Widening Access

Widening Access - Alice Davies Alice Davies gave an interesting lecture regarding diverse range of people benefiting from further education. “We want to see a country where every individual is given equal opportunity to fulfil their potential, maximise their earning potential and contribute to society.” Jane Davidson. The average British person represents a huge proportion of students in this country and a great deal of effort is going into closing that gap and allowing a number of ‘under-represented’ groups to enter higher education. ‘Under represented’ groups cover a variety of different types of people including: * People from specific black and ethnic minority communities. * People with disabilities. * People from low income families. * People from community First wards. * Children in care and care leavers. Reaching Wider is an organization which Alice Davies is a part of and it increases opportunities for people with diverse backgrounds to benefit from higher education. It is a progressive programme which raises aspiration and attainment as well as managing funds. Reaching Wider aims to encourage progression, assist with enhancing achievement, work with socially disadvantaged people and focus on under represented communities. The programme can start from primary and followed through until leaving school where they can offer work experience and paid work. The success of the organisation can be measured by the achievement of the individuals in regards to GCSE results and progression to higher education. I feel it is a very useful organisation where numerous people have benefited and the closer we get to bridging the gap of the more diverse achieving in education the better.