YOUNG APPLICANTS IN SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES SCHEME (YASS)

A UK HE success story

‘THE case study for HE modules in schools’

YASS – What is it?

“YASS study marks themout from other students”Jane Browne, Director of 6th Form, Greenwood Dale School

A quality, genuine HE experience

A partnership between the OU and schoolsand colleges across the UK

A wide range of courses at first year university level

For post 16 students

An opportunity to stretch gifted and talented students

Broad range of schools

Study alongside school curriculum

The Growth in YASS Students

External Recognition

“Real personalisation,real challenge, real university”Paul Kelley, Headteacher, Monkseaton High School

DIUS/DCSF

Specialist Schools and Academies Trust

Qualifications and Curriculum Authority

CfBT Education Trust

Universities and Colleges Admissions Service

National Extension College

CCEA/NCCA

Supported Open Learning

“It’s a win win situation – no lose”Anton Blair, sixth form school student, Greenwood Dale School, Nottingham

Academic support from tutor or study adviser

Multimedia

Choice of when and where to study

Structured calendar (with deadlines!)

Continuous assessment

End of course assessment (ECA) or exam

Benefits for Students

“Students develop the sort ofindependent study skills they willfind invaluable at university”Mary Smith, Headteacher, Maidstone Grammar School for Girls

Adds breadth and/or depth to school curriculum

Enriches academic profile

Develops learning skills

Encourages independent learning

Builds confidence: ‘success breeds success’

Bridges the gap between school and university

Modules on Offer

Over 50 courses from:

- Arts

- Business Studies

- Education – Early Years

- Health and Social Care

- Law

- Maths and Computing

- Modern Languages

- Money Management

- Science

- Social Sciences

- Sport and Fitness

- Technology and Engineering

10, 15, 30 or 60 higher education (CATS) points

Multiple start dates

From 10 weeks to 9 months

Module Popularity 2007 (England & Wales)

6%

6%

1%

73%

14%

Science - 10 point moduleArts - 10 point moduleTechnology - 10 point module30 point module60 point module

Demands on the Student

“It’s easy to manage at home and fit it around everything else”Richard Orrick, sixth form school student, Monkseaton High School

Time management: 4-16 hours study per week

Workload:Alongside AS and A levels (or equivalent)

Students will:Have responsibility for own learningHave a steep learning curve!Work alongside adults

Indicators of Success

Successful YASS students are:

- Motivated- Committed- Interested- Able to meet deadlines- Mature- Not just the top 5%

YASS Support Network

Student

OU RegionalYASS

Co-ordinator

OU Tutor/StudentAdviser

Parents

SchoolsCo-ordinator

Getting Started

Seek advice from OU Regional Co-ordinator for YASS

Seek advice about schools perspective from the National Schools Co-ordinator

– Read the YASS information pack for schools

– Note closing dates

– Organise information meetings;students, parents, teachers

– Select students and courses

– Register in good time to avoid disappointment

Student Comments

“I liked studying with The Open University because I can do it in my own time so if I have a lot on I canleave it and catch up later.”

“The range of subjects covered in my course is much wider than the subjects offered by my school based studies.”

“At first I found it difficult not being able to see people and physically interact with them.”

“Doing more work during school holidays to relieve the pressure during exams. I work as much as is physically possible (I’m not joking!).”

Teacher Comments

“It brings HE and the OU in particular, into the school and introduces a different way of studying for those who may be put off by the thought of university.”

“The students never cease to amaze me. Their determination to succeed at undergraduate level is remarkable. They can and will do it.”

“Since the programme started the school has grown, standards achieved in conventional courses have risen, and this has boosted the school’s reputation.”

“YASS provides additional stimulus for gifted and talented students.”

YASS - Northern Ireland Context

•Years 13 and 14

•Relevant to Entitlement Framework:

Provides context for ICT to facilitate distance learning

Pupils benefit - exposure to other teaching environments and approaches

Collaboration to widen choice of learning opportunities

Contact Details

YASS website: www.openuniversity.co.uk/yass

OU Regional YASS Co-ordinator:

Christine ComptonThe Open University40 University RoadBelfast BT7 1SUTel: 028 9024 5025Email: ireland@open.ac.uk

National Schools Co-ordinator:Margaret ChaytorMonkseaton Community High School

Seatonville Road, Whitley BayTyne & Wear NE25 9EQTel: 07815 777337Email: margaretchaytor@hotmail.com