A NEW chill out area was a big hit with students attending
this year’s Northamptonshire Higher Education Conference.
Every year, thousands of Year 12 pupils from across the county
flock to the event, held at the University of Northampton’s
Park Campus, where they can receive information, advice and
guidance from more than 100 universities and other higher
education organisations.
And with this year’s conference, held on March 26, being
bigger than ever, organisers Connexions Northamptonshire decided
to set up a specially designated chill out area where the
teenagers could relax after visiting the stands, which were
spread throughout three buildings at the university.
Event organiser, Jane Shearer, from Connexions Northamptonshire,
said the new rest area had been a huge success and would be
repeated.
She said: “We thought it would be a good idea to give
the students an area to take a breather. It was very popular
with the youngsters and we will definitely have it again next
year.”
Louise Roberts, HR co-ordinator for the University of Northampton,
said: “It was really good to have a chill out room for
the first time as the youngsters found it really relaxing.”
“The whole event has had a great atmosphere and we have
had most of the county’s schools here which was fantastic.”
The conference is part of a series of UCAS Higher Education
Conventions and is organised by Connexions Northamptonshire
with support from the Aimhigher Partnership, The University
of Northampton and HELOA (the Higher Education Liaisons Officers
Association). It brings together a large number of universities
and other organisations from across the UK to give 16 and
17-years-olds an opportunity to explore higher education.
The day also included a full programme of talks and Connexions
advisers were on hand to answer questions and offer careers
advice.
Liam Barford, aged 17, a student at Northampton School for
Boys, said: “The talks have been very helpful and it
has been good to get some idea about what the universities
are like. You could spend hours and hours here.”
David Seaton, liaison officer at the University of Northampton,
said: “It has been a fantastic day and one of the best
we have had here. The students have been really well prepared
and had some really intelligent questions and the feedback
has been very good.”
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