Interested in Becoming a Partner School (Introduction to Healthcare Programmes)

Keith Bradshaw Introduction to Healthcare Programme

Keith Bradshaw - Donor and Sponsor of the Introduction to Healthcare Programme

‘Given that good health is probably the most important thing to all of us, followed closely by having a rewarding and challenging career, this seems an ideal opportunity to engage young people on a course of action which would not only benefit them personally, but also the wider community. In my mind, one of the key objectives has been to support young people so that they can develop their skills and hopefully stay to deploy those skills for the benefit of the local community...we must get the most out of our young people, so they can support our health and welfare and live fulfilling and rewarding lives, which is why this programme – intended to widen participation into healthcare – is so very important.’

The Keith Bradshaw Introduction to Healthcare Programme is a progressive programme for students in years 8, 9 and 10 who have an interest in pursuing science or healthcare subjects in the future. Across a variety of interactive events – each tailored to their year of study – students receive an introduction to the world of higher education, receive guidance on their educational milestones, explore the breadth of careers in the healthcare sector, and a choice of either GCSE academic tutoring in Science or Maths or study skills sessions. Find out more about the activities in the programme.

Students are then able to apply to progress onto our year 12 and 13 Pathway to the Professions Programmes. They will receive a presentation on the pathways as part of their final event in year 10.

Who Will Deliver The Programme?

Aston University Pathway Team staff have designed and developed all aspects of the programme and will deliver all on-campus sessions and in-school workshops. Introduction to Healthcare tutors will deliver all online tutoring sessions, with regular support from the Pathway team.

Introduction to Healthcare Tutors are current Aston University students who have been successful in their application and interview to be part of the programme. All tutors will be fully DBS checked and tutor information will be sent to schools in advance.

What Does It Mean To Be A Partner?

Our partners have access to all activities across the programme, all of which include follow-up resources to help encourage students to consolidate what they have learned about whilst on the programme.

Partners will have a dedicated contact at Aston University, who will support and coordinate all programme activity.

Please note, all learning resources for the Introduction to Healthcare sessions will be completely funded by the programme. Travel costs will also be provided within reason wherever possible.

Who Is Eligible For The Programme?

Partner Schools must be located within the West Midlands. In addition, they must be located in a POLAR 4, Quintile 1 or 2 area.

Students must also meet at least one of the following widening participation criteria to be eligible:

• Live in a POLAR 4, Quintile 1 or 2 area
• Come from a home where neither parent has attended a university in the UK or abroad
• Have a disability or are in receipt of a personal independence payment
• Is a care leaver or has experience of being looked after by a local authority
• Have been in receipt of free school meals at any point over the last three years
• Belong to any of the following groups: Gypsy, Roma, Traveller communities, refugees, children of military families

How to Apply?

We invite secondary schools from the West Midlands to apply and submit students who meet the above eligibility criteria in years 8, 9 and 10 to take part in our various science workshops, university experience days and academic tutoring or study skills sessions. Students should have a genuine interest in studying healthcare subjects or medicine at university or working within the healthcare sector.

If you are interested in becoming a partner school, please contact us.