Aim Higher Associates

Posting by Sam Howe, University of Birmingham Student Associate

There have been five of us working at Solihull SFC since September, all in our second year at the University of Birmingham and studying a range of different subjects from History to German and Psychology. I know I’m not just talking for myself when I say we have all thoroughly enjoyed working with the students at the college.

As part of the Aim Higher initiative, set up by the previous government, Students currently studying at university are trained to go in to local schools and sixth forms with the aim of increasing the numbers of students who apply to university or continue on to further education or training. We try to, first, work with students whose parents may not have gone to university. With a hope that this may ultimately raise aspirations and unlock doors for those who may not otherwise have thought that higher education was even an option for them.

With the cuts coming in, this scheme seems even more crucial than previously. Not only this, but the students we see are concerned with whether they can afford University once the cap on University fees is lifted (the students we are working with will be the first of those affected by the increase). By looking through objectively and putting things into perspective with them, hopefully the cost of education wont be an issue which would be the only reason for them not continuing with their studies.

In our sessions we also research University courses, the UCAS process as well as doing exercises which may boost their confidence and help them to realise their qualities. Awareness of these qualities and aptitudes is what will ultimately help them in their applications to university. The students are also free to suggest areas which they would like to focus on. I help the students I see with revision techniques. Revision strategies I have developed since coming to university and essay structuring which I have learnt in my University tutorials. The students respond well to this which is great to see. It’s fantastic to see them so fascinated with their subjects and them eagerly telling me about their views on the presence of God to the history behind the Crusades.

The Aim Higher scheme has been a good opportunity for us mentors ourselves. I remember the first time coming to Solihull, stepping out of the student bubble in Selly Oak/Edgbaston where our University is based and coming to see a different part of Birmingham. It’s a chance you don’t really get when studying in a different city to the one you grew up in. Getting to know the new city, rather than simply studying in one part and hopefully, however clichéd it may sound, giving something back to the community.