An independent survey shows how GivEnergy’s investment in underprivileged school students has already had a positive impact.
The survey looked at the effects of the GivEnergy 850 Learning Lab – a summer school programme at Keele University for year-10 pupils.
Among other results, the survey shows that understanding of what studying at university would be like increased by around 40%.
What is the GivEnergy 850 Learning Lab?
A summer school programme at Keele University run in partnership between GivEnergy and Newcastle Borough Council.
The GivEnergy 850 Learning Lab gives 85 year-10 students from low-participation areas of Newcastle-under-Lyme the chance to gain a better understanding of studying at university.
This year’s inaugural programme took place over July 1st-2nd, 2024.
Students experienced:
- A campus tour
- A session with an academic on smart homes
- A session with an academic on business of growth
- An overnight stay on campus
- Lego coding
- Social activities (sport, meals, party, etc.)
… and more.
The positive impact of 850 Learning Lab
Higher Horizons – an independent organisation dealing with higher education outreach – conducted a survey to understand the effects of the Learning Lab on students who participated.
In particular, they looked at how participants’ understanding of studying at university changed as a result.
What the numbers tell us
Outcome statement no. 1 – “I know what studying at university would be like”
Before
- Agree – 49%
- Neutral – 44%
- Disagree – 7%
After
- Agree – 87% (increase of 38%)
- Neutral – 9% (decrease of 35%)
- Disagree – 4% (decrease of 3%)
Outcome statement no. 2 – “I know what life would be like for a student in higher education”
Before
- Agree – 56%
- Neutral – 33%
- Disagree – 11%
After
- Agree – 91% (increase of 35%)
- Neutral – 8% (decrease of 25%)
- Disagree – 1% (decrease of 9%)
Other outcomes
“I would be supported at university” – increase in agreement of 32%
“I would make friends at university” – increase in agreement of 12%
Expectation of entering higher education – increase of 10%
Desire to enter higher education – increase of 15%
Comments from participants
“I learnt business skills to use in my GCSE”.
“I learnt a lot about smart homes. They’re the future of housing”.
“I now have a clear idea on what there is when you leave school”.
Comments from teachers
“The learners appear more open to the idea of university and have a better understanding of careers available to them”.
Teacher, Birches Head Academy
“During the event some pupils actively discussedwhether university/further education was for them”.
Teacher, St John Fisher Catholic College
“What a great time the students had. Great to see them come out of their shells and mix with others”.
Careers Assistant, Discovery Academy
Why we need the GivEnergy 850 Learning Lab
The latest data on equality of access in higher education in England was published in July 2024.
Analysis shows that students from areas with historically low entry levels into universities are less likely to go to university themselves.
That’s why introducing university to students from these areas is crucial to narrowing the equality of access gap.
And that’s exactly what the GivEnergy 850 Learning Lab does.
Participants are selected from low-participation areas of Newcastle-under-Lyme – namely Bradwell, Silverdale, and Knutton.
Funding the Learning Lab is part of GivEnergy’s ongoing commitment to investing in education and the community.
Learn more about how we’re giving back
The Learning Lab is just one example of how GivEnergy is helping to change the world.
Click here to read more about our commitment to corporate social responsibility.
