UCL brings social change to life for Oaklands School pupils at UCL East campus

As part of the UCL East school partnership scheme, the group of Year 12s from Oaklands School were welcomed to the new UCL East Marshgate campus, officially opened in September 2023. As part of this partnership, UCL works closely with the school on an individual basis to develop programmes like this in support of their needs, with the overarching aim to have a positive impact on students’ experiences.

As part of this visit, the Year 12s took part in an introductory session on Metacognition, the study of thought processes and the patterns behind them, delivered and designed by the UCL East Schools Engagement team. UCL student ambassadors then led the students on a campus tour and answered questions on a host of topics from academic through to student life and accommodation.

Following the tour, the pupils were then treated to an engaging lecture by Dr Irina Lazar, Associate Professor in Engineering and Public Policy. Dr Lazar encouraged the students to think about global issues, such as the rise of air pollution, and helped the school pupils to collectively develop approaches whilst considering the challenges they may face by trying to implement their approaches.

The Oaklands School Year 12 pupils proved a receptive audience, with students exercising their teamwork, critical thinking and analytical skills, impressing both the Oaklands School and UCL staff. The day finished with an introduction to the Science and Engineering for Social Change BSc degree programme and associated career prospects, showcasing the best of this exciting subject.

UCL East Schools Engagement Officer Syeshia Sweeney said:

Oaklands students told us they enjoyed their visit, and one student was even convinced enough to apply for the BSc Science and Engineering for Social Change based entirely on what they had heard during the day! The UCL East Schools partnerships were set up for precisely this reason – it was great for us to hear of such immediate impact of a campus visit from one of our partner schools.”“

Oaklands is one of five East London schools that UCL has a partnership with, working with the schools on an individual basis to develop programmes to support students as they look to enter the world of higher education.

Further links:

• UCL East Partner Schools
• UCL East
• Access and Widening Participation
• Campus Visits for Year 12s