WINdow on HE Primary Schools Project
Nine primary and junior schools in Andover, six in Basingstoke and one in Winchester, are taking part in aspiration and awareness raising activities. Staff and Student Ambassadors visit schools to explore what university is about with Year 5 children . Year 6 children visit the University.
Year 5
In Year 5 children meet Student Ambassadors in school, spending time with them finding out about student life and studying at university. For many Year 5 children this is a completely new experience.
'I had never met a student from university before.'
As well as children becoming more knowledgeable about what goes on at university and the benefits of higher education, the fun sessions also challenge some of the children's expectations.
'People can go to university even though they look different.'
'I did not know how exciting university was.'
School staff welcome the early introduction of university as an option for their children.
'They learnt about what a university is and the activities got them really thinking about what they might like to do when they are older.'
Year 6
We welcome Year 6 children to the University campus for half day visits. During their visit the children explore the campus with Student Ambassadors, seeing the places where students study, live and meet friends. They also take part in an audience participation quiz and have a class photograph taken.
Year 6 children and school staff have been very enthusiastic about their visits to the University.
'Just opened their eyes! Made them think more about themselves and what they want. Brilliant.' (Year 6 teacher)
'I know many children have now changed their attitude towards university and now aspire to attend.' (School Governor)
Junior Graduation
Year 6 children from participating schools take part in graduation ceremonies to mark their achievements at their junior or primary school and their transition to secondary school.
Traditional Andover Junior Graduation ceremonies have been incorporated into the project and continue to be organised in collaboration with Test Valley Borough Council. Basingstoke schools attend an extended campus visit which includes a graduation ceremony.
During ceremonies the Year 6 children wear robes and mortar boards to receive their certificates and have their 'graduation' photograph taken. We are delighted to welcome families and carers to graduation ceremonies to celebrate their children's achievements and transition to secondary school.
'Just wanted to say thank you for arranging the day at the University of Winchester; the children absolutely loved it and the parents are still raving about it, so it was an enormous success. Now the current Year 5 can't wait for their turn next year.' (Year 6 teacher)
Further information
Please contact Helen Briers, Widening Participation Co-ordinator helen.briers@winchester.ac.uk