Experts to tour schools on education ‘roadshow’

The Next Steps South West (SW) Roadshow double-decker bus will be parked up at Princesshay shopping centre on the weekend of 30th September/ 1st October, open to anyone seeking information on, or advice about their route into higher education.

The two week tour started on Monday 25th September at Exeter College and the University of Exeter, before setting off to visit seven secondary schools across Exeter. Primarily to engage with year 11 students, the Roadshow will dispel myths about higher education, breaking down the barriers young people feel prevent them from progressing to higher education. The double-decker bus will bring higher education directly to students and schools in attempt to make opportunities accessible and raise awareness of the options available. The Next Steps SW staff will be on hand throughout the journey with impartial guidance and signposting about university degrees, degree apprenticeships, college degrees or any other question that may arise.

Led by academics and lecturers from both institutions, on-board the bus students will have to chance to attend micro lectures and workshops. These sessions aim to exhibit the variety of dynamic subject areas on offer at university level study to inspire and motive students in their current studies whilst raising aspirations to encourage future progression.

Students can also take advantage of the on-board interactive career zone where iPad technology will be available for students to immerse themselves into higher education websites and apps such as Careerpilot, RAHE and the National Careers Service. There will also be the opportunity to take part in virtual reality tours of both Exeter College and University of Exeter.

Next Steps South West is part of the National Collaborative Outreach Programme, funded by the Higher Education Funding Council of England, which offers support to certain students in Year 9 to 13. The programme aims to raise aspirations, achievement, awareness and access to higher education, including degree apprenticeships. The consortium consists of thirteen higher education institutions across Cornwall, Devon and Somerset, namely: City College Plymouth, Exeter College, Falmouth University, Petroc, Plymouth College of Art, Plymouth Marjon University, Plymouth University, Strode College, The Cornwall College Group, Truro and Penwith College, University Centre Somerset, University Centre South Devon, and University of Exeter.