Pre-16 activities
We believe in fair access to education, and our focus is on working with underrepresented groups across the region.
Our programme of activities for Years 7 -11 gets students thinking about going to university, choosing GCSEs that will help their future, and working on skills for education and employment. In short, we are getting them to think big, raise their aspirations and focus on their future.
Campus Experience Days
- KS3 Activities
KS3 Campus Experience Day (ages 11 – 13)
Attendees will explore Aston University’s campus and facilities, as well as speak to our current undergraduate students about their journeys into Higher Education. Attendees will also learn more about future education pathways, career opportunities and understand the skills and qualifications they require to succeed.
We may also be able to offer subject specific talks and workshops in business, law, social sciences, physical sciences and engineering, These sessions are delivered by our current Aston University student ambassadors and are subject to Ambassador availability. If you would like to discuss this option further, please contact the team at sro@aston.ac.uk.
Learning Outcomes:
Recognise what a university is and why people go
Explore university campus and facilities
Consider similarities and differences between university and school
Explore GCSE options and the skills that come from these subjects
Upcoming Dates:
We don't have any upcoming dates as we are fully booked for 2025.
If you would like to bring your students on to campus please email sro@aston.ac.uk to discuss whether we are able accommodate your visit
Example Structure:
Timings
Activity
10:00 – 10:30
Arrival and introduction
10:30 – 11:00
Ambassador Q&A
11:00 – 12:00
Group A: Interactive campus tour
Group B: GCSEs and Beyond
12:00 – 12:30
Lunch
12:30 – 13:30
Group A: GCSEs and Beyond
Group B: Interactive campus tour
13:30 - 14:00
Reflection on the day and evaluation forms
It’s important to note this is an example schedule and timings/sessions may differ slightly.
Session Outlines:
Introduction to university
This session provides attendees with more information about the benefits of higher education and how it is different from school. The team will cover topics such as: academic/student life and student finance to give students a more rounded perspective of university life.
Interactive Campus Tour
Following the introduction to the day, attendees will be taken on a Student Ambassador lead tour of Aston University Campus and facilities. Attendees are encouraged to share their thoughts and ask questions throughout the tour, to develop their knowledge and understanding of life at a university campus.
Ambassador Q&A
Attendees will have the opportunity to ask our current student ambassadors any questions they have about their journeys to, within and on from higher education and Aston University
GCSEs and Beyond
Attendees will complete a worksheet on the importance of GCSEs, how to choose their GCSE options (if applicable), and the specific skills they will develop in their educational journey.
- KS4 Activities
KS4 Campus Experience Day (ages 14 – 16)
Attendees will explore Aston University’s campus and facilities, as well as speak to our current undergraduate students about their journeys into Higher Education. Attendees will also learn more about future education pathways, career opportunities and understand the skills and qualifications they require to succeed.
We may also be able to offer subject specific talks and workshops in business, law, social sciences, physical sciences and engineering, These sessions are delivered by our current Aston University student ambassadors and are subject to Ambassador availability. If you would like to discuss this option further, please contact the team at sro@aston.ac.uk.
Learning Outcomes:
Recognise the different post-16 and post-18 options available
Explore university campus and facilities
Consider the qualifications and skills needed for a variety of pathways
Reflect on which future pathways might be right for them
Upcoming Dates:
We don't have any upcoming dates as we are fully booked for 2025.
If you would like to bring your students on to campus please email sro@aston.ac.uk to discuss whether we are able accommodate your visit
Example Structure:
Timings
Activity
10:00 – 10:30
Arrival and introduction
10:30 – 11:00
Ambassador Q&A
11:00 – 12:00
Group A: Interactive campus tour
Group B: Future Pathways
12:00 – 12:30
Lunch
12:30 – 13:30
Group A: Future Pathways
Group B: Interactive campus tour
13:30 - 14:00
Reflection on the day and evaluation forms
It’s important to note this is an example schedule and timings/sessions may differ slightly.
Session Outlines:
Introduction to university
This session provides attendees with more information about the benefits of higher education and how it is different from school. The talk will cover a range of topics including: academic/student life and student finance to provide attendees with a more rounded perspective of university life.
Interactive Campus Tour
Following the introduction to the day, attendees will be taken on a Student Ambassador lead tour of Aston University Campus and facilities. Attendees are encouraged to share their thoughts and ask questions throughout the tour, to develop their knowledge and understanding of life at a university campus.
Ambassador Q&A
Attendees will have the opportunity to ask our current student ambassadors any questions they have about their journeys to, within and on from higher education and Aston University.
Future Pathways
Attendees will complete a worksheet which on the importance of GCSEs, future careers pathways, and how to set measurable goals towards their post-16 educational journeys.
- Aspire to Aston (Keith Bradshaw programme)
The Aspire to Aston (Keith Bradshaw programme) offer a range of workshops and activities for Year 9 to Year 11 pupils. These workshops aim to increase pre-16 GCSE attainment grades and develop participating pupils' academic soft skills, such as study and revision skills, to support them in their academic and professional journeys. The programme also aims to increase pupils' knowledge of HE, to normalise the idea of going to HE and to encourage pupils to start thinking about their future goals.
- Inclusivity Statement
Aston University welcomes everyone to our campus and would like to support visitors with any additional support or accessibility needs so that they can enjoy their visit fully. Please let us know as soon as possible if anyone in your booking to any of our events, requires additional support so we can ensure that where possible, the event and activities are accessible for everyone attending. Things to let us know about before your visit:
- Any physical or mental health conditions and/or learning differences and the support you need to attend the event.
- If catering is provided at the event, any dietary requirements the team need to be aware of.
- If catering is provided at the event, any allergies the team need to be aware of.
- Any medical information that the team need to be aware of.
- Any additional requirements (for example prayer time and quiet spaces) that the team need to be aware of.
Please note, the team will try and accommodate/make reasonable adjustments to activities to support these requests where possible, but this may not always be feasible due to the restrains of the event.
Find out more about the additional needs and accessibility support Aston provides to our prospective and current students.
- Any physical or mental health conditions and/or learning differences and the support you need to attend the event.
General advice, guidance, and information
- General advice
We deliver various talks and workshops to students at your school. To enquire about our availability, or if you would like a bespoke presentation, please email the Student Recruitment and Outreach team.
Introduction to university for Years 7-9
This interactive talk gives a detailed introduction to higher education including the range of courses on offer, the different types of universities, university life, and the benefits of going to university.
GCSEs and beyond for Years 7-9
This workshop covers the importance of GCSEs, how to choose their GCSE options (if applicable), and the specific skills they will develop in their educational journey.
Future pathways for Year 9-11
This workshop covers the importance of GCSEs, future careers pathways, and how to set measurable goals towards their post-16 educational journeys.
If you require further support for your learners from the SRO team, please email us with your requirements and we will try to help.
Book onto an event
You can book onto of the events above via the link in the descriptions. If you cannot find the event you would like to book, or you have a bespoke request, please email the Student Recruitment and Outreach team.
For bespoke campus visit days, we can offer talk and workshop sessions on a range of topics. Please contact the Student Recruitment and Outreach team if you would like to further discuss these options:
- Benefits of HE
- Budgeting and finance
- Building confidence and transferrable skills
- Choosing a course and university
- Employability
- Student Life
- Study Skills
Contact us
- Telephone
0121 204 4771
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