Taster Days and Residential Visits

1
Taster Days and Residential Visits

• Preparation, Processes and Challenges

2
Taster Days
35 targeted pupils from year 9/10 usually those
that have been involved in PSME session in
previous year
10 taster days per PPO apart from Ginny who runs 5
Based at three HEIs across SW University of
Plymouth University College Plymouth St Mark and
St John University of Exeter
3
Taster Days
Different taster Packages provided at each
institution

• Archaeology
• Media

• i-DAT
• Sport

• STOP
• Maths

Developed with HE Academics to fit agenda
Constantly monitored and updated
4
Residential Events
Two taster days with evening activity and
overnight stay in student accommodation

• Again held across different HEIs

9 events run between 5 officers 20 pupils,
option to double up
5
Planning and preparation

• Liaison with Subject package providers for dates
  when rooms, equipment and staff are available.

Offer taster date out to schools outlining
activities, targeting criteria, dates, and their
responsibilities
Secure schools intention to attend in writing.
Inform Package providers that event will run.
Liaise with both School and Package provider
regarding timetable for event
Liaise with Strand 2 to organise student
ambassadors for event
Memo to all appropriate staff involved/Security
6
Planning and Preparation (Residential)
Liaison with extra package leader
Extended sessions

• Accommodation (room allocation)

Catering
Evening entertainment Developing package,
contracts, risk assessments
7
Planning Processes

• Continual Liaison with school

Standard letters sent out
Confirmation of
Pupil numbers and Appropriate targeting
Checks for dietary requirements, medical
conditions, and permission to photograph.
Coach Booking
Loco Parentis/Higher Duty of Care staff to
pupil ratio
8
Planning Processes
Admin Support
We provide a criteria for selecting pupils
Risk assessment Approved Signed
Subject package information
Guidelines for letter to parents
Transport cost reimbursement procedure
Timetable, campus map, directions, parking details
9
Challenges
Those dreaded telephone conversations..
Ooh, sorry, Ive just realised weve got exams on
that day.
Oh hang on, Ive just realised that the pupils
are all out on work experience that week.
Dont worry its a good group, Were bringing the
top set!
I put a list up but not enough pupils have signed
up
Ive only got 17 pupils is that ok?
At least they answered the phone.!
10
New Challenges
Staff to pupil ratios
Staff gender balance
Loco Parentis/Higher Duty of Care
Bad Behaviour
Logistical Problems
Availability of rooms/student ambassadors
11
Post Event
Monitoring and Evaluation
Student Ambassador Feedback
Session feedback to Package leaders
Photos and feedback to School
12
Any Questions?