EXPAND YOUR PROSPECTUS

Posting by Bev Bishop, Marketing Co-ordinator

This year, the prospectus for The Sixth Form College, Solihull includes the tagline 'Expand Your Potential'. One of the ways we are asking prospective students to do this is to expand their prospectus by use of something called Augmented Reality.

So, what's augmented reality? It's an app that can be downloaded onto compatible smart phones or tablets and used to bring printed materials to life. We are using an app called Aurasma, which is available free of charge on Apple and Android smart phones and tablets. When downloaded, the app will allow the user to scan trigger icons throughout the prospectus to access videos, podcasts, photos, additional text and web links. We are using it to link to student testimony, parental testimony, information from the Principal and much more.

Why are we using augmented reality? We want to utilise new media as much as possible to deliver information in new and exciting ways. There is still a place for a printed prospectus, but there is so more information about the College available online and by using this app, we can link directly to this information, making it easier than ever to find out all that a prospective student needs to know before they make an application. It means that students can read up on all our courses, pre-register for Open Day and make an application, all from their smart phone.

Any prospective student or parent who wants to try out this app needs to get a copy of our prospectus. They will be handed out to all visitors at our Open Day on Saturday 19 October (open 9.30 am - 3.30pm, last entry at 2.30pm). They will also be available at Open Evening on Thursday 14 November (open 5.00pm - 8.00pm, last entry at 7.30pm). They are also available by post by telephoning 0121 709 7803.

Instructions of how to download the app are on page 2 of the prospectus. Users must download the app, follow the College's Aurasma channel and then it is ready to use.

For a demonstration of how the app works, check out our new YouTube video at http://youtu.be/_uqvjGovqz0.

To pre-register for Open Day to visit the College, talk to teachers, see our facilities and pick up a copy of the prospectus go to http://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/87538UWJDV.