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Widening Participation at Warwick: Past, Present, and Future

Wednesday 26th February 2025 - 9:30am - 3:00pm - Westwood Teaching Centre

The waitlist is now open

We are excited to announce the 2025 Widening Participation Staff and Student Conference, Widening Participation at Warwick: Past, Present, and Future. As the University approaches its 60th birthday, join us to celebrate the successes and impact of Widening Participation at Warwick, and to explore innovative approaches to support sustained student success.

Registration for the conference is now full, but please use the form below to join our waitlist and we will notify you if a place becomes available.

Event overview

Location: Westwood Teaching Centre, Westwood Campus

Date: Wednesday, 26 February 2025

Time: Arrival from 9:00am for a 9:30am start. The conference is due to close at 3:00pm.

Conference Programme

Arrival from 9:00am

9:30-10:15am - Welcome and Student Panel

Join us for a welcome from Professor Lorenzo Frigerio, followed by a current student panel.

Session 1 - 10:30-11:15am

This session will be led by Phil Jemmett and Craig Carnegie

Through the Enhancing Research Culture Fund, Craig Carnegie is running the 'Addressing Social Mobility Issues in STEM' project which is building a network across Midlands universities to learn from their models for work experience, including how they target and support widening participation audiences. This workshop will explore the learning so far and invite colleagues to contribute their insight as well as begin to develop a model timetable for future work experience practice.

Refreshment Break - 11:15-11:45am

Session 2 - 11:45am-12:30pm

This session is led by Charlotte Pearce, Anoushka Alok and Anna Barnard

In this workshop we’ll share insights into how students and staff in English and Comparative Literary Studies (ECLS) work with local partner schools to inspire the next generation of Arts students from widening participation backgrounds through Transformations - a programme that also helps builds a sense of community for our 70+ student volunteers whilst they develop skills that enhance their future employability. The second half of the workshop will involve participation in some of the creative writing activities that have proved so popular with our participating school students.

Lunch - 12:30-1:15pm

Session 3 - 1:15-2:00pm

This session is led by GeorgieBella Young, Ali Struthers and Tani Ilemobola

Join us for an engaging session exploring School Tasking, an innovative outreach initiative developed by Dr. Ali Struthers inspired by the TV show Taskmaster. Through live, task-based activities, you’ll experience the same creative and collaborative challenges Year 5 students tackle as part of the programme. Discover how School Tasking introduces young learners to legal concepts bringing the law to life. Watch as students develop teamwork, creativity, and critical thinking all while demystifying university and the law. Learn how this project supports widening participation by targeting disadvantaged schools and pupils from underrepresented backgrounds.

Spotlight Session - 2:15-3:00pm

The Power of Connections

This session will be led by Inca Hide-Wright

From the perspective of a Widening Participation (WP) student, now Warwick staff, ‘The Power of Connections’ will take you through the reality of what it can be like navigating the higher education system and how connections can be the difference between dropping out and going on to further study and employment.
This session will develop your understanding of what WIHEA* is, the opportunities available for students and staff, including introducing you to Warwick’s Building Belonging Framework.
Throughout the session you will have the opportunity to share and reflect on the day, and consider... How might we enhance belonging across contexts?