More than 275 primary school children from schools in Clare, Limerick and Tipperary have benefited from the Technological University of the Shannon’s (TUS) access initiatives this academic year.
The university is providing access to education courses and opportunities for students from primary school through to third level education, as well as early school leavers.
Among the celebrated TUS initiatives are the primary school access to education programmes including College4Kids aimed at primary level DEIS schools in County Clare and County Tipperary and the well-established Go4IT Programme in Limerick.
The Go4It programme is a collaborative initiative between TUS Midwest Access Service, the Northside Family Resource Centre, Corpus Christi Primary School, Thomond National School, and Thomond Community College. It was established in 2008 in response to concerns that young people from a number of communities were not accessing third-level education.
Go4IT provides opportunities and support for young people to explore the university environment and consider possibilities for their futures. It is unique in its approach as it engages with participants and their families from primary level, throughout second level, with the aim of supporting progression to higher education and beyond.
Anna Murphy, Pre-Entry Access Co-ordinator TUS Midwest said “The Go4It programme takes a holistic approach to education and aims to introduce the concept of lifelong learning. It shows that education has a purpose with long term, real outcomes. This approach also recognises the importance of parental and family engagement. Continual support and engagement from primary level to third level is an integral part of the programme strategy.”
Meanwhile College4Kids is the second TUS Midwest Access Service following a similar model and ethos to the GO4IT programme and is funded under the Higher Education Authority Programme for Access to Higher Education initiative – PATH 3. This programme is available to primary school going children in Clare and Tipperary.
According to Dr Carolann Bargary, TUS Midwest Access Officer, “The emphasis of College4Kids is on introducing participants and their families to the Higher Education environment and supporting the access, retention, and progression of pupils from DEIS schools through to third level education. It helps to break down barriers and misconceptions that the participants and their families may have in relation to third level education, and demonstrates that third-level education is a welcoming and supportive place.”
At the end of each access to education programme parents and guardians of all students are invited to the graduation ceremonies in the Moylish and Thurles campuses.
