The academic achievements of secondary school pupils from Ellon Academy were last night honoured in the University of Aberdeen’s Centre of Lifelong Learning’s Annual Award Ceremony.
The pupils in their 6th year at Ellon Academy took part in an innovative programme tailored to allow gifted school pupils across the North East of Scotland to participate in University courses whilst still at school.
Pupils took one or two 1st year University courses to compliment their sixth year curriculum and give them on insight into their future at University.
Programme Co-ordinator said of the pupils achievements “I am exceptionally proud of the work of the pupils on this programme.
“These young people undertook University level study whilst at the same time studying for Highers and Advanced Highers and I am delighted that all their hard work and dedication to their studies resulted in the success we are celebrating here tonight.
“They are now going on to the next stage in their Education, some with us in Aberdeen, some at other Universities and I would like to wish them every success in their future studies.”
The S6@Uni programme utilises lecture capture techniques to convert current undergraduate courses into online courses with a campus based practical element.
The courses are ideal for S6 pupils looking for further academic challenge. They can complement existing Advanced Higher choices or, when no Advanced Higher is offered, replace this provision with study at the same SCQF level and UCAS accreditation which is recognised by all UK Universities.
Pupils can choose between a range of core science subjects to either compliment their S6 portfolio or give them an experience of a new discipline. The project allows pupils to experience the different teaching and assessment styles which they will encounter at University whilst still in a “safe” school and “supported” University environment.
In the current highly competitive Higher Education market the S6@Uni Programme aims to give school pupils a chance to increase their qualifications and prove their academic commitment prior to University entrance.
The pupils gain a valuable insight into University life and study whilst benefitting from the double support of their School and the University.
Pupils can combine these courses with their Advanced Highers to gain advanced entry into the second year of a degree program.
The S6@Uni Programme forms part of the University’s offering in response to discussions taking place at the Senior Phase Group of Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Council on which Professor Peter McGeorge and Dr Richard Wells represent the University.
Professor McGeorge said of the Programme “I think it’s captured in the interpretation of The Learner Journey paper from the Scottish government, which is to look at what suits an individual student best, rather than the one size fits all approach.”
It is hoped to expand the Programme in future years into in other areas as requested by Local Authority’s and Secondary Schools.