On Tuesday 31st January, representatives from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN) visited St Andrew’s School, Turi. The group included Sergine Monple and Stephanie Akinyi (UCLAN International Office, Paresh Parmar (UCLAN Creative Arts faculty) and Andrea Ferguson (UCLAN Law faculty). The purpose of the visit was not only to market UCLAN as a university destination but also to provide the students with an academic enrichment opportunity, to engage with the academics on subjects close to their current studies or related to current affairs.

 
The first session saw Mr Parmar talk to Year 11 and A Level students about how to structure and present an Art portfolio for university admission and future business dealings. Mr Parmar’s highly insightful presentation in the Art Room was accompanied by some very practical sessions with the Creative Arts students who were highly appreciative of the time he spent to pass on valuable tips in one-on-one sessions with students.
 
At the same time, Year 12 and 13 students interested in Law had a treat. Ms Andrea Ferguson is an experienced lawyer and lecturer whose session with the students started with a talk about the skills they will gain by studying Law. She then engaged them with a fascinating case study to develop their problem solving ability (based around the Bribery Act in English law, an equivalent of which has recently been introduced in Kenya). Ms Ferguson’s excellent presentation included information on the value of work placements to develop the students’ employability and professional network.
 
The visits by the academics from UCLAN was part of a wider collaboration between St Andrew’s College and universities to provide academic enrichment activities beyond the usual admissions presentations offered by most universities. It is hoped that in the coming months, there will be more academics visiting Turi to provide students with some inspiration.