Almost forty St Vincent Sixth Form College students have just been on a university trip, many for the first time.
The educational excursion to the University of Reading gave academic and vocational learners the chance to study at higher education level. Students chose from digital arts, history, law, media, psychology or sociology sessions.
STUDENT REFLECTIONS
Kaiden is focussing on his Psychology, Criminology and Law courses, although a decision about university is on the horizon.
“I thought it would be a good opportunity to see what uni as a whole was like and to get a grasp on what one I would maybe want to go to,” reflected Kaiden.
So the trip helped Kaiden understand the variety of courses available at university and diverse topics they include.
Meanwhile first-year Edie also gained a lot from the day.
“It was a really useful trip for me. I got an insight into how a uni campus looks,” said Edie.
The Applied Law, Criminology and Psychology student settled into the day quickly.
“Turning up initially, the size of the campus was overwhelming although I became comfortable once I went to the subject taster lectures. I really enjoyed the law topic as I learned there’s more to the subject than I realised and what career paths there are, not just being a lawyer!” continued Edie.
How the university trip began
Stepping off the coach, a current Reading student welcomed the group, along with, surprisingly, a large goose, waddling away. Our learners had a gander at the Student’s Union, library and teaching buildings, parting ways with their new feathery friend along the way.
After, our students stepped foot into a lecture hall bringing the whole university idea alive. A short talk outlining the busy day of taster sessions ahead followed.
careers team and teachers collaborate
Southern Universities Network Progression Mentor Claire Swann has been helping students with their questions about going to university this academic year. She arranged the event with teachers at the college to raise our young people’s aspirations and debunk some myths.
Also, the day presented new ideas like how big time companies are using small time influencers to advertise their products and why rivers should have their own legal rights for protection against pollution.
Along with new ideas, our students met new people.
“We were there with an inner-city London college and our students really benefitted from being in classes with students asking different questions. It was nice for our students to be exposed to different people,” said Claire.
Value of trip
Later on, our Gosport group sat down with the university students to hear in depth about their journey to higher education.
Visibly more comfortable and confident in their new environment, several St Vincent students actually asked important questions.
Edie really appreciated this chance to find out what university students do outside of the classroom.
“I got an idea of how uni life would look. I discovered a whole new world inside the campus. The student union had shops, a social club and even a hairdressers and mobile phone shop. I realised there is a whole social side of university such as meeting new friends, house mates, having fun with the clubs and societies. It’s the next step of your life spent with others in the same position as you,” reflected Edie.
Next university trip
In short, St Vincent is keen to showcase different universities to its students.
Soon our mainstream students can explore Bournemouth University at its April UCAS fair. These fairs, across the country, give young people chance to chat with a range of universities about their opportunities.