Celia Bishop, London College of Communication, University of the Arts London
Terry Finnigan, London College of Fashion, University of the Arts London
Pauline Smith, The Arts Institute at Bournemouth
Rob Weston, Plymouth College of Art

This workshop presented the findings and reflections of two different projects from the NALN Student Support strand which aimed to minimise some of the barriers faced by first year “widening participation” students.

Language can present enormous barriers for all sorts of students entering higher education (Lillis 2001). They may be new to “academic” language in general, the language of their particular subject and the language of the institution. In addition they may be second language speakers. After giving participants some examples of the problematic language on various courses and some language awareness exercises which can be used with staff we will ask them to contribute their own perceptions.

Language, communication and physical barriers for transition to HE have been identified in a mentoring project. The project, which aimed to investigate ways in which mentoring can facilitate progression to HE study for students from non-traditional backgrounds, has supported the transition to HE. We described two approaches to mentoring, both face-to-face and e-mentoring and provide evidence of supporting both retention and progression to HE.

Finally both projects will share strategies to support first year Art and Design students.

Please click here for the Jumping the Barriers Presentation