Transcript YOUNG APPLICANTS IN SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES SCHEME (YASS)

YOUNG APPLICANTS IN SCHOOLS
AND COLLEGES SCHEME (YASS)
A UK HE success story
‘THE case study for HE modules in schools’
YASS – What is it?
 A quality, genuine HE experience
 A partnership between the OU and schools
and colleges across the UK
 A wide range of courses at first year University level
 For post 16 students
 An opportunity to stretch gifted and
talented students
 Broad range of schools
 Study alongside school curriculum
“YASS study marks them
out from other students”
Jane Browne, Director of 6th Form, Greenwood Dale School
External Recognition
 Dept of Education
 Specialist Schools and Academies Trust
 Qualifications and Curriculum Authority
 CfBT Education Trust
 Universities and Colleges Admissions
Service
 National Extension College
“Real personalisation,
real challenge, real university”
Paul Kelley, Headteacher, Monkseaton High School
Supported Open Learning
 Academic support from tutor or study
adviser
 Multimedia
 Choice of when and where to study
 Structured calendar (with deadlines!)
 Continuous assessment
 End of course assessment (ECA) or exam
“It’s a win win situation – no lose”
Anton Blair, sixth form school student, Greenwood Dale School, Nottingham
Benefits for Students
 Adds breadth and/or depth to school
curriculum
 Enriches academic profile
 Develops learning skills
 Encourages independent learning
 Builds confidence: ‘success breeds success’
 Bridges the gap between school and
University
“Students develop the sort of
independent study skills they will
find invaluable at university”
Mary Smith, Headteacher, Maidstone Grammar School for Girls
Modules on Offer
 Over 50 courses from:
- Arts
- Business Studies
- Education – Early Years
- Health and Social Care
- Law
- Maths and Computing
- Modern Languages
- Money Management
- Science
- Social Sciences
- Sport and Fitness
- Technology and
Engineering
 10, 15, 30 or 60 higher education (CATS) points
 Multiple start dates
 From 10 weeks to 9 months
Demands on the Student
 Time management:
4-12 hours study per week
 Workload:
Alongside AS and A levels (or equivalent)
 Students will:
Have responsibility for own learning
Have a steep learning curve!
Work alongside adults
“It’s easy to manage at home and
fit it around everything else”
Richard Orrick, sixth form school student, Monkseaton High School
Indicators of Success
 Successful YASS students are:
-
Motivated
Committed
Interested
Able to meet deadlines
Mature
Not just the top 5%
YASS Support Network
OU Regional
YASS
Co-ordinator
Parents
Student
Schools
Co-ordinator
OU Tutor/Student
Adviser
Student Comments
 “I liked studying with The Open University because
I can do it in my own time so if I have a lot on I can
leave it and catch up later.”
 “The range of subjects covered in my course is much
wider than the subjects offered by my school based
studies.”
 “At first I found it difficult not being able to see people
and physically interact with them.”
 “Doing more work during school holidays to relieve
the pressure during exams. I work as much as is
physically possible (I’m not joking!).”
Teacher Comments
 “It brings HE and the OU in particular, into the school
and introduces a different way of studying for those
who may be put off by the thought of university.”
 “The students never cease to amaze me. Their
determination to succeed at undergraduate level is
remarkable. They can and will do it.”
 “Since the programme started the school has grown,
standards achieved in conventional courses have
risen, and this has boosted the school’s reputation.”
 “YASS provides additional stimulus for gifted and
talented students.”
2010/11 at Leventhorpe School
41 students taking 19 different
courses
Real breadth of curriculum
Meet after school one day a week
[email protected]
 If you would like to apply to take an OU course along
with your A’ Level studies:
 e-mail Mrs. Jackson by May 10th 2011 expressing your
interest
 You will be interviewed for suitability
 References will be taken up
 Parents consulted
 Paper work completed
Costs
 4 A2s you will pay the cost of the course
 3 A2s you pay 50% deposit, returnable on
completion
 Students qualified for EMA may gain
funding
[email protected]
to book an interview
th
before 10 May 2011