WREXHAM University welcomed nearly 400 primary school pupils into its classrooms earlier this month as part of a drive to encourage more young people into higher education.
The annual event, supported by Reaching Wider (a partnership of Welsh universities, schools and colleges that work together to widen access to higher education), invites primary schools from across north and mid Wales to take part in interactive STEM classes, tour the university, meet staff and students, and learn more about university life.
The 380 pupils from 11 schools, learned, amongst other things, about DNA and sustainable and eco-friendly development, watched live demonstrations of physics and chemistry in action from Xplore Science Discovery Centre, and took part in quizzes and treasure hunts. Staff from WoW (World of Work) were also on hand to discuss careers and raise awareness of different opportunities available to the pupils.
Andy Griffiths, a teacher from St Ethelwold’s Primary School in Shotton, said: “This is a rare opportunity for our students. There are fantastic resources at the University, and these interactive lessons bring a lot of value to our students.”
Richard Thornhill, a teacher from Queensferry Primary School, added: “This day is a brilliant opportunity for our pupils to visit a university, and to know that this could be an option for them one day.
“The interactive sessions are popular with the students, and a great break away from school!”
The event is part of a country wide effort to encourage social mobility by offering opportunities to pupils from deprived areas to visit places of higher education and break down barriers to accessing learning.
Paula Griffiths, Partnerships Manager at Reaching Wider, said: “Each year we work with thousands of young people and adults to broaden their aspirations and skills, and highlight all the learning pathways to higher education.
“We support visits to universities and colleges, deliver inspirational events in schools, and offer mentoring opportunities for older students.
“By bringing younger pupils inside places such as Wrexham University, where everyone is so friendly, we can demystify the university experience, allow them to feel comfortable in this environment, and let them explore the innovative study opportunities and learning pathways available to them in the future if they want it.”
Wrexham University Outreach and Widening Access Coordinator, Amber Percy, said: “It was truly inspiring to host such a large-scale primary event, bringing together our local communities to discover future opportunities.
“Seeing so many pupils engage with the university experience reinforced our commitment to widening access, because education should be for everyone, regardless of background.”
