Reach for Excellence Parent Handbook

Reach for Excellence
Parent / Carer
Handbook
1
Reach for Excellence Parent/Carer Handbook
Contents
Page
Contents
3
Staff Contact Details
4
Information about Reach for Excellence
5
The Reach for Excellence Programme
6
The Reach for Excellence Programme of Events
7
Access to Leeds
8
Scholarships Information
10
Frequently Asked Questions
13
Useful websites for Parents/Carers
Appendix
14
Copy of students’ Code of Conduct
17
List of 1994 Group and Russell Group universities
2
Liz Hurley is the Lead Officer for
the Student Talent Spotting Team.
Liz is responsible for organising the
Reach for Excellence activities, and
promoting the scheme to potential
applicants.
Liz has worked at the University for
9 years in a variety of roles. She
has been involved in the
organisation and delivery of G&T
and outreach activities in schools
and colleges, University of Leeds
summer schools and University
Talent Spotting schemes
James Leslie is the Student Talent
Spotting Coordinator. James joined
the team in 2012 and is responsible
for planning events across the
Talent Spotting programmes.
Prior to this role James worked at
other Institutions delivering
outreach activities across schools
and colleges. He has been involved
in the planning and management of
12 residential summer schools.
Steven Gleadall has worked at the
University for 6 years and has been
involved in the organisation and
management of 6 residential
summer schools.
Nazia Hussain is the Student
Talent Spotting Officer. Nazia
joined the team in 2012 and is
responsible for the year 12 and 13
Talent Spotting programmes.
He is currently the Project Officer
for the Thomas Transition project
and is responsible for organising a
programme of activity for the Year
11 students involved.
Prior to this Nazia worked as
Extended Service Coordinator,
where she was responsible for
developing, co-ordinating and
ensuring the consistency and
effectiveness of extended
services activity across a
designated Locality in support of
raising educational attainment in
schools.
Laura Greaves is the Student
Talent Spotting Coordinator. Laura
has worked at the University for 5
years supporting the planning and
administration of Student Talent
Spotting Schemes. This includes
assisting with the planning of
events such as the induction day
and the Reach for Excellence
summer school.
Katie Ball is the Student Talent
Spotting Team Assistant. Katie
has worked at the University for 2
years supporting the planning and
administration of Reach for
Excellence. This includes
assisting with the planning of
events such as the induction day
and the Reach for Excellence
summer school.
Email – [email protected]
Telephone – 0113 343 8471
3
Information about Reach for Excellence
The Reach for Excellence programme supports young people who demonstrate the
potential to access a top university but who may not have considered entry to
research intensive higher education. Students on the scheme will receive support
throughout their Year 12 and 13 studies.
Support is provided in the form of subject taster sessions, study skills workshops,
impartial advice and guidance, finance and budgeting sessions, mentoring and a 5day residential summer school.
The programme is free of charge. Travel expenses (bus or train fare) will be
reimbursed and a £10 bursary will be given to students for each event they attend.
To be eligible for Reach for Excellence candidates must:

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Be able to attend regular events at the University
Have gained five or more GCSEs (including mathematics and English
language) at grade C or above
Have the potential to achieve three or more A levels at grade B or above (or
equivalent) and have the capability to study at a leading research-led
university.
4
The Reach for Excellence programme
Your son/daughter will be invited to a variety of events and activities throughout their
year 12 and year 13 studies. The programme is designed to enhance their current
studies through subject taster sessions and study skills sessions. In addition, there
will be workshops and information sessions in careers, finance and UCAS amongst
others, which will give invaluable guidance and advice to your son/daughter when
they are making the difficult decisions regarding university.
Activities we offer through the programme include:
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Induction day for students and their parents/carers
Study skills workshops including topics such as time management, exam
preparation and note taking
Research and referencing skills
Parent/carer information evening about summer school
5 day residential summer school (see page 5 for a draft programme)
One to one UCAS personal statement appointments
Careers workshop
Finance session
Subject taster sessions are also offered but the programme of sessions will depend
on the interests of the students. In past years students have been offered sessions
in:
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Biological Sciences
Business and Enterprise
Chemistry
Dentistry
Engineering
English
Geography
Law
Medicine
Performance
Physics
Politics
Psychology
Sociology
We encourage students to let us know if there is a particular subject they are
interested in and we will endeavour to offer a workshop in that subject. We
recommend students try a broad range of subject tasters in order to get full benefit
from the scheme. It is important that students get experience of as many courses as
possible relevant to their A-levels so they are well informed when making their
university choices.
5
6
Access to Leeds
Access to Leeds (A2L) is the University of Leeds’s alternative admissions scheme.
The scheme enables admissions tutors to consider the context of an applicant’s
academic achievements and guarantees special consideration for eligible applicants.
Who is eligible to apply?
To be eligible for A2L you should have the potential to study at the University of
Leeds and meet two or more of the following criteria:
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
From a household with a gross annual income of £25,000 or below OR in
receipt of full Educational Maintenance Allowance during your year 12 or 13
studies OR in receipt of free school meals during your GCSE studies
Be in the first generation of immediate family to apply to higher education
From a school which achieved less than the national average of students
achieving 5 A*- C GCSEs (including English & Maths or equivalent)
Your only option is to attend a local university
Your studies have been disrupted by circumstances in your personal, social or
domestic life
Live in or grew up in public care
Live in a geographical area with low levels of progression on to higher
education.
How does it work?
If you are eligible for the scheme and receive a standard offer for your chosen
course, you will also receive an A2L offer two A Level grades below the standard
offer. This offer is conditional upon your successful completion of the A2L module
and making the University of Leeds your firm choice when you reply to UCAS. For
further information on how the scheme works, details of the A2L module and to
download an application pack please visit www.leeds.ac.uk/A2L.
What is the application process?
When applying for a course at the University of Leeds through UCAS you need to
complete an A2L application including a reference from your school or college.
Please see our website for an application pack and details of our deadlines
(www.leeds.ac.uk/A2L).
Financial Support
For information on what funding might be available to you through the University of
Leeds please visit www.leeds.ac.uk/yourfinances.
Contact us
For further information please visit www.leeds.ac.uk/A2L or email
[email protected].
7
University of Leeds Scholarships: key facts
If you choose to come to the University of Leeds, there are cash scholarships
available for which you can apply. These are in addition to funding received from the
government through loans and grants, and most can also be received at the same
time as the University’s automatic funding package. Money received through a
scholarship can be up to £10,000 per year.
The scholarships are competitive and prestigious awards given to students from
targeted groups. They are called ‘pre-entry application scholarships’ because to be
considered for one, you must submit an application before you start your course at
university.
All our pre-entry application scholarships are for applicants who will be:
 Applying for their first undergraduate course (usually just full-time courses).
 Beginning a non-NHS / NHSBSA (Business Services Authority) funded
course and liable for full UK fees (so this excludes students on NHS courses
e.g. Nursing, Midwifery, as they do not have to pay fees).
 In receipt of at least some maintenance grant.
 Liable for the full fees of £9,000 p.a. and not in receipt of a subsidy from
outside the University (e.g. a government grant to cover all or part of the
tuition fees, a scholarship directly from business, etc.)
Generally a student wins a scholarship for each year of their study at the University
of Leeds, provided they remain liable for full fees (so if successful, you would not
have to re-apply). All awards are non-repayable.
To be considered for a scholarship, a student must complete submit a separate
application by the relevant deadline.
There are three parts to each form: one for you to complete, one for the main
wage-earner in your household to complete, and one for a referee (usually a
teacher) to complete. However, there is just one form to complete even if you
wish to be considered for more than one scholarship.
The scholarships application deadline is early in the admissions cycle
For students hoping to start at the University of Leeds, the first scholarships
deadline is early February during Year 13 (Friday 15 February 2013 for
students hoping to start at the University of Leeds in September 2013).
You can apply for all scholarships where you meet the criteria and deadline
We encourage this and there is nothing to lose by applying for more than one.
In addition, once we have received your application form, we will
automatically consider you for every scholarship where you have met the
criteria and deadline. However, as we aim to assist as many students as
possible, if you are provisionally successful in gaining more than one award,
you will normally only receive the one of highest value.
The scholarships are highly competitive
As there is a limited pot of funding available for each, the scholarships are
competitive; students who participate in Reach for Excellence are part of a
priority group to receive an award but you must still take every effort in writing
the supporting statements for your application. You can apply to be
considered for a scholarship before you receive confirmation of your place to
study at the University: the main thing is that you meet the deadline.
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Target groups (generally applicants must meet at least two to be eligible for
consideration)
 From a household with an annual income either up to £25,000 or £42,611
 Part of the first generation in their family to enter higher education
 Go on to study certain subjects (these vary each year depending on the
donor)
 From certain geographical areas (also according to the donor’s wishes)
 Participating in an alternative admissions scheme such as Access to Leeds
 Students who go on to achieve well in the A2 examinations
If you do choose to apply to the University of Leeds, most scholarships
information will be available from late autumn during your Y13 studies.
Other sources of funding
There are three types of support available from the government (apply online through
Student Finance England), and many students can get all three each year. If your
course charges tuition fees, you could receive:

Maintenance grant: this is non-repayable but means-tested, so
whether or not you receive some, and how much you receive,
depends entirely on household income. For 2013 entrants, it supports
students from households with annual incomes up to £42,611.

Maintenance loan: this is repayable (once you have left university and
are earning over £21,000 p.a.) and is partially means-tested – so
everyone can apply for most of the loan and whether or not you can
get the rest depends on household income.

Tuition fee loan: this is repayable (as above) but not means-tested at
all – so everyone who is studying for their first degree and on a course
where fees are payable can borrow up to the full cost of their course.
There is also additional means-tested funding available from the University, which
could be worth up to an additional £6,000 during your first year and £3,000 per year
in subsequent years. Around one-in-three of our 2013 entrants will be eligible to
receive some funding through our automatic support package. More information
about fees, scholarships and the University’s automatic funding package can be
found at www.leeds.ac.uk/yourfinances.
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Frequently asked Questions
We know that there may be many things that you want to know about what
Reach for Excellence means for your son or daughter. We have anticipated
some of the issues which may concern you but if we haven’t answered your
question below, please do get in touch.
My son/daughter has gained a place on the Reach for Excellence scheme.
What can he/she expect from the scheme?
The programme is designed to help your son/daughter make informed decisions
about university and what course to study. Your child has been selected because he
or she has the potential to access one of the country’s top universities and we aim to
help your child reach that potential. We also offer guidance and workshops which will
equip your son or daughter with the skills and knowledge to smoothly make the
transition from school/college to university.
How will this scheme benefit my child?
The programme of events, university visits and summer school aim to raise
aspirations and achievements of students who previously might not have considered
applying to a research intensive university. Students have commented on their
increased confidence and raised aspirations since joining the scheme and many
have stated that it has helped them to make decisions about where and what to
study.
Students have also felt more informed about financing their studies and know how to
access information about scholarships, bursaries and grants.
The following link will take you to the evaluation of the impact of the Reach for
Excellence programme on the first cohort of students carried out by the National
Foundation for Educational Research (NFER):
http://www.suttontrust.com/research/rfesummary2010/
Why a research intensive university?
Research intensive universities use cutting edge research as the basis of their
teaching. They create an environment that gives students the opportunity to develop
their analytical, critical thinking, problem solving and team working skills. Students at
research intensive universities have access to excellent teaching and libraries and
can expect to be challenged academically. In turn employers recognise that students
who graduate from research intensive universities are taught to a high standard and
therefore graduates from research intensive universities are an asset to employers.
Does my son/daughter have to apply to study at the University of Leeds?
No. Your son/daughter can apply to any university of their choice.
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Will my son/daughter need to be accompanied to events by me or a teacher?
Students are expected to make their own travel arrangements when attending Reach
for Excellence events as the scheme aims to help students get a taste of university
life. Part of that experience is becoming independent and being responsible for their
own studies.
Students will be met by a member of University staff at a designated meeting place at
the University and accompanied to where the event is being held.
How do I know my son or daughter will be safe while at the University?
The University of Leeds is responsible for students from the point at which they sign
in for an event until the event finishes or the student leaves the event. A risk
assessment is completed prior to every event to ensure that any risks are assessed
and kept to a minimum.
Please note the University of Leeds is not responsible for students outside of the
event times, including their travelling time.
Students on the scheme all sign a ‘Code of Conduct’ which they are expected to
abide by to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all students. Any bullying or antisocial
behaviour towards students or staff will not be tolerated.
Will the events disrupt my son/daughter’s studies? Will they have to take time
off from lessons?
Reach for Excellence events are planned so that they will not interfere with students’
studies at school/college. Where possible the events are held during school holidays
or weekends. If an event is planned for a school day, students are expected to get
permission from school.
What sort of role will the school/college play?
Schools and colleges can put forward eligible students for the scheme and can
support them during the application process by writing a supporting statement and
providing the students with guidelines on how to complete their own statement.
We will keep schools/colleges informed of upcoming events and students’
attendance throughout the year but we do ask teachers not to penalise students who
do not attend events.
What happens if my son or daughter no longer wants to take part in the Reach
for Excellence programme?
If a student decides to leave the scheme, their school or college will be notified. This
is strictly for information purposes and students will not be penalised by the Student
Talent Spotting Team if they decide to leave the scheme. We may ask them to give
us their reasons for leaving so that we can use their feedback to improve the
scheme.
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How much does the programme cost?
The programme is free of charge. In addition students will be reimbursed for their
travel costs (bus or train fare) and a bursary of £10 will be awarded to each student
for each event attended.
How many places are available on the scheme?
There are 200 places on the scheme for each new intake of year 12 students.
What is expected of my son/daughter?
Students are expected to comply with the Code of Conduct that they are requested to
sign at the beginning of the scheme. Students are also expected to notify us if they
are unable to attend an event that they have signed up to. Many events are
oversubscribed and we will re-allocate any unwanted places to a student on the
waiting list.
We encourage students to take part in as many activities as possible during the
scheme but attendance at all events is entirely voluntary.
Who do we contact with questions about the programme?
Please contact the team on [email protected] or 0113 343 8471 with
any questions or concerns that you may have.
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Useful Websites for Parents/Carers
If your child is applying to higher education you may find the following websites
useful:
 www.ucas.ac.uk/parents/
For information on how the UCAS system works and the application process, advice
on common problems, frequently asked questions from other parents and advice on
preparing for higher education.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Parents/Moneyandworkentitlements/YourMoney/
DG_071144
This website contains information for parents on their child’s options and details on
student finances.

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/banking/student-money-saving

http://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/single.htm?ipg=6744
Access and Community Engagement
 http://www.leeds.ac.uk/ace/index.htm
For more information on Access and Community Engagement activities.
For more information about Reach for Excellence please see:
www.leeds.ac.uk/ace/access/rfe.htm
The University of Leeds accepts no responsibility for the content of external websites
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Appendix 1
Code of Conduct
1.
Introduction
Reach for Excellence events may involve some activities with potential risks and
hazards. In accordance with the University's Statement on Safety Policy, the
Programme Co-ordinator, departments and supervisors have been advised to follow
certain safety precautions and to take every reasonable care concerning the safety of
members of their party. However, it is imperative that participants should co-operate
by behaving responsibly, in order to minimise the risk of accidents.
REMEMBER THAT EACH INDIVIDUAL IS RESPONSIBLE FOR HIS/HER OWN
PERSONAL SAFETY.
2.
Expected behaviour
Your experiences on the University of Leeds campus as part of the Reach for
Excellence scheme will be very different to your normal school/college routine. The
University of Leeds wants all students to benefit from the Reach for Excellence
course and to enjoy this new experience. In order to do this, you will be expected to
show responsible behaviour while on campus, as well as respect for the rights of
other students and University of Leeds staff.
ALWAYS OBSERVE ANY INSTRUCTIONS GIVEN BY A SUPERVISOR.
3.
General rules and regulations
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4.
Bullying or abusive behaviour of any nature will not be tolerated. Please treat
other students and staff with respect.
The possession, purchase or use of alcohol and/or illegal substances while
attending any Reach for Excellence event is strictly forbidden and will result in
participants being sent home. Your place on the scheme may be withdrawn if
you are found in possession of, or under the influence of alcohol or illegal
substances.
Students are expected to follow any emergency procedure, such as a fire drill,
as directed by University staff.
The use of mobile phones and iPods whilst attending a Reach for Excellence
lecture, seminar or workshop is strictly forbidden. Mobile phones may be used
during break time sessions.
Students are expected to be on time for events and stay for the duration of an
event unless prior arrangements have been made with the Reach for
Excellence team.
Students are expected to let us know in good time if they cannot attend an
event they have signed up for.
Travel Arrangements
Students are expected to make their own travel arrangements when attending Reach
for Excellence events. The University of Leeds is responsible for students from the
point the student signs in for an event until the event finishes/student leaves the
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event. The University of Leeds will not be responsible for students outside of these
times including travel time.
5.
Laboratory Work
The laboratory instructors will brief participants thoroughly before starting any work,
and any safety instructions and procedures should be observed. Other specific safety
points include:
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Report any accidents, breakages or chemical spills immediately.
Wear eye protection and gloves when there is a danger of splashing from
chemicals.
Do not point test tubes or other glass containers at people. Do not look into the
mouth of such containers, particularly when mixing the contents, and do not
sniff the contents.
Do not pipette any chemicals by mouth and handle all chemicals carefully.
Sciences
Protective coats and gloves will be provided and should be worn whilst in the
laboratory. Standard protocols for laboratory safety will be explained and
adhered to throughout.
6.
On campus
Any injury, accident or illness should be reported immediately and any instructions
given by a supervisor should be followed.
Other points to remember include:

Stay with the rest of the party, and assemble when and where requested in
order to receive specific instructions.
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Do not enter any building or room that is clearly marked private, or which is not
part of the organised visit.
7.
Serious incidents of misbehaviour
In the event of serious incidents of misbehaviour, such as fighting, racial abuse or the
use of illegal substances, or persistent minor infractions in the duration of the
programme, the student(s) concerned will not be allowed to continue on the Reach
for Excellence programme.
8.
Ongoing Health and Safety Measures
At the beginning of some Reach for Excellence events, staff will explain some
additional rules and regulations that will apply to the activities for that day. As such, it
is expected that you will adhere to them for your own health and safety, and that of
the other students and staff.
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DECLARATION TO BE SIGNED BY THE STUDENT
 I have read the information presented in this Code of Conduct and agree to
adhere to the rules and regulations listed.
 I also agree to adhere to any additional rules and regulations explained to me
during any Reach for Excellence event I attend.
 I understand that I will not be allowed to continue on the Reach for Excellence
programme in the event of serious or continued misbehaviour on my part.
STUDENTS NAME:
SIGNATURE:
DATE:
Please remember that, without fully completing this form, you will not be
allowed to attend Reach for Excellence events.
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Appendix 2
Research intensive universities
Russell Group Universities:
If you want to find out more about the Russell Group please see:
http://www.russellgroup.ac.uk/about.html
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University of Birmingham
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University of Bristol
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University of Cambridge
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Cardiff University
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University of Edinburgh
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University of Glasgow
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Imperial College London
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King's College London

University of Leeds
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University of Liverpool

London School of Economics & Political Science

University of Manchester
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Newcastle University
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University of Nottingham
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Queen's University Belfast
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University of Oxford
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University of Sheffield
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University of Southampton
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University College London

University of Warwick
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1994 Group Universities:
If you want to find out more about the 1994 Group please see:
http://www.1994group.ac.uk/aboutus.php

University of Bath
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Birkbeck, University of London
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Durham University
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University of East Anglia
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University of Essex
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University of Exeter
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Goldsmiths, University of London
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Institute of Education, University of London

Lancaster University
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University of Leicester
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Loughborough University
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Queen Mary, University of London

University of Reading
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University of St Andrews

School of Oriental and African Studies

University of Surrey

University of Sussex

University of York
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