Introducing Harper Advance, a new way to engage with Higher Education

Posted 21 January 2021

School and college students are being offered the chance to connect to their future through a series of online sessions launched to overcome the challenges of delivering Higher Education advice and guidance during the pandemic.

Harper Advance has been developed by the schools' outreach team at Harper Adams University, who would normally visit students up and down the country to deliver in-person talks and workshops.

The new online programme will run throughout the academic year, starting with sessions on university fees and funding, finding the right course, and a spotlight on the careers and opportunities offered via Harper Adams itself.  

Rachel Brookes, Widening Participation Officer, said: “The team began the project in recognition of the difficulty schools currently face in planning outreach and 'Information, advice and guidance' (IAG) sessions.

"We hope Harper Advance will connect with schools across the country, keeping students engaged and informed about their university options and how they can access degrees that will open doors to exciting and fulfilling future careers.

“But the sessions are not just open to students. They will be also be helpful to teachers, careers advisors, parents and carers: anyone supporting young people’s career journeys. Anyone can sign up, watch and join in.

“We understand schools might find it difficult to plan time around their curriculum for this type of outreach but it is still important. Having these late afternoons sessions means schools can simply share the registration link across their colleague and student network. There is no limit on attendance numbers and no restrictions for location - the beauty of virtual delivery!”

The three sessions that are currently open for registration are Finance Myth-busting, Why Harper and Course Hunters, taking place in January and February. Each starts at 4pm with 30 minutes of information sharing followed by a question-and-answer session.

Registration is now open to book for all three, and future events will be listed on the Events section of the Harper Adams website. Details have been shared with schools on the University mailing list.

To enquire about Harper Advance events, sign up to the Schools Mailer or suggest ideas for future events, email schoolsliaison@harper-adams.ac.uk.