Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Celebrating 10 years of education link
Open University programme at Caldervale
Caldervale High was the venue for a celebration mark i n g the 10th a n n i ve r s a r y of an innovative Open University programme for senior school students.
Sixth-year pupils at the Airdrie school participate in the Open University’s young applicants in schools scheme (YASS), allowing them to study independently for university- level courses, while still in their familiar educational surroundings.
The school is a “long-standing partner” of the bridging programme, with pupils currently taking Open University modules including geography, English literature topics and a course on understanding autism.
Caldervale pupils studying under the scheme helped mark its first decade by welcoming higher education minister Shirley-Anne Somerville to the school to share their experiences.
Head teacher Karen Kubica said: “YASS offers an extensive range of subjects which otherwise wouldn’t be available within our school, giving a broader curriculum which helps meet the needs of our sixthyear pupils.
“Participating gives students an excellent opportunity to take full responsibility for managing their learning and helps with preparation for university in terms of prioritising work, time management, meeting deadlines and working with tutors.
“Involvement in YASS has enhanced the confidence and aspirations of students, who are encouraged by their success in completing first-year university work and assignments.”
Ms Somerville added: “I’m very pleased to see the YASS programme in action, which recognises the advantages of engaging learners in higher education at an early opportunity.
“The support provided through this programme will stand learners in good stead to apply to university and to adjust and flourish once they are there.
“I’m particularly pleased to note the focus of YASS on schools with low progression rates to higher education.”
YASS offers 30 flexible online courses ranging from law to Mandarin, “designed to bridge the gap between school and university, college or employment”.
The programme has almost 1200 pupils from 142 schools participating this year, with more than 6500 having done so over the past decade.
Open University in Scotland director Susan Stewart said: “Widening access to higher education is central to everything we do, and YASS means that pupils who may not have any experience of higher education in their family can try it out, allowing them to prove to themselves that they can study at that level.”
North Lanarkshire education convener Frank McNally added: “Young applicants in schools is a great initiative and allows pupils to take highly-focused universitylevel module courses in our schools, promoting independent learning and helping support their entry to university.
“The partnership between the Open University and our schools has been an outstanding success in providing young people with a valuable insight into the world they’re about to enter.”