Starting the Transition

Year 11 students from across Merseyside gathered at Edge Hill for the launch of Transitions ? a project designed to prepare 15-18 year olds for higher education.

Students from the boroughs of Sefton, Knowsley, Halton, St Helens, Wirral and Liverpool attended the event held at the Wilson Centre.

Almost 100 students from 12 schools will take part in this year?s project which is co-ordinated through Aimhigher ? a Government initiative to encourage those under represented in higher education to prepare for, and take up study opportunities at universities and colleges.

The students took part in team building and brain storming activities, as well as a speed dating style session to break the ice. Motivational speaker Kevin Mincher was also on hand to encourage the participants to set goals for the future and develop a positive outlook on choices after leaving school.

Together with Edge Hill student advocates, pupils created a day in the life of a student collage and found out about the career and social benefits of going on to higher education.

Farhad Ahmed, Aimhigher Co-ordinator, said: "The launch event was a huge success ? students got to know each other in advance of further sessions, and spent time considering their choices for the future. I?m sure that the day helped to raise aspirations, with many young people gaining confidence in their ability to achieve success through further and higher education."

Later this year, students will get to stay on campus to sample life at a local university. Sessions at the Fire Training Academy are also planned, along with a careers day, university awareness day and a cap and gown celebratory event at Liverpool FC.