Widening AccessFOCUS West

As a partner institution of FOCUS West (Focus on College and University Study in the West of Scotland) and the wider Schools for Higher Education Programme (SHEP), the University of Strathclyde work with pupils in schools across the West of Scotland.*

The programme offers a range of activities and events to encourage and prepare pupils for Higher Education at college or university. As part of a 6 HEI partnership, the Widening Access Team at Strathclyde are responsible for coordination of the S2, S3 and S4 elements of the programme.

News

We are delighted to announce that we re-started our on-campus outreach activity in March 2022. Between March and June, we welcomed over 1000 S3 pupils from 45 schools onto our campus to take part in interactive workshops delivered by our fantastic FOCUS West mentors.

In August 2022, our S4 programme began. This is being operated in a hybrid format, with some schools visiting our campus and some schools taking part in online sessions instead. Pupils have embraced this new way of working brilliantly and although it can’t replace the benefits of being on campus, our team are all delighted to be able to work with as many pupils as possible in this way.

Please click on the links below to access information around Student Life, Mindsets and Budgeting and our brand new Campus Tour Vlog.

S2 ‘Changing Focus’ 

The current S2 offering is an activity box for eligible pupils, which will usually be delivered to your school in the Spring. 

S3 ‘Into Focus’ Higher Education Campus Day

Our S3 event focuses on the experience of being a college or university student.

If possible, pupils will attend one of the university campuses in the West of Scotland to work with our student mentors.  Whilst we are adhering to government guidelines around suppressing Covid-19, we have moved this programme online where we will continue to address areas of uncertainty around student life.  We hope you will click on the links below to hear more from our mentors!

Introduction to Higher Education: Part 1, Part 2

Student finance

Some people worry that going to college or uni after school will be really expensive and that they won't be able to afford it.  Don't let money worries put you off!

In Scotland, we are really lucky because the government pay for our fees, if we decide to study here.  Have a look through this presentation to get a better idea of the facts and figures involved in becoming a student - chances are, it's not as expensive as you think.

College or Uni: What's it Going to Cost?!

Coordinator: Amanda Baldwin (amanda.baldwin@strath.ac.uk)/Adrienne Coyne (a.coyne@strath.ac.uk)

S4 ‘Focus on 4’

Our S4 event centres around developing meta-skills and building a toolbox of study techniques to equip pupils for their upcoming exams, as well as beginning a reflective study practice for the future. In session 2022-23, we are delivering this in a hybrid format - with some schools visiting our campus, and some taking part in the activities online instead. The studying techniques are designed to help prepare pupils for their national examinations, whilst also giving them confidence that they will be able to study at college/university level.

Coordinator: Angie Kay (angie.kay@strath.ac.uk)

Further information is available on the FOCUS West website.