Pupils Step-Up To University Level

Almost 100 students from schools in the Belfast area are now able to call themselves 'graduates' of the University of Ulster's internationally acclaimed 'Step-Up' programme.

The 98 pupils from Ashfield Boys and Girls High Schools, Belfast Girls Model School, Christian Brothers Secondary School, Corpus Christi College, Orangefield High School, St Joseph’s College and St Patrick's College have completed the Step-Up programme, obtaining vocational A-Levels in science subjects which will enable them to progress to Higher Education.

Addressing the 'graduates' last Friday, Fergus Devitt, Director of Higher Education for the Department for Employment and Learning, said: "Congratulations to all those who have successfully completed the Step-Up programme.

"This programme is integral to the Department's strategy of encouraging more students to go on to Higher Education and reach their true potential.

"As a Department we strive to ensure that people have the skills they need for the jobs they want.

"In doing so, it's our goal to achieve a dynamic, innovative economy and one which meets the emerging challenges of today. The success of Step-Up, to date, goes a long way in helping us to achieve this objective."

Step-Up is a science-based programme of academic and vocational activities, that are delivered by schools, the University of Ulster, industry and government and aims to improve pupils' academic performance, aspirations and expectations.

To date almost 500 students from secondary schools in the north-west, where the initiative was founded, have successfully completed the programme and progressed to higher education institutions across the UK.

These latest 'graduates' are the first cohort to complete the programme in Belfast following its expansion in 2006.

The pupils maintained the Step-Up reputation for outstanding performance by achieving a 97% pass rate, with 65% of students achieving A, B or C grades in their science A-Levels.

The Director also praised the University of Ulster for the success of the programme and paid tribute to the hard work of parents, industry and educationalists for their support of the initiative.

Dr Damian O’Kane, Head of Access & Educational Partnerships, who designed and directs the programme, said: "We are delighted once again to be able to showcase the outstanding achievements of the young people who have participated in the programme. It is fitting that the Director of Higher Education is here to share in their celebrations."

(BMcC/NS