Headstart
Headstart is a well-established education programme held in the summer at 30 universities, providing Year 12/S5 students interested in mathematics or science with informed choices regarding technology-based degree courses and careers.
Primarily designed for 16 and 17 year-olds, Headstart provides a taste of university life at the time when students are making their university decisions. Over 2000 (including 400 who are 13 or 14 years of age) participate in a series of:
- practical problem solving activities
- lectures and presentations
- visits to local technology companies
- meetings with recent graduates and academics
The programme provides an opportunity for students to experience life as an undergraduate by living and working at university and also enables them to identify sources of funding and support. Through this hands-on experience Headstart aims to enlighten and inspire students' future degree choices.
In addition to a wide range of broad-based Engineering courses, Focus courses concentrate on a single discipline, Insight courses are designed for girls only, with Science, Technology and Society courses intended for those with a general scientific interest. Dragonfly modules for Year 9/S2 girls and Spectrum modules for all students from ethnic minorities provide opportunities for younger students to participate, helping to demonstrate the importance of diversity in the workplace.
About Headstart
- 2000 students from 13 to 17 years (48% females, 19% ethnic minorities) attend 31 Headstart courses throughout Great Britain
- 63% of Headstart students tracked through university are reading MEng courses
- Headstart is particularly useful for students interested in mathematics and/or science
What do the students think?
"Thank you for giving me the wonderful opportunity of participating in the Headstart scheme...I gained an insight into engineering at degree level; this experience encouraged me to pursue engineering as a career-option, and also to apply to University...I would also like to thank you on behalf of my fellow students. Many of those I have met on these two courses have decided to study engineering at University and this decision has been confirmed by a Headstart course." Adeline Drabble.
Click here to contact your region or Tel : 01707 871 505 or info@headstartcourses.org.uk
www.headstartcourses.org.uk
