sixth formers’ Open University success

Sixth formers from four Monmouthshire comprehensive schools have taken part in Open University courses as part of the ‘O.U. Young Applicants in Schools’ scheme.

The pupils managed to complete the undergraduate courses whilst also studying for their chosen A-level courses.

The scheme was funded by Monmouthshire County Council’s 14 - 19 Learning Pathways Network which has enabled the schools to personalise learning for students, thus allowing them to work at a level appropriate to their needs.  The network has been the first in Wales to pioneer this e-learning initiative.

The scheme has allowed the group to work at a different level, working independently and managing their own time to ensure that they can meet required deadlines.

They were involved in a wide variety of courses including, ‘Perspectives on Leonardo da Vinci, ‘ ‘Molecules, Medicines and Drugs,’ ‘Robotics and the Meaning of Life,’ and ‘Vandalism in Cyberspace.’

The Year 12 students came from Abergavenny, Caldicot, Chepstow and Monmouth Comprehensive Schools.

Their participation in the scheme was recognised at the Monmouthshire Head Teacher’s Conference in Abergavenny on June 22nd where Malcolm Morris, Head of School Improvement, presented them with certificates recognising their achievement.

He commended the students, saying:

“When these students apply to university this autumn they will be in a very strong position, since they will already have proven that they can work successfully at undergraduate level, with an impressive academic profile and evidence that they are self-motivated.

“Their hard work has meant that the pilot run by the four Comprehensive schools this year has been a real success. We are all very proud of them and would like to formally recognise their participation in this programme. It is because of the commitment of these young people that it will now be possible to recruit a second cohort of Sixth Formers next Autumn Term.”