LEAPS Transitions Course Admissions Briefing
LEAPS Transitions Course Admissions Briefing
Admissions Briefing:
LEAPS Transitions Course
| Aim | The LEAPS Transitions Course is designed to give S6 LEAPS-eligible students the skills and experience they need to make a positive transition from school to university. |
| Content | The focus is on developing key academic skills and practical learning strategies required for higher education study. |
| Credit Rating | SCQF Level 7 (20 Credits) |
| Time Commitment | 200 hours (approx.) The course runs from September to March. |
| Identifying Participating Students |
Participating students to include a line in their UCAS Personal Statement about the course and add it as a qualification. School teachers to include a line on the students' UCAS reference about the course. This is a 'complete' or 'non complete' course, so no predicted grade is provided on the students' UCAS application. LEAPS can provide details of students who have successfully completed the course in May. |
| Assessment | Students submit three assessments in order to successfully complete. |
Please find more information about the course below, under the following section headings;
Introducing the Course
This course is designed to give S6 LEAPS-eligible students the skills and experience required to make a positive transition from school to university. It introduces students to a range of practical learning strategies and academic conventions, with the focus on acquiring knowledge and tools to be a successful undergraduate student. Set in an authentic and supportive academic environment, students are encouraged to experiment with new ways of thinking whilst also getting the chance to engage and react to valuable feedback to take with them into their future studies. Ultimately, students will be supported in the process of becoming successful, autonomous learners.
Credits & SCQF
The course has been credit-rated by the Centre for Open Learning at the University of Edinburgh: 20 credits at SCQF Level 7.
Quality Assurance
LEAPS provides annual Quality Assurance reports to the Centre for Open Learning (University of Edinburgh).
External Examiner: Dr Andrew Struan, University of Glasgow.
Academic Advisory Group & Teaching Staff
The course has an Academic Advisory Group (AAG) with academics, librarians and academic developers from LEAPS partner universities (Edinburgh-based higher education institutions). Learning, teaching and assessment is led by Alice Smith (LEAPS) with contributing academics and colleagues from our partner universities.
Hours and Commitment
25 weeks over 7 months (Sept-March)
Student commitment is 6 hours per week, plus assessment preparation - the equivalent of 200 hours (20 credits).
Timetabled
S6 LEAPS-eligible students take this course as part of their school timetable (it is ‘coursed’ by their school). It is not in addition to their S6 subjects, but one of their key timetabled courses. Typically, this involves classes on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons as well as online activities and assessments.
Blended
The course is a blend of on-campus and online learning and teaching. Students experience lectures, tutorials, workshops and assessments and use university virtual learning environments, facilities and systems; mirroring an authentic university experience.
Tutorial Groups and Postgraduate Tutor
Students are assigned a Postgraduate Tutor who leads weekly tutorials. Tutors are trained to lead sessions, assess student assignments, but also to share their experience, support and to guide students with their transition.
Student Support
LEAPS provide wider support for participating students through a dedicate Support Tutor and designated LEAPS staff. Attendance and engagement reports are shared with schools weekly.
Course Content and Assessment
Semester #1 (Sept-Dec): Academic Skills
Core themes and concepts include: academic resources, critical thinking, academic writing, evidence (referencing and appropriate use of sources), presentation and discussion skills, introduction to data and feedback. In addition to these core themes, students will be introduced to specific and wider skills such as navigating online learning, note-taking & making, time management, academic posters and group work.
Assessments in Semester #1:
1. Reflective Zine (ongoing – completed in Semester #2)
2. Individual Written Assessment submitted (graded)
Semester #2 (Jan-March): Lecture Series & Group Poster Presentation
For the second semester of the course, the focus is on putting the skills and concepts introduced in semester #1 into practice. Academics from the LEAPS partner universities from a range of disciplines contribute to a lecture series, from which students complete their second formal assessment.
Assessments in Semester #2:
1. Zine submitted (ungraded)
2. Group Poster Presentation submitted (graded)
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Knowledge and understanding
• Demonstrate an understanding of approaches to learning and key academic skills in a higher education setting
2. Practice: Applied knowledge, skills and understanding
• Show skills and confidence in undertaking research using academic sources, using appropriate academic conventions
3. Cognitive Skills
• Demonstrate an understanding of critical thinking and the ability to engage with this in a higher education context
4. Communication, ICT and Numeracy Skills
• Convey complex ideas in oral and written form, using appropriate academic conventions
• Demonstrate skills and confidence in using unfamiliar digital applications and virtual learning environments, which are standard in a higher education context
5. Autonomy, Accountability and Working with Others
• Exercise independent learning skills, taking a self-directed approach towards course work and assessment, with guidance from academic staff
• Work, with guidance, in a group to produce academic work
Contact
If you have any questions about the course, please contact alice.c.smith@ed.ac.uk