A close partnership between Bridgwater & Taunton College (BTC), University of Exeter (UoE), and Next Steps South West (NSSW) has established a new Bridges to Higher Education (HE) initiative.
The initiative builds on the collaboration between NSSW and FE colleges in the region. Bridges to HE combines the work of NSSW and UoE to create a cohesive programme of activity for students.
The overall goal is to widen participation and access to university for all Level 3 students, and BTC are very fortunate to be involved – one of only a few colleges in the country.
Involving International Baccalaureate, A Level and Applied Science students, the project amplifies BTC’s dedication to Higher Aspirations outlined by the My BTC Advantage.
Liz Nuttall, Head of A Levels & International Baccalaureate, said,
The University of Exeter and NSSW have been wonderful to work with – they have delivered sessions in both our Taunton and Bridgwater campuses, organised a bespoke taster day for students to visit both their campuses at Streatham and Penryn, attended parent information sessions, and have been available to answer specific questions about anything from the UCAS process and university life, to careers advice and accommodation.
We’re excited to see the results and the impact it has had on our students, and we are thrilled to be participating in the programme again next year.
The team from the University of Exeter attended a range of community driven events, such as a Medicine Information evening that took place on BTC’s Taunton campus. Primarily aimed at BTC students interested in a pathway to the medical industry, any local student in Year 9 or above were also invited to attend.
Hannah Grant, School and College Engagement Officer for University of Exeter, said,
It has been brilliant to work alongside NSSW and BTC to support students in making informed decisions about their future. At the University of Exeter, we are committed to improving participation rates in higher education amongst students from the South West and we can’t wait to welcome some of these students as undergraduates and see their talent flourish even further!
The NSSW team delivered a wide range of workshops to complement the UoE outreach programme, and help BTC students understand how university is accessible to them, whatever their individual circumstances. This included talks on student finance, higher & degree apprenticeships, post-18 options, and choosing a degree course.
The project has also facilitated interactions between students at BTC and students studying at the University of Exeter. Ambassadors from the University have provided essential information regarding what to expect from university life, from the perspective of current Exeter students.
Student finance talks have also helped BTC students understand how University is accessible to them, whatever their individual circumstances.
Planned to continue into next year, the initiative will impact both new and existing students, developing their understanding of academic progression throughout their Level 3 courses.
Karen Crowley, Course Leader, said,
I have high hopes that this initiative will motivate BTC students in their studies as they progress toward their dream courses and future careers.
For information about the International Baccalaureate, A Levels, Applied Science, and other courses available at BTC, please visit www.btc.ac.uk, call Information and Advice on 01278 441234, or come to one of our events.
This article has been updated from the original version on the 19/06/23.
