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