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Raising aspirations, broadening horizons and widening participation are all paramount to the Aimhigher programme which was launched in September 2001 (formerly Excellence Challenge) as part of the government’s Excellence in Cities initiative in schools. Since its arrival the programme has set out to deepen and broaden links between schools, Further Education Colleges and Higher Education Institutions to encourage young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to stay in education and to continue on to Higher Education.The Government aims to ensure that by 2010 50% of 18-30 year olds have experienced Higher Education.
Changing trends and breaking down barriers to education in innovative, inspiring and lasting ways are central to the campaign, which was introduced in Oldham in September 2003. The programme is driven by the Excellence in Oldham partnership in collaboration with all Secondary Schools across the borough, the Oldham College and the Oldham Sixth Form College.
Aimhigher in Oldham is a wide-ranging programme, including activities such as mentoring, study support and Higher Education marketing fairs in order to ignite enthusiasm among pupils and students and show them that Higher Education is an achievable, valuable and life-enhancing goal. The campaign aims to dispel myths regarding Higher Education and turn fiction into fact! In addition, it strives to highlight the benefits of university and to generate confidence and faith in the Higher Education system, amongst students and parents / carers.
To add strength to the programme Aimhigher Excellence in Cities will merge with Aimhigher: Partnership for Progression in August 2004. The new integrated Aimhigher Greater Manchester will support the delivery of activities within the borough and add value through area-wide initiatives. Aimhigher Greater Manchester will exploit the wide range of educational opportunity in its institutions and the varied cultures and histories of its boroughs to deliver a creative and exciting programme that meets local needs and uses area resources. An exciting menu of activities has been developed to complement activities already taking place in Oldham.
As key influencers, parents / carers are one of the critical audiences that Aimhigher endeavours to reach. On top of activities aimed to inform, advise and support parents / carers regarding their child’s future decisions there is a range of free booklets and resource materials which have been made available on the Aimhigher website at www.aimhigher.gov.uk. Moreover, this website provides plenty of resources and ideas to support teachers and advisors involved with Aimhigher. Through the integrated Aimhigher programme there will also be staff development opportunities and training courses. For more information please contact Sarah Shaw 0161 770 4293.
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