Primary & Early Years Initiative

Working with pupils in the earlier years of their education is crucial to widening participation to Higher Education (HE). It is important that we normalise the structure and experiences of higher education; promote participation in school; develop self-efficacy and understanding of the importance of making positive life choices. It is also vital to communicate that the HE curriculum is relevant and related to the world of work through an innovative interdisciplinary pedagogy. The transition from primary to secondary school is a challenging one – and it is vital that we support this in partnership with primary and secondary schools.

Primary pupils undertake a ’My University Project’ which takes place in their school and on University campus. It introduces the language of higher education, its structures, academic choice and the business of everyday life as a student. Pupils learn about their own skills and subject interests. These Primary classes are also provided with year-long curriculum support where there is a lack of resource / expertise in subject areas such as; modern languages, maths, PE and the sciences. S1 pupils take part in a 10-week project that links school curriculum to the world of work. It brings relevancy to the curriculum for the pupils through interdisciplinary reflective learning. This takes place at various academic schools here at UoE and at other partner learned and cultural institutes across the city. Working with pupils in S2 and S3 involves beginning to focus more so on subject specific literacies as they pupils develop interests and begin to make subject choices.

Primary 6 & Primary 7 pupils from: Canal View, Colinton, Clovenstone, Craigentinny, Craigroyston, Craigour Park, Forthview, Gilmerton, Leith, Liberton, Pirniehall, Prestonfield and Sighthill Primaries.

S1-S3 pupils from: Liberton High School, Wester Hailes Education Centre, Craigroyston High School and Leith Academy. The primary schools mentioned, feed into these secondary schools.