african-caribbean males in he: what are universities doing to widen participation? here is one...
TRANSCRIPT
African-Caribbean Males in HE: What are Universities doing to
widen participation? Here is one university’s response
Dr Beverley CrooksBrunel University – West London
Context
• Brent West London – one of the most culturally diverse areas in the country
• Ethnic minority groups in the majority• Famous landmark – Wembley Stadium• ¾ of Brent’s school pupils are from an
ethnic minority group• 130 languages spoken by school age
children
Top 20 participation rates for 18 year olds by parliamentary constituency and cohort for 2008
London Borough of Brent
Observations and Response
• Few attended Aimhigher and GnT
• Invited African Caribbean Boys
• Response from schools and colleagues
• Activities included: – HE Awareness– Why study?– Science taster days– Summer Schools
Brunel University
• Established in 1966• Full time provision - 18 year olds• Medium size – 13,000 students• Geographical neighbours Thames Valley,
Westminster, Roehampton and St Mary’s• League Table Position: Independent 41,
Times 47, Guardian 53
Observations and Response
• Few attended Aimhigher and GnT
• Invited African Caribbean Boys
• Response from schools and colleagues
• Activities included: – HE Awareness– Why study?– Science taster days– Summer Schools
Brent’s Pupil Referral Unit
• KS3 - 70% black – 50% African Caribbean
• KS4 – 72% black – 65% African Caribbean
• University invitation?
• 10 GCSEs offered
• Full time provision
• Annual event
Brunel Profile
• 13,000 - 14,500 students
• High ethnic minority population – 56% (2007/8)
• UG FT African-Caribbean male entrants 2002/3 – 29 2003/4 – 17 2004/5 – 282005/6 – 242006/7 – 312007/8 – 412008/9 - 51
Pupil and Student Voices
What might stop you from going to University?• “Scared I won’t make it” Y9• “Friends” Y10• “Friends that want to put me down” Y10
Attended Aimhigher events?WP students - ‘No’
Lessons
• Target hard to reach colleagues
• Small groups
• Bespoke programmes – ambassadors
• Annual event
• More than one visit
Conclusion
• Impact on pupils and teachers
Expectations
• Impact on the university
Policy and monitoring
• Further investigationsTrack pupils