Research undertaken by Aimhigher Sussex with undergraduates at the Universities of Brighton, Sussex and Chichester has concluded that, although not the only deciding factor, the Aimhigher programme reinforced students' decisions to progress into higher education as well as helped them decide which course and university to attend.
The research investigated what factors influenced undergraduates from low participation neighbourhoods in their journey into higher education and their sense of academic preparedness on arrival; as well as what part was played by their experience of Aimhigher and other widening participation outreach interventions. Involving 230 second year undergraduate students from the county's universities, the research consisted of online questionnaires and 20 in-depth interviews with students.
As well as revealing the influence of the Aimhigher programme, the researchers made recommendations to Aimhigher Sussex and the participating universities regarding future work with primary aged children and planned interventions with the key grouping of Year 7 to 9 young people, a time that the research showed as a period of transition that could devalue earlier educational and occupational aspirations for some young people.
To read the full report, go to http://www.aimhighersussex.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/quiet-shadow-report.pdf
Posts
