Students from local Bristol secondary schools received expert advice on higher education recently as the Aimhigher roadshow rolled through City of Bristol College. The exciting, interactive roadshow - the largest of its kind in Europe - has been touring around England throughout 2009/10 offering advice and support to pupils.

Using the latest technology to offer advice and mentoring

The Aimhigher campaign aims to access areas that traditionally receive low levels of participation in higher education and is a national Government-funded project. By using state of the art equipment the Aimhigher show aims to take young people out of the classroom environment, offering advice and mentoring through the latest technology.

Positively changing attitudes to higher education

The Aimhigher roadshow has had an impressive success rate in the past, with feedback from the 2008/9 tour revealing a 39 per cent positive shift in students’ attitudes towards higher education following their roadshow experience.
This roadshow, which was held at City of Bristol College’s Ashley Down Centre, was designed with young people in mind and uses the latest technology, such as DVDs, plasma screens, laptops and interactive voting systems to get its message across and make learning about higher education a fun experience.

Speaking to young people in their language

Katherine Ardouin, City of Bristol College’s Aimhigher Co-ordinator, says: “The aim of the roadshow is to bring information on higher education to the student’s doorstep. All the students enjoyed the fun and informal way the information was presented to them and felt they had gained from the event.”

“This type of event speaks to the students in a way they can relate to and we received positive feedback from those that attended saying they felt they had found out more about the opportunities available to them. We hope this will encourage students in the future to attend similar events.”

Reaching more than 700 young people

This year’s tour is expected to reach more than 700 young people nationwide every day during term time, and will continue to expand and grow over the next two years.

It forms an important part of the wider Aimhigher programme, showing young people the benefits a higher education can bring.

Find out more

If you would like to know more about Aimhigher then visit our Aimhigher webpage or visit the Aimhigher West Area Partnership website.