Dave Smith and the Great University Mystery

The University of Oxford ran the ‘Sowing the Seeds’ Primary School Outreach programme during the 2010/11 academic year and had great success in working with schools across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Milton Keynes and Swindon. We engaged with over 600 Year 5 and 6 students and are pleased to be able to extend our KS2 outreach work by offering a new programme - Dave Smith and the Great University Mystery - to local schools.

Dave Smith and the Great University Mystery gives Year 5 and 6 students the opportunity to take part in a interactive workshop in their school that aims to:

•    Introduce the concept and context of university and post-16 education.

•    Raise the aspirations of participants.

•    Dispel any misconceptions about university study and life.

•    Introduce study options and careers that they may not have considered.

•    Introduce FE and vocational study information.

•    Leave students positive and excited about the opportunities available.

Dave is a character who has been put in new and very different situation. Dave’s sister Ally has just departed for her own Higher Education experience but Dave doesn’t have a clue about university. The workshop will enable students to go on an exploratory journey with Dave and his friends to discover what university is really like.

A two-hour workshop in school will be followed by an invitation to visit Oxford  University for a day trip. All sessions are delivered by members of staff from the university's Widening Participation Team with support from current undergraduates. Content for the new programme has been designed to fulfil the aims of the KS2 national curriculum framework. All workshops and resources are funded by the university with financial support being offered for schools interested in a day trip to the university. 

To book a workshop please contact James Slattery on 01865 270543 or by email at james.slattery@admin.ox.ac.uk