Land-based Industries in Action
LEAD ORGANISATION
PROJECT SUMMARY
In July 2010, Progress South Central sponsored a four-day residential programme for FE students thinking of studying HE courses in the land-based sector. Current students at the university acted as mentors for the participants, guiding them through the week and answering their questions about higher education and student life.
The five students all studying land-based subjects at Level 3 had the chance to spend a week at the University of Reading, experiencing university life both from an academic and a social point of view. The students enjoyed the chance to try a range of land-based taster sessions, including carrying out a woodland survey, making animal behaviour observations at a local wildlife park and a visit to Rushall Organic Farm. Each session had a different focus enabling the students to find out more about the courses they might wish to study after college.
The students stayed in Halls of Residence and had the chance to socialise and relax with other students from a range of schools and colleges. To round the week off, the students worked together to produce a presentation demonstrating some of the skills they had learnt over the week and all participants were presented with a certificate to acknowledge their achievements.
IMPACT
Only a small group of five students attended the residential programme but feedback was positive. All the students agreed that they had found the work interesting, the student helpers had been helpful and that they had made new friends. All the students agreed that they now knew more about course and career opportunities in the land-based sector.
Comments from participants included:
"I'm now more aware of which courses are available for me to take when I leave college."
"The mentors have told me about how great an experience university is."
"I know what uni life would be like and what type of residence I'd like to live in."
"I have made good friends and learnt new skills."