Member Article

Excelsior pupils inspired to aim high for university

Newcastle school pupils seized the opportunity to learn just what it takes to get into one of the UK’s top universities – direct from those students who have already done so.

A group of 50 youngsters from Excelsior Academy visited Newcastle University for the day to de-mystify life on campus.

Newcastle University ranked amongst the UK’s 20 finest - invited Excelsior Academy and other North East schools to take part in their ACE (Aiming for a College Education) day with current university students leading the event.

Student ambassadors worked with the Year Ten pupils chosen for their academic potential, to experience the realities of life on campus.

Excelsior pupil Katie Chisholm, 15, said: “I wasn’t sure about university this morning but now I think it might be worth giving a go. Even though I get good grades at school I thought it would be too difficult. I now know that it gets harder as the years progress and you learn as you go.

“I was also put off by how expensive it is. I found out today that if I manage my time right I could keep my part time job. I want to study physio therapy because I figure skate and a physio has really helped me out in the past.”

During the day teams of pupils had to create a timetable and manage a student budget while others were challenged to find their inner architect and design their own university.

Pupils also took part in a photo competition around the campus in the afternoon.

Emma Peak, from the university Student Recruitment Team, who organised the day said: “ “ACE has become more popular with schools because they are trying to raise aspirations earlier and the best way to do that is by introducing pupils to current students. The feedback we get is always positive.”

Excelsior Academy, based in the West End of Newcastle, specialises in business enterprise and is doing everything it can to help its pupils become top graduates.

Maxine Thwaites, curriculum support worker at Excelsior helped out on the day and said: “I’m proud of our pupils. They were nervous this morning because they had to step out of their comfort zone, but they got involved and have engaged with all the activities.

“We have bright children who could do great things if they are shown the steps they need to take to succeed.”

Excelsior pupil Toni Robinson, 14, who dreams of becoming a surgeon said: “The teachers at Excelsior are always asking us what we want to do when we leave school. They encourage us to keep doing things we’re good at. I find it hard to imagine studying in a place like this, but coming here has shown me it’s a real opportunity”

Student Ambassador Katie Hayes, 19, in her second year of studying biomedical science at Newcastle University, said: “I was the first in my family to go to university and I know that it’s hard to think it’s possible to study at degree level if you’ve never met anyone who has done it. I want to share my experience with talented children who aren’t considering it.”

Lucy Backhurst, the university’s Head of Recruitment and Admissions said: “When we choose students we look for academic potential first and foremost, but we really want people who are enthusiastic about their subject area. It’s also good if students show they are well rounded and mature – it’s a bonus if they have had work experience or excel in an extra-curricular activity.

“Schools need to support their students with good careers advice to help them make choices that are right for them. The website and the prospectus have all the information about going to university, and visits like this one today can really help pupils understand what university can offer them.”

Excelsior Academy is showing pupils what their options are by inviting student ambassadors into the academy over the next few weeks to talk about student life. The Academy will also be launching the ‘Inspiring Minds’ e-mentoring scheme alongside Newcastle University.

For further information about Excelsior Academy, please contact the school on Tel: 0191 228 8400, email info@excelsiornewcastle.org.uk or visit www.excelsiornewcastle.org.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Excelsior Academy .