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Bringing Higher Education to life

Our work with secondary schools

Ask us to visit you

Support during Covid-19

The team have developed a digital platform so we can continue to deliver our programme online. Please visit our Explore your options pages for more details. We'll also refresh these pages with upcoming events and activities as they are confirmed.  If you have any queries please do get in touch.

Our Schools Liaison programme of activity has been designed with you and your students in mind. Through a series of activities, including campus visits, workshops (on and off-campus), presentations and intensive projects, we hope to bring the excitement of higher education to life to your students, encouraging them to consider university as an option for their future.

Who we work with

While we will help any teachers to inspire their students to consider university, we focus a significant amount of our outreach activity on students from under-represented groups in HE. This includes young people living in low participation neighbourhoods, students from low socio-economic backgrounds, young people in care and students with special educational needs. We provide an extended programme of outreach activities for young people from these groups.

Robotics Workshop: Year 8 (all year)

This two-hour interactive workshop offers Year 8 pupils an opportunity to explore programming software. Using communication and problem-solving skills, participants will build, adapt and programme a remote-controlled robot to navigate challenges and obstacles.

Forensics Workshop: Year 9 (all year)

Our two-hour interactive session offers Year 9 pupils an opportunity to explore a crime scene and use a combination of analytical skills and teamwork to study fingerprint, handwriting, footprint and blood splatter samples. Students will gain an insight into forensic science and investigation while learning about the variety of roles that are available.

Subject and Industry Taster Events: Years 9+ (all year)

We have joined forces with Dorset Young Chamber to deliver the ‘Introduction to….’ Careers programme for pupils in Year 9+ and their parents/carers. Events run throughout the academic year and attendees will hear from a range of speakers about the academic routes to success as well as talks from business people working in the industry about their job roles and career paths.

Mentoring: Year 10

This 10-week programme offers groups of Year 10 pupils an opportunity to work with student ambassadors to explore their pathway through education and into employment. Participants will develop new skills and learn to apply them in various ways, including writing applications, preparing for interviews and presentations. The weekly sessions build confidence and consider ways to manage finances, progression and wellbeing. Please note the scheme is available to eligible students within 10 miles of the university and culminates in a celebration event on campus.

GCSE Revision: Years 11 and 12

Taking place during the Easter break, our GCSE Maths and English Language Revision Days focus on preparing pupils for their examinations. These free events are designed for students working at grade 3 or 4 who are aiming for grade 5. These days will develop independent study skills, increase confidence and reduce exam-related anxiety. Apply now.

Campus visits: Year 9

Our on-campus visits are designed to give Year 9 pupils a taste of university life and increase their familiarity with the HE environment. Visits can be tailored to meet your needs but typically include opportunities to hear from our student ambassadors, participate in a campus tour, learn about university finance and take part in academic taster sessions. Please note that campus visits are subject to eligibility and availability - please get in contact to discuss this with the team.

Summer Residentials: Years 10 and 11

Our annual summer residentials offer Year 10 and 11 students an opportunity to become honorary BU students and gain insight into a range of academic and social activities while staying on campus in our halls of residence. The programme allows participants to develop their familiarity with the HE environment while preparing for their future.