New School Partners For Buxton
8 March 2007
Tony Cooper joins Dennis Smith and Katie Wood to sign the new Compact Agreement.
This Compact Agreement will enable us to organise a series of events run jointly by the College and the University to bring to life the possibilities offered by continuing on in higher education.
”Chris Bancroft, Deputy Principal of Aldercar Language College.
A school in Langley Mill has joined the University of Derby’s Compact Scheme, opening up higher education opportunities to its students, as well as a special bursary to reduce the costs of studying.
The Compact Scheme works together with local schools and colleges to raise students’ aspirations by providing greater awareness of higher education options. Some students may not consider higher education to be open to them but Compact Scheme activities can help them make informed education and career choices.
The University’s Compact Scheme is a new development for the Devonshire Campus in Buxton. It has already been running successfully from Derby, but the acquisition of a new team member dedicated to University of Derby Buxton activities and recruitment ensures that Compact activities go from strength to strength in the future.
The scheme also entitles students from member schools who take up a place at the University of Derby Buxton to claim a bursary of £400 in their first year.
Although Aldercar Language College has a Nottinghamshire postcode, it is in the Derbyshire Local Authority. On March 5, at the University of Derby’s Devonshire Campus in Buxton Dennis Smith, Head of the University’s College of Further Education, joined Katie Wood, Aldercar College Principal Tony Cooper and Deputy Principal Chris Bancroft to sign an initial Compact Agreement for 11-16 year olds.
Compact Scheme Development Officer Katie Wood is responsible for recruiting schools and colleges to join the scheme so they can enjoy the many activities Compact has to offer. “With advice for parents as well as students and staff, the Compact Scheme aims to offer as much information and guidance as possible to ensure they make informed decisions,” said Katie.
Deputy Principal Chris Bancroft said: “Aldercar specialises in language teaching as well as specialist vocational education. This Compact Agreement will enable us to organise a series of events run jointly by the College and the University to bring to life the possibilities offered by continuing on in further and higher education.
“We’re opening a brand new Post-16 Centre in September 2008, which will enable us to develop a real breadth of opportunity for our post-16 students. As well as vocational courses at Levels 2 and 3, we’ll be able to offer a range of specialist A and AS levels.
“There is considerable strength in a partnership like this, and our involvement in Buxton’s Compact Scheme will help us to appeal to a wider circle of schools beyond Langley Mill, in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.”
The University of Derby Buxton, a Faculty of the University of Derby, comprises Buxton College of Further Education for FE-level education and the School of Culture and Lifestyle for higher education.
Dennis Smith, Assistant Dean of Faculty and Head of Buxton College of Further Education, said: “We’re pleased to be entering into this Agreement with such a forward looking school.
“It will open up greater opportunities and access to university life at a much younger age than would have been possible in years past. Students will benefit from the expertise of University of Derby Buxton lecturers who could, for instance, teach Foundation Degree subjects at Aldercar Language College.”
Among the events that Aldercar Language College students will benefit from are Taster Activities and visits to the University so that potential students can experience first hand what the learning environment is like and what subjects are available. The range of courses on offer at Buxton will certainly surprise them!
“They will also get to talk to student mentors who can tell them what it’s really like to be a student and share with them the kinds of things they’re learning and the opportunities for travel, work placements and other sports and interests to take part in,” Katie said.
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For further media information please contact the University of Derby Buxton’s Press and PR Officer, Simon Butt, on 07748 920023 or 01332 591891, or via email at s.butt@derby.ac.uk.
