Third year pupils from Braeview Academy have begun a year long mentoring programme with students from Abertay University.
The pilot project sees 22 pupils paired up with student mentors who support them during a research project. Pupils choose their own subject and, working with the students, learn to apply research methods and presentation and project skills.
Throughout the year pupils will take part in a number of discussions with students, lecturers and research staff. Through their student mentors they will find out more about university life and what it can offer them.
Lesley Balfour, Student Recruitment Manager at Abertay, said: “We are really excited about this project. It’s important that pupils learn about the opportunities beyond school from an early age in order that they can understand how their school studies will fit into their future. It encourages ambition and goal setting.
“In addition to learning important new skills and technologies, and benefitting from improved confidence, the research project provides a real focus for pupils. It is also hoped that the project will have a ‘halo effect’ on other pupils at the school – encouraging them to think about the possibility of university even if they aren’t directly involved in this project.”
During their first visit to Abertay the 14-15 year olds spent time in the University’s science labs and ground breaking White Space resource where businesses work alongside students. They also watched forensics students in action honing their detection skills in Abertay’s ‘scenes of crime’ house.
Braeview Academy set up the project with Abertay with the aim of ensuring that all pupils be given opportunities to develop the necessary levels of academic skills required to fulfil their potential. The project has special focus on high-ability pupils who will particularly benefit from the extra support as they work towards university entrance.
Support will also take place within the school with pupils getting together during lunchtimes and after school to participate in a range of activities from Sudoku to listening to speakers from Further and Higher Education.
An awards ceremony will be held at the end of the academic year.