Event report: Access to HE Diploma Practitioner Group Meeting
The second Access to HE Diploma Practitioner Group meeting of the academic year was held online on 8 February 2023.
After a warm welcome from Andrew Jones, Linking London, we first heard from two partners on supporting Access to HE Diploma learners to make the transition to HE and their progression agreements, in collaboration with OCN London, including how they were developed, the offer to Access applicants and plans going forward.
Delegates heard first from Deborah James, HE Policy Analyst, St Mary's University, Twickenham (London) who presented to the group giving an overview of their Access to HE Diploma progression agreements including how they started, challenges and what they would do different next time. Then Joseph Clemoes, Careers Adviser, Pre-Entry Information, Advice and Guidance, University of East London presented from UEL's perspective including how their Access agreements came about, benefits of their partnership, the support they have delivered, feedback and possibilities for development.
We then had perspectives from Access to HE Diploma Learners, from St Mary's and UEL, on their experiences of progressing onto, and studying in, HE. This was followed by a panel Q&A - questions included their experience applying to university, how their access course helped, advice they would give to learners unsure about university, and things they wish they had known before applying.
After a short comfort break, a roundtable partner update provided an opportunity for partners to share the latest news from our college and university partners regarding access delivery and HE outreach activities. Partners shared information on support for access students and upcoming events.
Lastly, we heard from Marisa Castellini, Head of Access to HE, OCN London. She presented on the latest access and OCN London news and updates including the data analysis investigations for 2021-22, the QAA grade scheme reviews and OCN London updates.
The next meeting will take place on 11 May, 2-4pm.
Presentations, recording and meeting note
View the presentations, recording and meeting note from the day.
This link will take you to the SharePoint Partner Area. You must be a Linking London member to access this website. If you do not have access or have any issues logging in, please email Linking London.