Universities aid schools

GROWING numbers of pupils are being taught key qualifications at university as schools struggle to offer a full set of subjects.

Several universities are now working in partnership with councils to deliver Advanced Highers – with projects running in Glasgow, Dundee and Aberdeen.

One of the most established initiatives is an Advanced Higher hub at Glasgow Caledonian University where hundreds of pupils from schools across the city travel to study every week.

First choice is given to those from schools in disadvantaged communities where subject selection can be limited because of a lack of demand.

Dundee University operates a similar model with up to 120 pupils a year studying Advanced Highers at a campus hub as well as dedicated programmes to develop skills in art, design and architecture.

Aberdeen University runs events to support pupils studying science Advanced Highers, allowing them to use laboratory equipment helped by student demonstrators and academic staff.

Glasgow University also opens its science laboratories to Advanced Higher pupils and the Open University runs a nationwide scheme allowing S6 pupils to study first year university modules.

Dr Neil Croll, Glasgow University’s head of widening participation, said there was likely to be more collaboration in future at both Advanced Higher and Higher level.

He said: “This has grown out of one staff member suggesting it to a couple of schools, but it has now established itself as the norm for schools that don’t have the appropriate facilities in terms of science labs.”

A spokesman for Universities Scotland, which represent university principals, said growing partnerships between schools and universities was also aimed at driving the agenda of widening access to under-represented groups.

He said: “Universities are increasingly involved in the provision of opportunities at Advanced Higher, as these projects show.

“This has been very positive with strong outcomes for pupils including enhanced subject choice and experience of higher education.

“The motivation for universities is a desire for equality of opportunity for young people and better preparation of school pupils for university.”

The development has been welcomed by the Scottish Funding Council (SFC), which helps fund the hub at Glasgow Caledonian. John Kemp, interim chief executive of the SFC, said: “There is huge value in schools, colleges and universities working together.

“We can do more in this area to make sure we offer the best routes for students and also make the best use of public funding.”

Larry Flanagan, general secretary of the Educational Institute of Scotland teaching union, said partnership projects were meeting the needs of pupils at a time of diminishing resources.

He said: “Unfortunately, the availability of Advanced Higher courses in schools is often an issue of demand and limited resources.

“In this context, partnership working between councils and universities can be a practical solution.”

However, Mr Flanagan said it was essential secondary schools continued to offer a comprehensive range of Higher courses.

Mary Senior, Scotland official for the UCU lecturers union, also warned over the wider climate of budget cuts.

She said: “These developments enable universities to ensure young people from deprived communities see higher education as a valid choice.

“However, we need to acknowledge the wider public-sector funding context too, with all parts of the education sector under strain.

“Pupils should not need to use university labs or studios because local schools are not funded properly.”

Jodie Waite, vice-president of student body NUS Scotland, called on institutions to support pupils when arriving at a university campus.

“We need to ensure the right support, both welfare and financial, is in place so pupils can stay and succeed,” she said.

It has established itself as the norm for schools that don’t have facilities