Its been a busy term for the team and we are looking forward to an exciting summer term to come!
Our end of term newsletter of the term includes:
The Aimhigher London LPP is a sustained and progressive programme through the key stages aimed at our learners from targeted groups of low socio-economic backgrounds across our UniConnect and our Member schools. All the engagement is developed collaboratively with our university members and introduces our learners to a potential journey for them into higher education, supporting them through the transition phases and into successful careers.
To read stories from two alumni on how they benefitted from the programme READ MORE
Our head lines for 2023/2023 so far are:
Strike from across the public sector resulted in a number of year 12 activities being cancelled – so we have launched
We look forward to reporting on this new initiative along with our pilot Knowledge Exchange at the end of the year!
Aimhigher London’s Disability Working Group is pleased to host the 6th annual conference for young people with special educational needs or disability.
This FREE conference welcomes year 12 students, their carers and teachers to attend on the 27 April 2023 at St Mary’s University, Waldegrave Rd, TW1 4SX. Do circulate to your SENCO leads, career leads and parents to sign up their learners.
The conference will support young people with special educational needs or disabilities as they progress into higher education with the advice, guidance and information they need to successfully transition and progress.
READ MORE ABOUT THE EVENT and find OUR frequently asked questions for more details.
The first event to support progression opportunities for young people in the care of local authorities as unaccompanied asylum seeking children is now open.
The FREE Event will be held on 11 May 2023 10:00-15:00 at Kingston College, Kingston Hall Rd, KT1 2AQ. Do circulate to your virtual school lead, and within your school.
The day includes information on how to access support to progress into higher education, opportunities to talk to universities and colleges, to ask your questions and to hear stories from young people like you.
READ MORE ABOUT THE EVENT and find OUR frequently asked questions for more details.
For 2023, we have a series of spotlight articles on our core programmes – this newsletter focuses on alumni of our Learner Progression Programme with two case studies from students who took part on the programme from year 9, and are now currently studying at university for their future careers.
Kieron Roper, a learner from Carshalton Boys Sports College, currently studying in his third year at UCFB (University Campus of Football Business, Wembley) for a BA (Hons) Football Coaching and Management, with the intention of a future career in football and futsal management.
“Aimhigher allowed me to see University through a different scope, to understand that I can go and I can thrive in an environment I previously had not considered”
READ MORE HERE for his full story.
Emily from Glenthorne School in Sutton is currently studying in her second year at Liverpool Hope University on a BA(Hons) Primary Education with QTS, following her passion for a career in education.
“Aimhigher London was was an eye opening experience that helped towards achieving my goal.”
READ MORE HERE For her full story.
If you work in wellbeing and support services, or are interested in SEND at school and university, you can join our Disability Working Group (DWG) to contribute to current policy conversations, share best practice and co-produce activities and resources that make a difference to learners and staff. The group meet termly and work on identifying local gaps, delivering innovative collaborative solutions and leading on annual learner and staff-focused conferences.
We are seeking a new Chair for the group – contact us for more information and an informal chat with Mark Ellis m.ellis@kingston.ac.uk
The DWG has recognised the best practice of inclusion of students with SEND by universities across London through the Inclusive Practice Award over the last two years.
In 2023 we will be articulating the experiences and preferences of neurodiverse students at university to further develop the award through the development of the Inclusive Practice Framework. We will be inviting contributions to a student survey and running workshops to take this forward at our CPD conference in June.
For more information contact Suzanne Marchment s.marchment@kingston.ac.uk.
We are looking for an Project Coordinator – an internship opportunity for an undergraduate, graduate or postgraduate with an interest in working in widening participation, preferably with experience of working with young people.
Its with a great deal of sadness we will be losing our HEI Liaison Manager Lou Byrne, who is moving to Ireland at the end of April. To read more about her journey with Aimhigher London check out her blog on our news page.
