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 6 -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
- Primary Activities
KS2 Campus Experience Day (ages 10-11)
During the KS2 Campus Experience Day, Year 6 students will begin to understand what a university is and what some of the benefits are. Students will have the opportunity to explore Aston University’s campus and facilities and speak to our current undergraduate students before designing their ideal society.
Learning Outcomes:
Recognise what a university is and why people go
Explore university campus and facilities
Consider similarities and differences between university and school
Design their own club/society
Upcoming Dates:
Thursday 9th November
Example Structure:
Timings
Activity
10:00 – 10:30
Arrival and introduction
10:30 – 11:00
Introduction to University
11:00 – 12:00
Interactive campus tour
12:00 – 12:30
Lunch
12:30 – 13:30
Design your own society & ambassador Q&A
13:45 - 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:
Ambassador Q&A
An informal Q&A session. Ambassadors will be briefed to give key information if students don’t ask questions. Students will also have the opportunity to submit written questions to the Ambassadors to ensure all students feel comfortable and able to ask a question
Interactive Campus Tour
Students will have the opportunity to walk around the campus and see facilities. There will be an interactive element in which pupils answer questions or follow a number of riddles in order to complete the campus tour. This can be made into a competition, awarding medals to the fastest team with the most correct answers.
Design a Society
Working together in small teams, this interactive workshop encourages attendees to propose creative designs for their own university society. At the end of the workshop, teams will pitch their ideas to and key reasons why the wider group should join their new society.
- 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 outreach@aston.ac.uk.
Learning Outcomes:
Recognise what a university is and why people go
Explore university campus and facilities
Consider similarities and differences between universities/courses
Design their ideal university/course
Upcoming Dates:
Wednesday 11th October
Wednesday 22nd November
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: Design a uni
12:00 – 12:30
Lunch
12:30 – 13:30
Group A: Design a uni
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:
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
Design a University:
Working in small teams, attendees will be given a budget, resources and a checklist to create their own university. Considering resources, courses, facilities and student experience, teams will then present their ideas and decisions to the wider group.
- 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 outreach@aston.ac.uk.
Learning Outcomes:
Recognise the different post-16 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:
Wednesday 15th November
Tuesday 28th November
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:
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
This session informs attendees about their future education and career opportunities, with opportunities for discussion and interactive goal setting activities.
- Keith Bradshaw Introduction to Healthcare programme
The Keith Bradshaw Introduction to Healthcare programme is designed to increase student's awareness of the various careers within the healthcare sector. Working with students in Years 8, 9, and 10 from schools within the West Midlands, the programme aims to educate young people about opportunities within the healthcare and the importance of achieving the right GCSE grades in order to pursue them.
To find out more about this programme please visit their webpages.
- Aspire to Aston
The Aspire to Aston Progressive Programme offers a range of workshops and activities for Year 7 to Year 11 pupils. These workshops aim to strengthen and develop pupils’ study, exam, and employability skills, provide information on higher education to participants and parents, and facilitate pupils’ visits to the Aston University campus to foster an interest in higher education participation.
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 talk covers the importance of GCSEs as well as top tips to help students choose the right GCSEs for their future.
Future pathways for Year 9-11
Our interactive workshop gives students an opportunity to explore the range of fascinating courses on offer at university, their entry requirements, and the careers they could go onto in the future. This talk also covers alternatives to university such as apprenticeships.
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
- Chat to us on UniBuddy
- Sign up to our newsletter
- Follow us on Twitter
