Learning to aspire

The IntoUniversity scheme raises awareness of the benefits of higher education among pupils in Blackbird Leys, Oxford.

IntoUniversity originally began in London as a local community project to tackle under-achievement and lack of educational aspiration among socially disadvantaged schoolchildren. Since then it has expanded into five other cities – now including Oxford. Supported by Christ Church through a gift from alumnus Anthony Ling, and also by the University of Oxford, IntoUniversity opened its doors in Blackbird Leys in autumn 2014. IntoUniversity is also supported more broadly by The Queen’s Trust.

We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to achieve his or her potential.

Working in partnership with seven local primary and secondary schools, the Blackbird Leys centre puts on special sessions within primary schools and hosts after-school support for up to 30 students, with primary and secondary pupils coming on different days. Team Leader Sarah-Jane Kinley explains that the approach for primary-level pupils is very structured: ‘We teach our own curriculum, which meets national guidelines for maths and literacy but is based on a theme. Recent themes have been Japan, sports studies and palaeontology!’ Secondary pupils’ use of the centre is more self-led. They bring along their school homework, and volunteers and staff provide academic support and assistance. There are also special projects, and the FOCUS workshop programme with themes such as journalism and leadership.

IntoUniversity’s students are clearly happy with their experience. Saaqib, a keen mathematician who has just finished primary school, has clear aspirations; asked about what career he has in mind, he replies smartly: ‘Police officer – and then when I get a day off I might do a doctor job!’ Jamie, at the end of her first year at secondary school, says that she enjoys the conversations she has with staff at the centre.

Chloe and Chelsea, a year older, were excited when IntoUniversity brought in representatives from the film industry and advertising for special career-focused sessions. The girls are impressed that people came from London to talk to them. Chloe explains: ‘You get to hear about a day of what they do in their job,’ and Chelsea adds: ‘There’s a fun introduction, with an activity – we had a logo quiz.’ Students worked in groups to make a short video or hold a debate, with IntoUniversity staff there to help them along. Ms Kinley comments: ‘You feel so proud by the end because students who were maybe a little bit shy to start with will often just stand up later and do something amazing!’

By providing support, guidance and new experiences, IntoUniversity is not only helping its students academically. It is broadening their horizons, encouraging them to aspire to further education and equipping them with a new confidence which should materially improve their future prospects.

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