Derby Answers Denham’s Challenge To Universities
11 October 2007
John Denham - Secretary of State at the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills
We already work in partnership with schools, and we will be talking to the city council and the county council about this.
”Professor Michael Gunn, University Pro Vice-Chancellor for Learning, Teaching and Scholarship
As the Government challenges universities to engage closely with local schools, the University of Derby is already preparing to build on its current activities to encourage more teenagers into higher education.
John Denham - Secretary of State at the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills - and Minister for Schools Lord Adonis yesterday afternoon (Wednesday October 10) launched a new Government prospectus, encouraging universities to widen participation even further in higher education.
The launch is part of a Government push to increase the number of secondary school pupils from lower income families choosing to go onto higher education.
The University of Derby is already involved with this drive in Derbyshire.
Professor Michael Gunn, University Pro Vice-Chancellor for Learning, Teaching and Scholarship, today said: "We already work in partnership with schools, and we will be talking to the city council and the county council about this."
Other University efforts include the launch early this year of a ‘Get Into Higher Education’ website for parents, teachers and advisors. It was designed by the University of Derby's Innovation for Learning (or I4L) team of e-learning experts, in partnership with and funded by Derby City Council and Aimhigher Derbyshire.
The comprehensive online resource at www.getintohe.org.uk aims to give students the practical knowledge for applying to higher education courses, whether academic or vocational.
It is principally aimed at teenagers aged 16 and above, already on full or part time vocational courses, but is relevant for all 14 to 19-year-olds.
The website covers topics such as applying to higher education institutions, choosing the right course, being an effective student, juggling finances and learning online; with a view to encouraging those who might not previously have thought of continuing their education to consider the option.
Kryssy Hartley, Aimhigher Derbyshire Project Manager, said: "The website is just one example of the strong partnership work which exists between Aimhigher and the University of Derby to support young people from non-traditional routes into higher education.
"Our partnership is already robust. We work together on a range of activities; for example providing tasters, University visits, summer schools, revision and exam skills."
The University also has its 'Compact Scheme' which works with staff, parents and pupils at over 70 schools and colleges within a 30 mile radius of the University to ensure young people are fully aware of the opportunities open to them through continuing study at the University.
"We also work very closely with Aimhigher Derbyshire and the East Midlands, to promote taster days and other HE Experiences for local and regional schools," said Jeff Braham, Head of UK Academic Partnerships at the University.
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For further media information please contact Deputy Head of Press and PR Simon Redfern on 01332 591942 or 07748 920038.
Press release written by Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 593004 or email s.kirby@derby.ac.uk.
Alternatively, email: pressoffice@derby.ac.uk or write to: Press Office, University of Derby, Kedleston Road, Derby, DE22 1GB.
