Teachers
Aspire North works with a selected group of pupils in S3 to S6 in secondary schools throughout the Highlands, Moray, Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City as part of the Schools for Higher Education Programme (SHEP) which is funded by the Scottish Funding Council.
As an Aspire North contact teacher, you act as our first point of contact for your school. We are grateful for all that you do to help support the programme.
Teacher Information
Core engagement schools:
Pupil Selection Criteria
To ensure Aspire North support is targeted at those who need it most within each of our partner schools, we use a specific set of selection criteria. This aligns with the HE widening access criteria, with further consideration given to other barriers to learning.
Pupils are eligible for the programme if
- They have the academic ability to achieve at least 2 Highers by the end of their school journey, and they meet at least one of the following:
- Care Experienced
- ASN-Additional Support Needs
- Asylum Seekers/Refugees
- Live in a SIMD 20/40 postcode area
- ESOL -English as a second language
- Adverse Family Circumstances
- In receipt of free school meal
- Young Carers
- Rural Isolation
Parents will be asked to confirm criteria markers during pupil registration.
Progamme Outline
This is the relationship development phase of the programme, where pupils and Aspire North staff get to know each other.
Activities include:
‘Introduction to Aspire North’ – This is a fun, interactive session where pupils meet the Aspire North team and find out more about the programme.
‘Activity Day’ – We arrange a day out of school for the pupils to help increase their teamwork and communication skills through various activities.
‘1:1 Interviews’ – A chance for pupils to discuss their aspirations and skills and qualities with staff and receive individualised information, advice and guidance.
‘Introduction to Higher Education’ – A workshop to raise awareness of opportunities in Higher Education.
‘Pathways’ – A workshop exploring the range of available routes into Higher Education.
‘Try it Out’ – We arrange a taster day for pupils at some of the local HE Institutions.
‘Unique and Interesting’ – Pupils explore what makes them unique and interesting, what makes them stand out from the crowd and how their hobbies and interests can help them build skills for their future.
‘Campus experience’ – An opportunity to experience a Higher Education Institution in different cities across Scotland.
‘1:1 Interviews’ -A chance for the young people to check in with staff and discuss their progress so far and the pathway they are considering for the next year.
‘Interview Skills Workshop’ – A session covering the interview processes for different college and university courses and future employment interviews.
‘Study Skills’- A session to help prepare for upcoming exams and provide them with a range of techniques and coping strategies.
‘Student Life Workshop’ – A volunteer-led session detailing the realities of the current student experience.
‘Why Choose You’ – A session to help our young people make a start with university applications, with special focus on writing their personal statements.
‘Time to Apply’ – A session outlining the UCAS application process and clarifying common misconceptions.
‘1:1 Interviews’ – A chance for our young people to discuss their post-school plans.
‘Next Steps’ – A session to provide advice and guidance on various aspects of university life focussing on finance and budgeting, student banking and bills, and how to stay safe while making the most of the student experience.
SAAS and UCAS Drop In: A chance for young people to get support with queries about student finance and university applications.
Results Day Support: Our staff are available on Results Day to provide support and guidance with clearing.
Getting to Know You activity to introduce Aspire North and get to know pupils
Activity day to find out more about pupils aspirations whilst taking part in fun activities
A session looking at Lifestyle Choices
A session on Studying and Coping skills for upcoming exams.
A campus visit to a local HE institution.
A preparation for exams activity where pupils create a study timetable.
A session on articulation routes from college to university.
A session on Course Searching.
A session on making the most of a college or university open day.
Opportunity to attend an open day residential.
A session on revision and coping skills for upcoming exams.
A session on the importance of a personal statement.
A session going through the application process for UCAS.
One to one sessions to help with applications.
Personal statement reviews.
A session on SAAS funding and how to budget as a student.
Exam result update.
FAQs
Aspire North was originally funded to work with schools who reported below average progression rates to Higher Education. As part of the national expansion of the Schools for Higher Education Programme and the formation of the National Schools Programme, Aspire North has moved from targeting schools to a pupil targeted approach, using a set of criteria which is allowing us to offer support to more schools within the North of Scotland. By clustering our schools into tiered levels of support, and using a robust pupil selection criteria, we are able to target Aspire North support to those most in need.
Aspire North is fully funded by the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) through the Schools for Higher Education Programme (SHEP) and is one part of the National Schools Programme incorporating SHEP, ACES and REACH.
Aspire North has created a “learner journey” of activities for its engaged pupils, as well as offering teacher CPD. We would be more than happy to talk you through these activities and even to explore creating some bespoke engagements should our current programme elements not meet your needs.
If your school is within Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire, Moray, Highland or Eilean Siar council areas and is publicly funded, please get in touch to discuss your options. If you’re outwith these regions, one of our SHEP partners will be able to help:
LEAPS- Edinburgh and Lothians;
Focus West Glasgow and the West of Scotland;
Just get in touch! We would be more than happy to talk you through the process. Information can also be found on the Teacher Information section above.
Success stories
