Targeting of widening participation measures by elite institutions: widening access or simply aiding recruitment?

2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (2-3) ◽  
pp. 45-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jon Rainford
Keyword(s):  
Widening Participation ◽  
Widening Access ◽  
Elite Institutions

scholarly journals Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on UK medical school widening access schemes: disruption, support and a virtual student led initiative

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily R Bligh ◽  
Ellie Courtney ◽  
Rebecca Stirling ◽  
Asveny Rajananthanan ◽  
Hibatallah Altaher ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical School ◽  
Work Experience ◽  
Medical Schools ◽  
Educational Background ◽  
Socioeconomic Background ◽  
Widening Participation ◽  
Manipulation Check ◽  
Low Socioeconomic ◽  
Widening Access ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background COVID-19 has disrupted medical education in the United Kingdom (UK). The pandemic may result in a long-term disproportionate negative impact to students applying to Medical School from a low-socioeconomic background. In addition, the upsurge in Medical School applications increases the likelihood of stricter University entry criteria over the coming years. There is no current research to determine how widening participation of Medicine to students from low-socioeconomic backgrounds can be improved virtually. The aim of this study is to establish the impact of COVID-19 on students enrolled in UK widening access schemes and the role of virtual student led initiatives in widening participation. Methods A voluntary online survey was distributed to UK Sixth Form students (N = 31) enrolled in a widening access scheme who attended Sheffield Neuroscience Society International Virtual Conference in February 2021. The event was free to attend. The five-domain survey consisted of questions determining demographics, career aspirations, impact of COVID-19, academic skillsets and an educational manipulation check. Results There were 30 pre-conference and 26 post-conference responses. 76.7 % had work experience cancelled due to COVID-19. A total of 36.7 % of participants reported participating in virtual work experience. ‘Observe GP’ and ‘Medic Mentor’ were each specified as attended virtual opportunities in 20 % of answers. Post conference, students felt significantly more confident in applying to Medical School (p = 0.008) and more prepared to undertake a presentation (p = 0.002). Educational manipulation check scores increased significantly (p = 0.003). 100 % of students felt inspired to do further CV building activities. Conclusions COVID-19 has negatively impacted pupils enrolled in UK Medical School widening access schemes. Virtual student led initiatives can instill confidence in delegates from low socio-economic backgrounds, increase their career knowledge and inspire them to take part in further CV building exercises. Both Medical Schools and medical students play a key role in widening participation. This study recommends Medical Schools promote access to virtual events, urge private and state schools to declare offered opportunities and act mindfully when determining student’s academic potential in the context of their socioeconomic and/or educational background.

The Costs of Widening Participation: Contradictions in New Labour's Student Funding Policies

2002 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 83-94 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claire Callender
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Social Cohesion ◽  
Financial Support ◽  
New Labour ◽  
Educational Opportunities ◽  
Widening Participation ◽  
Widening Access ◽  
Funding Policies ◽  
Policy Objectives ◽  
Student Funding

Increasing and widening participation have been at the heart of New Labour's higher education initiatives since they came to power. This article argues that their 1998 reforms of student financial support were inconsistent with their commitment to widening access and fairness in educational opportunities, and their desire for higher education to contribute to greater social cohesion. The article examines this policy contradiction. It explores how the 1998 reforms came about, and the effects of the reforms. It traces briefly the development of student funding policies under the Conservatives, and under New Labour. Next, is assesses New Labour's policies and policy objectives, drawing upon the findings of a major survey on students' income and expenditure. So, it explores some of the effects and consequences, both intended and unintended, of the 1998 reforms.

scholarly journals Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on UK Medical School Widening Access Schemes: Disruption, Support and a Virtual Student Led Initiative

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily R Bligh ◽  
Ellie Courtney ◽  
Rebecca Stirling ◽  
Asveny Rajananthanan ◽  
Sheffield Neuroscience Society
Keyword(s):  
Medical School ◽  
Work Experience ◽  
Medical Schools ◽  
Educational Background ◽  
Socioeconomic Background ◽  
Widening Participation ◽  
Manipulation Check ◽  
Low Socioeconomic ◽  
Widening Access ◽  
The Impact

Abstract BackgroundCOVID-19 has disrupted medical education in the United Kingdom (UK). The pandemic may result in a long-term disproportionate negative impact to students applying to Medical School from a low-socioeconomic background. In addition, the upsurge in Medical School applications increases the likelihood of stricter University entry criteria over the coming years. There is no current research to determine how widening participation of Medicine to students from low-socioeconomic backgrounds can be improved virtually. The aim of this study is to establish the impact of COVID-19 on students enrolled in UK widening access schemes and the role of virtual student led initiatives in widening participation.MethodsA voluntary online survey was distributed to UK Sixth Form students (N=31) enrolled in a widening access scheme who attended Sheffield Neuroscience Society International Virtual Conference in February 2021. The event was free to attend. The five-domain survey consisted of questions determining demographics, career aspirations, impact of COVID-19, academic skillsets and an educational manipulation check.ResultsThere were 30 pre-conference and 26 post-conference responses. 76.7% (N=23) had work experience cancelled due to COVID-19. A total of 36.7% (N=11) of participants reported participating in virtual work experience. ‘Observe GP’ and ‘Medic Mentor’ were each specified as attended virtual opportunities in 20% (N=6) of answers. Post conference, students felt significantly more confident in applying to Medical School (p=0.008) and more prepared to undertake a presentation (p=0.002). Educational manipulation check scores increased significantly (p=0.003). 100% of students felt inspired to do further CV building activities. ConclusionCOVID-19 has negatively impacted pupils enrolled in UK Medical School widening access schemes. Virtual student led initiatives can instill confidence in delegates from low socio-economic backgrounds, increase their career knowledge and inspire them to take part in further CV building exercises. Both Medical Schools and medical students play a key role in widening participation. This study recommends Medical Schools promote access to virtual events and act mindfully when determining student’s academic potential in the context of their socioeconomic and/or educational background.

Dilemmas of Justice and Reconciliation: Rwandans and the Gacaca Courts

2010 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amaka Megwalu ◽  
Neophytos Loizides
Keyword(s):  
Conflict Resolution ◽  
United Nations ◽  
Due Process ◽  
National Court ◽  
Demographic Characteristics ◽  
Widening Participation ◽  
Court System ◽  
Trained Personnel ◽  
The United Nations

Following the 1994 genocide, several justice initiatives were implemented in Rwanda, including a tribunal established by the United Nations, Rwanda's national court system and Gacaca, a ‘traditional’ community-run conflict resolution mechanism adapted to prosecute genocide perpetrators. Since their inception in 2001, the Gacaca courts have been praised for their efficiency and for widening participation, but criticised for lack of due process, trained personnel and attention to atrocities committed by the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF). To evaluate these criticisms, we present preliminary findings from a survey of 227 Rwandans and analyse their attitudes towards Gacaca in relation to demographic characteristics such as education, residence and loss of relatives during the genocide.

scholarly journals Developing a UK widening participation forum

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Enam Haque ◽  
Andy Spencer ◽  
Louise Alldridge
Keyword(s):  
Widening Participation
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