Welcome to the Aimhigher Kent and Medway Partnership Teaching and Academic Staff site. Aimhigher is a national programme which aims to widen participation in higher education (HE) by raising the aspirations and developing the abilities of able young people from under-represented groups and communities.
From this section of the website you can find information about Aimhigher Summer Schools and the Aimhigher Associates Scheme. You can also access resources for practitioners.
Aimhigher Summer Schools
The Aimhigher Summer School programme aims to give young people a taste of university life that will help them decide whether to apply to university and what to study. There are fourteen universities/university colleges across the South East region offering 2-6 day residential courses designed to give learners from Years 10, 11 or 12 the opportunity to experience university life at first-hand. Participants will meet current students and staff and enjoy many of the academic and social facilities that are available to undergraduates. They will also be offered practical advice on the benefits and implications of attending university. All course and travel costs, as well as meals and accommodation, are provided free.
For further information on summer schools visit the summer schools website
Aimhigher Associates Scheme
The Aimhigher Associates Scheme aims to promote the progression of learners from state schools to the full range of HE provision on offer. The scheme is being developed through 18 pathfinder projects spanning 21 Aimhigher partnerships in 2008-09, prior to a national roll-out from 2009-10. Under the scheme, undergraduates from a state school background provide support and encouragement to learners as they encounter the various transition milestones between year 9 and year 13 and they receive training to help them in this role.
The Aimhigher Kent and Medway (AHKM) Partnership has been given the go ahead to run a ‘pathfinder ‘, or pilot, Aimhigher Associates scheme. This scheme is intended to run during the academic year 2008-9, with a view to it being mainstreamed from 2009 onwards. The AHKM Partnership is in a great position to take advantage of this scheme, which will further support the core programme already in place. It is anticipated that the Aimhigher Associates scheme will provide further exciting opportunities to raise aspirations and support young people with the potential to benefit from higher education.
Further details of the scheme are available on the Aimhigher Practitioner website.
Access Resource Packs for teachers and tutors
Quotation from a Head Teacher in Kent:
"Aimhigher has allowed our students a window into the world of possibilities beyond school. By showing students the breadth of opportunity available, it has increased their focus and motivation towards their current studies, as well as raising aspirations for the future."
