Inspiring Learning

Young applicants in schools scheme (YASS) in Scotland

A Higher Education success story

YASS – What is it?

• A high quality, genuine HE experience• A partnership between The Open University and

schools • Courses at first year university level (SCQF7)• For students in S6• An opportunity to stretch motivated and able students • Study alongside Highers and/or Advanced Highers in

S6

Learning Benefits

• Adding breadth and depth to school curriculum• Enriching academic profile• Developing learning skills• Supporting academic and career choices • Encouraging independent learning• Confidence building: ‘success breeds success’• Assisting the transition from school to university

Student Comments

• “That was one of the reasons I did it - so that I would know what it’s like to study at university level, and on my own as well.”

• “I wanted to do something else and something a bit different because there wasn’t really anything else in school that I wanted to do.”

Who are YASS students?

• Students who are:– Motivated– Committed– Interested– Able to meet deadlines– Mature

Some popular modules

• An introduction to law in contemporary Scotland (W150)• Human genetics and health issues (SK195)• Molecules, medicine and drugs (SK185)• Elements of forensic science (S187)• Digital photography: creating and sharing better images

(T189)• Robotics and the meaning of life (T184)• Start writing fiction (A174)• Sustainable Scotland (T123)

Supported ‘Open Learning’

• Individual support from tutor or study adviser• Multi-media/blended learning• Choice of when and where to study• Structured calendar (with deadlines!)• Continuous assessment• End of module assessment (EMA) or exam

Structure of modules and average hours of study

Points at SCQF Level 7

Duration Weekly workload

10 8 - 20 weeks (dependent on course)

6 – 8 hours

15 15 weeks 8 - 10 hours

30 6 / 9 months 8 – 12 hours

60 9 months 14 – 16 hours

Demands

• Time management:– 6-8hours study per week

• Workload:– Alongside S6 study

• Students will:– Have responsibility for own learning– Develop critical thinking and research skills– Tackle challenging new topics – Broaden knowledge of existing topic– Work alongside adults

Students should

• Give careful thought to workload and planning their time

• Log onto StudentHome (your own OU web page) and submit assignments on time

• Take advantage of study skills guides, the library, careers website and online resources

• Alert OU and school coordinator of any difficulties

Funding for YASS

• Students are entitled to an Individual Learning Account (ILA).

• This is usually around £200 and would cover most of the courses we intend to offer.

Next steps

This presentation will be delivered to students before the end of the week.

Consider the list of courses we intend to offer.Consider whether YASS is for you.Express your interest at your coursing interview next

week.