Preston and Blackpool school pupils go on virtual open day

Potential students from schools across Preston and Blackpool are continuing to take part in university visit days, despite campuses being closed.

Future U, along with Edge Hill University and the Lancashire Enterprise Adviser Network, joined forces to enable more than 100 schools across the county to go ahead with a visit to the Ormskirk institution, which had been planned before the Covid-19 crisis shut schools and campuses.

The aim was to give would-be sixth formers a glimpse of campus life, as well as the courses and careers available to them.

Instead the the event was streamed online.The virtual visit included introductions to university life; including information on students, staff, courses and what it is like to live on campus.

Edge Hill's education liaison officer Elenid Steffan, said: "This is an innovative alternative which allows these young adults to speak to students, and staff, about their university experiences. It is valuable in raising aspirations and helps them to form their choices and understanding of higher education."

The pupils also had talks about the different jobs available at the university by hearing from current employees and were also set a virtual task to explore more about a career in social media.

James Clegg, delivery officer at Future U, said: "The session delivered by Future U looked at a real job and broke down the application form in easy to follow steps.

It also helped to strengthen pupils’ knowledge of the social media sector, looking at the best ways to get into a social media career."

Liz Bacon, enterprise coordinator for Chorley and West Lancs. at Lancashire Enterprise Adviser Network, added: "This virtual and interactive event is great for all to experience Edge Hill, the place of study and potential future workplace. A fantastic alternative to a campus visit during lockdown."

Future U is Lancashire’s Uni Connect Programme funded by the Office for Students (OfS). Future U brings together universities, colleges, schools and businesses to help support pupil progression into Higher Education.