polices and funding mechanisms to ensure that such students not only participate in higher education but are also properly prepared for the world of work afterwards.
Dr O’Kane told the Reaching Wider National Conference in Wales: “Mechanisms need to be developed to encourage schools, further education and universities to not only encourage participation but to raise aspirations, academic performance and develop general and specific skills that will guarantee future success.”
He drew on lessons learned from the innovative Step-Up programme which he devised for the University’s Magee campus.
Step-Up is an interventionist science-based programme involving the University, with local schools and industry. The programme targets students on the basis of statistical indicators of economic and social disadvantage.
University academic staff and postgraduate students working with science teachers have helped to develop the programme which includes academic and vocational activities in the schools and the University, and experience in local industry.
To date, there have been more than 300 graduates from the programme which the University is seeking to roll out to other areas of Northern Ireland.
(MB/SP)
Dr Damian O’Kane, Director of Access and Educational Partnerships at the University of Ulster, said funding councils and education departments needed to review their strategies, polices and funding mechanisms to ensure that such students not only participate in higher education but are also properly prepared for the world of work afterwards.
Dr O’Kane told the Reaching Wider National Conference in Wales: “Mechanisms need to be developed to encourage schools, further education and universities to not only encourage participation but to raise aspirations, academic performance and develop general and specific skills that will guarantee future success.”
He drew on lessons learned from the innovative Step-Up programme which he devised for the University’s Magee campus.
Step-Up is an interventionist science-based programme involving the University, with local schools and industry. The programme targets students on the basis of statistical indicators of economic and social disadvantage.
University academic staff and postgraduate students working with science teachers have helped to develop the programme which includes academic and vocational activities in the schools and the University, and experience in local industry.
To date, there have been more than 300 graduates from the programme which the University is seeking to roll out to other areas of Northern Ireland.
(MB/SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
26 November 2024
All NI Schools To Have Defibrillators By End Of Academic Year
All schools in Northern Ireland will be provided with life-saving Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) by the end of the current academic year.
All NI Schools To Have Defibrillators By End Of Academic Year
All schools in Northern Ireland will be provided with life-saving Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) by the end of the current academic year.
18 August 2008
Pupils Step-Up To University Level
Almost 100 students from schools in the Belfast area are now able to call themselves 'graduates' of the University of Ulster's internationally acclaimed 'Step-Up' programme.
Pupils Step-Up To University Level
Almost 100 students from schools in the Belfast area are now able to call themselves 'graduates' of the University of Ulster's internationally acclaimed 'Step-Up' programme.
11 November 2020
Education Minister Praises 'Education In The Community' Programme
An 'education in the community' programme aimed at improving educational achievement for young people has been praised by Education Minister Peter Weir. Mr Weir was visiting Monkstown Boxing Club to meet pupils who have taken part in the ASPIRE programme, developed by Abbey Community College in partnership with the club.
Education Minister Praises 'Education In The Community' Programme
An 'education in the community' programme aimed at improving educational achievement for young people has been praised by Education Minister Peter Weir. Mr Weir was visiting Monkstown Boxing Club to meet pupils who have taken part in the ASPIRE programme, developed by Abbey Community College in partnership with the club.
20 November 2013
Higher Education Contributes £1bn Annually
Northern Ireland's higher education institutions contribute almost £1bn annually to the economy, according to Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry.
Higher Education Contributes £1bn Annually
Northern Ireland's higher education institutions contribute almost £1bn annually to the economy, according to Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry.
21 November 2024
UK Education Ministers Meet In Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland hosted the fifth UK Education Ministers' Council (EMC) meeting at Laurelhill Community College in Lisburn.
UK Education Ministers Meet In Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland hosted the fifth UK Education Ministers' Council (EMC) meeting at Laurelhill Community College in Lisburn.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A very mild, but mostly cloudy day, although with some bright or sunny spells. It will be mostly dry in the morning, but a little patchy light rain or drizzle at times in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:A band of heavier rain will move east during the evening before clearing eastwards after midnight. then mostly dry through the early hours, but a little rain towards dawn. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
