Students chill out at Education Conference

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.”