Pathways to Law launch

On the 4^th of November 2015 I attended the launch for our new group of pathways to law students. This was very exciting as it was the first time we got to see the possible new barristers and lawyers of the future. With me was a small group of past Pathways to Law students to help tell new students why it was the right ‘pathway’ to their future.

Food & Coffee

The event kicked off with food coffee an information folder and a little chatting amongst the previous pathways and new cohort of students.

Welcoming

Welcoming the new students was our pathways team to introduce themselves and the journey that the students will be going on for the next two years. Covering the different events and the reason for attending Pathways to Law.

The Pathways team however could only explain so much as academics, therefore this was shortly followed by current university students studying law who attended Pathways to Law last year. Explaining their experiences from the journey and how it both helped them and their progression into studying law.

Icebreakers & Information on University

From here on families and students involved in Pathways to Law were divided and while parents went to a higher education finance talk. Students took part in active icebreakers to create a talking point for students and help them get to know each other.

Talk & Questions

After all the excitement and information the night drew to a close with a little talk about what’s to come for the students and finally answering any questions still held. 

Do you know what you’re doing after school finishes?

Future Proofing

I attended one of our departments Future Proofing sessions to have a look into what advice we give to Pre-16 students about Post-16 options.

What is it?

– Future Proofing is basically what it says on the tin, the event is focused showing students to research areas relevant to their future to discover what qualification they may need to access them.

–This ranges from jobs, apprenticeships and higher education. Every different type of job or Higher Education has different entry requirements. This means after working out what you want to do the session would suggest how to get there.

How does it work?

The session was broken down into :

Meet greet & Eat

– The year 11 pupils and their families ate together with, and chatted to, our Student Ambassadors

What do you know?

–  The point of this part was it gave pupils an opportunity to ask any questions they had about student life in an informal setting receiving ‘real’ responses from ‘real’ students.

Chat & Research

– This I felt this was the most important part of the whole evening where Student Ambassadors moved around and chatted with the families and students about specific university questions.

– For those individuals who have not yet decided on a future career or pathway, there was a personality quiz to complete. Once complete this suggested areas compatible with the pupils answers in terms of careers to research.

Catch up & Questions

  – Finally pupils and families were asked to consider and state their next steps. For some the session had raised more questions than answers and they stated further research was needed. Others however had very specific ideas about the grades and pathways they needed to pursue. Finally at the end any questions that weren't answered at the start or throughout were quickly answered for peace of mind.

Conclusion

Future Proofing was a relaxed way of allowing for two specific things to happen. First it lets students understand what they may want to do in the future and the pathways to access those things. Secondly, undertaking this research allows them to make informed decisions about what they both can, and want, to do. Therefore it can be said the session ‘Future Proofed’ their Post – 16 choices.

How I found my 'Passion for Fashion' on work experience!

I have always had a lust for fashion, I was one of the lucky people who always knew what I would study once I got to university. I often read magazines and watched fashion shows on the internet. However, I didn't know much about what fashion design students actually did and learnt at university. Nottingham Trent University organise placements throughout the year for students who want to know more about university studies. It is such a renowned university so I wasted no time getting myself on one of their placements.

Students in Classrooms

NTU Students in Classrooms – gain practical experience with our rewarding opportunities to work in local schools and colleges

Want to get involved in a rewarding scheme but  can't drop that part time job?

If this applies to you why not think about applying for one of our Students in Classrooms schemes!

NTU Students in Classrooms offer a range of opportunities to work with young people in local schools, colleges and here at the University.

There are three schemes:

Students in Classrooms Associates

Associates work alongside classroom teachers in:

•    Primary schools
•  Secondary schools
•   Colleges

The aim of the Associates scheme is to provide positive role models and help to raise aspirations and attainment. Associates work with groups of learners, or on a one to one basis supporting pupils with things such as literacy activities or reading.

Associates may also get the opportunity to assist with some non-teaching aspects such as planning and preparation of lessons.

Students in Classrooms Mentors

Mentors work on a one-to-one basis with students between the ages of 13 - 17 providing advice and guidance on:

• Routes into higher education
• Revision & exam technique
• Planning & self-management skills
• Motivation, self-confidence and much more.

The scheme has an overall aim to help to increase attainment levels and raise aspirations towards higher education. This is a good way to engage personally with students and know you're providing a service that may change lives.

Student Ambassadors

Nottingham Trent University delivers a wide range of activities and events working in schools and colleges, as well as engaging parents, carers and members of the general public.

Ambassadors get involved with:

• Raising awareness of post 16 opportunities and NTU
• Supporting our outreach team with classroom activities out in schools and colleges
• Helping at events such as University Open days & subject taster days

Overall, being a Student Ambassador involves spreading information and acting as a positive role model for the University. Students in Classrooms are looking for enthusiastic students who are proactive and will be fully committed to the scheme they apply for.

To find out more about each scheme, the commitment involved and the rates of pay, please visit: www.ntu.ac.uk/studentsinclassrooms

Please note that interested students must attend an awareness raising meeting to be eligible to apply. The meetings will be taking place across all three NTU campuses at the start of the next term, dates are available on the Students in Classrooms website.

If you have any questions, please contact studentsinclassrooms@ntu.ac.uk.

Mentoring Student Profiles

Mentor Student Profile

Student Associate Profile