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YOUNG APPLICANTS IN SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES SCHEME (YASS). A UK HE success story ‘ THE case study for HE modules in schools’. YASS – What is it?. A quality, genuine HE experience A partnership between the OU and schools and colleges across the UK
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YOUNG APPLICANTS IN SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES SCHEME (YASS) A UK HE success story ‘THE case study for HE modules in schools’
YASS – What is it? • A quality, genuine HE experience • A partnership between the OU and schoolsand colleges across the UK • A wide range of courses at first year university level • For post 16 students • An opportunity to stretch gifted and talented students • Broad range of schools • Study alongside school curriculum “YASS study marks them out from other students” Jane Browne, Director of 6th Form, Greenwood Dale School
External Recognition • DIUS/DCSF • Specialist Schools and Academies Trust • Qualifications and Curriculum Authority • CfBT Education Trust • Universities and Colleges Admissions Service • National Extension College • CCEA/NCCA “Real personalisation,real challenge, real university” Paul Kelley, Headteacher, Monkseaton High School
Supported Open Learning • Academic support from tutor or study adviser • Multimedia • Choice of when and where to study • Structured calendar (with deadlines!) • Continuous assessment • End of course assessment (ECA) or exam “It’s a win win situation – no lose” Anton Blair, sixth form school student, Greenwood Dale School, Nottingham
Benefits for Students • Adds breadth and/or depth to school curriculum • Enriches academic profile • Develops learning skills • Encourages independent learning • Builds confidence: ‘success breeds success’ • Bridges the gap between school and university “Students develop the sort ofindependent study skills they willfind invaluable at university” Mary Smith, Headteacher, Maidstone Grammar School for Girls
Modules on Offer • Over 50 courses from: -Modern Languages-MoneyManagement-Science-SocialSciences-SportandFitness-Technology and Engineering • - Arts-Business Studies-Education – Early Years-Health and Social Care-Law-Maths and Computing • 10, 15, 30 or 60 higher education (CATS) points • Multiple start dates • From 10 weeks to 9 months
Demands on the Student • Time management: 4-16 hours study per week • Workload: Alongside AS and A levels (or equivalent) • Students will: Have responsibility for own learning Have a steep learning curve! Work alongside adults “It’s easy to manage at home and fit it around everything else” Richard Orrick, sixth form school student, Monkseaton High School
Indicators of Success • Successful YASS students are: • Motivated • Committed • Interested • Able to meet deadlines • Mature • Not just the top 5%
YASS Support Network OU Regional YASS Co-ordinator OU Tutor/Student Adviser Student Parents Schools Co-ordinator
Getting Started • Seek advice from OU Regional Co-ordinator for YASS • Seek advice about schools perspective from the National Schools Co-ordinator • Read the YASS information pack for schools • Note closing dates • Organise information meetings;students, parents, teachers • Select students and courses • Register in good time to avoid disappointment
Student Comments • “I liked studying with The Open University because I can do it in my own time so if I have a lot on I can leave it and catch up later.” • “The range of subjects covered in my course is much wider than the subjects offered by my school based studies.” • “At first I found it difficult not being able to see people and physically interact with them.” • “Doing more work during school holidays to relieve the pressure during exams. I work as much as is physically possible (I’m not joking!).”
Teacher Comments • “It brings HE and the OU in particular, into the school and introduces a different way of studying for those who may be put off by the thought of university.” • “The students never cease to amaze me. Their determination to succeed at undergraduate level is remarkable. They can and will do it.” • “Since the programme started the school has grown, standards achieved in conventional courses have risen, and this has boosted the school’s reputation.” • “YASS provides additional stimulus for gifted and talented students.”
YASS - Northern Ireland Context • Years 13 and 14 • Relevant to Entitlement Framework: • Provides context for ICT to facilitate distance learning • Pupils benefit - exposure to other teaching environments and approaches • Collaboration to widen choice of learning opportunities
Contact Details • YASS website: www.openuniversity.co.uk/yass • OU Regional YASS Co-ordinator: Christine ComptonThe Open University40 University RoadBelfast BT7 1SUTel: 028 9024 5025Email: ireland@open.ac.uk • National Schools Co-ordinator: Margaret Chaytor Monkseaton Community High School Seatonville Road, Whitley Bay Tyne & Wear NE25 9EQ Tel: 07815 777337 Email: margaretchaytor@hotmail.com