‘Focus West’ is a programme organised by Glasgow Universities to encourage more pupils to consider applying for Further and Higher Education. A group of 30 Braidhurst pupils in S4 have followed this process through from S3, culminating in a two day visit to Strathclyde University on Monday 26 and Tuesday 27 January.
Pupils returned to school excited and full of positives after their experience. Their experience as a student, for 2 days, has certainly strengthened their determination to continue to apply themselves in school and to ensure they have the required grades by the end of S6 to follow a pathway to Higher Education.
Pupils participated in a series of workshops, challenges and engaged in stimulating debate with mentors. Feedback was positive and comments included:
“The mentor sessions were very interactive and helped us understand about university life”. Fatima Khan.
“Speaking to mentors eased my nerves and helped me realise that there are lots of different options for students”. Chelsea Dykes.
“I enjoyed the variety of different activities over the two days at University and particularly the study techniques sessions which will help me prepare for exams”. Chloe Elrick.
“I enjoyed my two days and now have a better understanding of how to study and student finances”. Tony Sharkey.
Meanwhile, S3 pupils have been fortunate to visit The University of the West of Scotland, Hamilton Campus and New College Lanarkshire this week on Wednesday 28th and Friday 30 January.
For the lucky 30, this is the start of their journey and partnership with Focus West. Their initial experiences certainly met our aim of encouraging some to consider applications to College or University in the future. Pupils have returned to school with a different insight about life as a student and for many with renewed optimism for their future. They ae greatly looking forward to more visits of this kind.
