Brunel Urban Scholars
The grant recipient
Brunel Able Children's Education Centre is the first university-based research centre in the education of able children in the country. It developed the Urban Scholars programme in response to the continuing low numbers of children entering university from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The Urban Scholars programme
What it aims to do
- search for and fulfil the submerged talent of gifted teenagers (12-16 years old) from inner city state secondary schools
How it works
Groups of 100 students from schools across London attend Brunel University campus nine Saturdays a year over four years. Key features are:
- models of enriched learning for higher ability students are used
- the focus is on challenging students to develop their critical thinking, problem solving, research, training, presentation and study skills
- university staff and visiting speakers deliver the teaching
- undergraduates act as mentors
Results
97% of the students have attended at least three quarters of the sessions. Early monitoring and evaluation suggests marked improvements in educational achievement and aspirations. During the 2006-10 period the impact of the programme on one full cohort of students will be 'mapped' in detail using:
- predicted SATs and GSCE grades and actual results
- school work
- videos and observation
- questionnaires and interviews
The funding and replication
SHINE is funding an Urban Scholars Tutor – with specific responsibility for monitoring and evaluation – and conferences to promote replication and best practice. Brunel University also receives grants from other private funding bodies.
Funding: £206,144 to Brunel University, over four years (2005-09)
Visit the Urban Scholars website: http://tombalchin.tripod.com
"The tutors teach differently and I stay focused - I want to start my university education now!"
Student, the Urban Scholars Programme
"I feel more confident because I meet and discuss things with students from other schools."
Student, the Urban Scholars Programme
"The best thing is that the tutors don't mind us making mistakes; they just encourage you to have a go."
Student, the Urban Scholars Programme
"It is brilliant for school, I am much faster and my marks are higher."
Student, the Urban Scholars Programme
Quotes
"The tutors teach differently and I stay focused - I want to start my university education now!"
Student, the Urban Scholars Programme
"I feel more confident because I meet and discuss things with students from other schools."
Student, the Urban Scholars Programme
"The best thing is that the tutors don't mind us making mistakes; they just encourage you to have a go."
Student, the Urban Scholars Programme
"It is brilliant for school, I am much faster and my marks are higher."
Student, the Urban Scholars Programme