Agenda

Speaking up for yourself and SHE Can: how can students help to shape the future of Widening Access?

This working group serves to provide a space for addressing the challenges of establishing better outcomes for ethnically diverse learners in Higher Education, and will be exploring innovative approaches to developing good practice in this area by way of practical discussions, research/case study analysis, and peer support.

2.00-2.10 Welcome and Introductions (Karen Lipsedge, Kingston University, Chair)

2.10-3pm: Joanne Slater and Sabrina McKetty-Edwards (Sheffield Hallam University): Speaking up for yourself and SHE Can: how can students help to shape the future of Widening Access?

Before joining the HeppSY UniConnect team as Schools and Colleges Programme Manager (Sheffield), Joanne Slater came from a teaching background as Head of Spanish. In 2018 she created a bespoke project for female students who have the academic ability to progress to HE but lack the self-confidence and belief to do so; SHE Can Phase 1  

Originally from Wolverhampton, Sabrina McKetty-Edwards moved to Sheffield to pursue a degree in Film and Media production. Upon graduating she transitioned to working with young people, and joined the HeppSY team as a graduate intern then progressed to become a ‘Higher Education Engagement Assistant’.

Workshop Summary:

The SHE Can project, which has been developed by HeppSY, is an opportunity for young women from four schools in the region to explore higher education opportunities whilst taking part in activities that aim to increase confidence and resilience. The programme targets students who have the ability to study at a higher level but are most at risk of missing out. It focuses on communication and Oracy skills and the girls finding their own voice in a world where it so often isn’t heard.

During their presentation, …. and …. Will consider SHE Can pre Covid vs SHE Can Phase 2 in the midst of the pandemic looking at the following elements:

• Programme Design
• Planning
• Mode of delivery
• Evaluative approaches and outcomes

3.00-3.10pm Break 

3.10-3.35 Breakout groups

The breakout session provides colleagues with the opportunity to come together to discuss the project and how they could incorporate and develop the strategies provided at their institution. In your discussions, please consider the following topics:

• Which evaluative approach should be implemented moving forward?
• Digital vs face to face – the impact of role models, parental engagement etc.
• Mentoring and coaching – an element all the more important post Covid?
• Suggestions for best practice – taking into consideration lessons learned from Phase 1&2, how might Phase 3 look? –(Some Powerpoint slides will be shared here to aid your discussions)

3.30-3.55pm: Feedback and Q&A

3.55-4pm: AOB and next meeting