3 December 2009
New programme for City Academy Students to aim higher
Tuesday saw the launch of a new programme, “Step up to the City”
which will enable young students at the City of London Academy
Islington to achieve their full academic and personal potential by
helping them consider and enter higher education. The programme is
aimed at students from a young age upwards who would otherwise not
consider University as a possibility for them.
Ann Palmer, Principal of the Academy explains that she is
passionate about the opportunities that this new and exciting
programme will bring to the Academy. This intensive approach
to university engagement is a new concept for this country and we
are delighted to be leading the way.
The programme is being supported by the City of London and City
University London who are co-sponsors of the Academy.
The students will spend a dedicated amount of time every week
involved in a structured programme of academic and vocational
activities. Time will also be spent at City University attending
practice lectures and seminars. Academy students will also
have the opportunity to speak to City’s undergraduates about life
in higher education and be assigned a mentor who will act as a role
model, offering advice.
In the first instance, the pilot programme will focus will be on
Business and Enterprise – the Academy’s specialism and a major
component of City University London’s undergraduate offering and
utilising the sponsorship of the City of London. Over time the
programme will be rolled out to other institutions both locally and
nationally.
Richard Regan, Chairman of Governors at the City of London
Academy Islington said: “Some of our brightest young people are
being denied the chance of future success and achievement in higher
education because they lack the resource, confidence and
aspirations to apply to universities. This programme aims to
challenge their perceptions about themselves and encourage them in
a hands-on way to consider higher education as a real
possibility.
Acting Vice-Chancellor of City University London, Professor
Julius Weinberg says: “We are committed to supporting students from
the widest variety of background in fulfilling their potential.
This means working with the Academy in encouraging students to
think of university as a viable option. We cannot afford to waste
the talents of enthusiastic young people.”
““Step up to the City” is based on a very successful programme
run by Ulster University which operates in partnership with 21
secondary schools in Belfast and Londonderry and has enjoyed
outstanding success with 97% of all students progressing to
universities and relevant degrees across the UK. I am confident
that the Islington Academy will be able to achieve the same
exceptional results.”
Ends
Notes to editors
About the City of London Corporation
The City of London Corporation is a uniquely diverse organisation.
It supports and promotes the City as the world leader in
international finance and business services and provides local
services and policing for those working in, living in and visiting
the Square Mile. It also provides valued services to London and the
nation. These include the Barbican Centre and the Guildhall School
of Music & Drama; the Guildhall Library and Art Gallery and
London Metropolitan Archive; a range of education provision
(including three City Academies); five Thames bridges (including
Tower Bridge and the Millennium Bridge); the Central Criminal Court
at Old Bailey; over 10,000 acres of open spaces (including
Hampstead Heath and Epping Forest), and three wholesale food
markets. It is also London’s Port Health Authority and runs the
Animal Reception Centre at Heathrow. It works in partnership with
neighbouring boroughs on the regeneration of surrounding areas and
the City Bridge Trust, which it oversees, donates more than £15m to
charity annually.
About City University London
City University London is a principal provider of undergraduate,
postgraduate, professional and vocational education in the United
Kingdom. The University is committed to leading London in
education, research and knowledge transfer for businesses and the
professions and is renowned for its international focus and the
employability of its graduates.
The University teaches across a range of subjects in: arts,
including journalism and music; informatics; social sciences;
engineering and mathematical sciences; business; law; community and
health sciences.
The University attracts over 21,000 students from 156 countries,
while teaching staff are drawn from nearly 50 international
locations, ensuring that the University has a truly international
outlook.
City University London was founded in 1894 as the Northampton
Institute and was awarded full university status in 1966. Please
see the following link for more information
www.city.ac.uk
Press contact
Susanna Howard, Press Office, City of London Corporation
Tel: 020 7332 3450 Email:
susanna.howard@cityoflondon.gov.uk