Aimhigher Surrey - Key area of work information:
14-19 Diploma Programmes
Aimhigher has sought to build the interest of students, who by taking practice and work related academic programmes offered by the 14-19 specialist diplomas, may be encouraged to go onto higher education. Its’ innovative 2-3 day interdisciplinary programmes have involved the universities of Surrey and Kingston and the University for the Creative Arts, taking a lead in offering year 8 and 9 events in Construction, Society , Health and Development, Creative and Media and Engineering.
Teachers and University staff agree the outline of the programme and for some school staff , it is the first time that they have worked together and on a collaborative project. Aimhigher intends to build good links between all staff , to enable future work with the universities and the development of diploma assignments.
Woking year 9 students (from three local schools) spent a day in the new state of the art Build Environment facility at the University of Kingston, taking part in a series of ‘hands-on’ workshops to be followed by a day with Woking Council’s planning officers. Students looked at how the local environment could be improved through new design and building and the use of sustainable materials. The students compiled a plan of action and presented it to Council chiefs – to some acclaim.Guildford students (year 8) went to the Farnham campus of the University for the Creative Arts and learned skills in design, music and film and Spelthorne and Runnymede students created a fashion show at the Epsom campus – also combining a range of disciplines to create a final production. The year 8 programme will be followed up in year 9 with a second visit to the university to further develop skills in the chosen diploma area . This will be linked to information and advice session on career and progression opportunities in the relevant industries.
The University of Surrey’s programme showed students the different types of engineering that are available from Civil to Aeronautical – and involved them in practical exercises to try out their skills.
Spelthorne and Elmbridge students interested in Health were engaged in a ‘patient journey’ role-play exercise . T his took place in the well-equipped labs of the European Institute for Health and Medical Studies at the University of Surrey.
All the programmes will continue to be offered from 2008-2011 as well as the introduction of new ones in travel and tourism, land based and hospitability.