Minister congratulates ‘step-up’ students

An initiative to encourage more young people to take up higher education places has been given the seal of approval by Employment and Learning Minister, Carmel Hanna.

During a speech to delegates attending a special graduation ceremony at the University of Ulster’s Magee Campus yesterday evening, the Minister said: “It is particularly pleasing to be able to recognise the achievement of those who have successfully completed the University of Ulster’s ‘Step-Up’ programme, which aims to encourage capable pupils, who might not normally consider doing so, to go on to higher education.

“The ‘Step-Up’ initiative is an excellent example of how a higher education institution can increase educational opportunities. In this case, the University of Ulster has worked with the local community and schools in the Derry area to widen opportunities for entry to higher education.”

Affirming her Department’s commitment to the initiative, the Minister concluded: "I am particularly pleased that my Department, under its Widening Access special initiative, has been able to support such a worthwhile project. Indeed the ‘Step-Up’ project has been recognised by Universities UK, which represents the interests of the University sector, as an outstanding example of best practice in widening access opportunities to higher education.”

The University of Ulster ‘Step-Up’ Scheme aims to open up the opportunity to undertake higher education to young people who have ability but who are from areas of economic and social disadvantage and would not normally consider aiming for higher education.

The scheme targets school pupils from nine secondary schools in Londonderry who are commencing A levels or AVCE in Science subjects.

Most of the schools selected have in the past been funded by the Department of Education under the ‘Targeting Social Need’ initiative and have a record of relatively poor performance by students in A level/ GNVQ.

(SP)