Delivered by our team of Graduate Ambassadors, Evolve offers schools and colleges the opportunity to tailor-make a programme of presentations and workshops specific to the needs and interests of their students. All activity is aimed at Year 12 & 13/first & second year of college students.

Our activity aims to be interactive and provide ‘hands-on’ learning, supporting students through their sixth form/college studies and their journey to Higher Education. Activity can be delivered throughout the academic year and all our activity is delivered free of charge. Guide times are given below, but can be adapted to suit your time frame.

Our activity is delivered in person but if you wish to have your session/s delivered virtually, please don't hesitate to let us know. Some sessions are not suitable to run virtually, and these are: Critical Thinking and Advanced Study Skills. We offer on-campus outreach too, please let us know if you would like to visit us.

To book, please click 'Book Now' at the top of this page.

Study and Life Skills

These interactive sessions give students the necessary skills to succeed in sixth form/college and what to expect in their two years of study. It is expected that these sessions will be delivered in the first term of sixth form/college.

Learning to Succeed (Guide Time: 30 mins)

Presentation | This session is an informal presentation which looks at how to make the most out of 6th form/college, what they can expect and aspects of goal setting. We strongly recommend this session for first year/Y12 students prior to Christmas.

Aims of the session:

To reflect on their journey through GCSEs and moving into Further Education
To identify the skills needed to succeed at sixth form
To set future goals

Resilience (Guide Time: 30 mins)

Presentation | In today's fast-paced world, students need to be equipped with all the necessary skills in which to thrive.

Aims of the session:

To teach students to organise their thoughts and introduce the circle of influence.
Raise awareness of students' own strengths and weaknesses and promote continuous improvement through moving out of their comfort zone.
To develop an optimistic attitude and strength of character.

Intro To The EPQ (Guide Time: 45 mins)

Workshop | Intro to the EPQ is ideal for students looking to undertake an additional qualification. We talk through the benefits of the EPQ and give handy hints and tips for students to utilise. This workshop contains a practical element, in which students can put some of their new research techniques to the test.

Aims of the session:

To outline the benefits of doing an EPQ

To advise how to choose a topic, and structure a project

To work through source material critically and intelligently

Revision (Guide Time: 45 mins)

Workshop | In this interactive workshop, students will cover a range of different approaches to revision and analyse what techniques work best for them.

Aims of the session:

To identify the most effective methods of learning
To introduce effective revision techniques
To analyse a good revision timetable

Stand and Deliver (Guide Time: 1 hour)

Workshop | A practical session, helping students to develop their presentation skills and knowledge on what makes a good presentation. Please note this session is not available virtually.

Aims of the session:

To analyse the key elements of creating a presentation
Critically look at examples of a typical presentation and discuss best methods of delivery
Put presentation skills into practice

Stress Management (Guide Time: 30 mins)

Workshop | Students will be introduced to techniques to help them cope with some of the difficulties encountered during their time in the sixth form.

Aims of the session:

To look at the signs and symptoms of stress
To explore ways of coping with stress
To discuss relaxation techniques for exam periods

Interview Skills (Guide Time: 45 mins)

Workshop | A skills based workshop, looking at what interviewers are looking for and what makes a good interview. This workshop is useful for students who apply to courses that require interviews, as well as those applying for work.

Aims of the session:

To examine how to make the best first impression
To look at how to prepare for an interview
To examine what candidates should provide in their answers

Critical Thinking (Guide Time: 1 hour)

Workshop | Our most interactive workshop, which asks students to think critically, perhaps the most vital university skill to have. Please note this session is not available virtually.

Aims of the session:

Look at the importance of ideas.
Analyse how perspective and preconceptions can affect one's viewpoint.
A deep dive into ethics, morality and the notion of evidence.

Exploring HE Options

These sessions are aimed at introducing students to all aspects of the Higher Education research and application process. The majority of these workshops work better before students begin their application for university.

Choosing a Course, Choosing a University (Guide Time: 30 mins)

Presentation | An overall look at what to consider when choosing a course and a university before applying for Higher Education. The session can be extended in order to briefly touch on the application process and student finance.

Aims of the session:

To look at what students can expect by going to university
To introduce the main areas of research when choosing a university
To provide examples of what students need to research

Why Go To University? (Guide Time: 30 mins)

Presentation | This session looks at the advantages of university and to dispel myths students may have about Higher Education.

Aims of the session:

To identify myths regarding higher education
To break down concerns through discussion and examples
To introduce students how to make the most out of university

Making the Most out of an Exhibition (Guide Time: 20 Mins)

Presentation | This quickfire session, generally delivered in the run-up to a regional exhibition your students are attending, is a perfect introduction to students to an exhibition, and how to make it a worthwhile and efficient experience. It is especially popular in an assembly format in the run up (even on the morning of!) to students attending an exhibition.

Aims of the session:

To explain the purpose and components of a Higher Education exhibition
To prepare and give you the necessary tools to make the most out of your time at the event
To outline some vital Dos and Don'ts.

The Application Process

These sessions are aimed at students entering the application process to university, moving through vital sessions on personal statement writing, student finance, as well as results day and the clearing process.

I'm The One That You Want (Guide Time: 45 mins)

Presentation | A detailed look at UCAS and the structure of writing a personal statement. This presentation also looks at real good and bad examples of personal statements sent to Northumbria Admissions Selectors.

Aims of the session:

To introduce the UCAS application process
To look at what makes an effective personal statement
To look at what to avoid when writing a personal statement

Finance and Budgeting (Guide Time: 45 mins)

Presentation & Activity | Important, up-to-date financial information on student loans followed by an interactive game looking at budgeting and the financial aspect of university life, based on current student statistics. A shorter, 30-minute session, Student Finance Explained, is available too, and we recommend this session for parents and carers of your students.

Aims of the session:

To introduce student finance and how to pay for university
To look at what current students spend their money on
To learn how to save money and to make it last longer

Confirmation and Clearing (Guide Time: 45 mins)

Presentation | A formal presentation looking at the clearing and confirmation process and what students should do after receiving their results.

Aims of the session:

To look at the UCAS process and what to expect on results day
To explain the different ways universities approach the clearing process
To address concerns the students may have about confirmation and/or applying through clearing

Student Life at University

These sessions explore various aspects of how to make the most out of university and what opportunities Higher Education can provide. These presentations can benefit students pre or post the application process.

Employability (Guide Time: 45 mins)

Presentation | This interactive presentation looks at graduate employability and how university education and extracurricular activities can help enhance students’ career paths.

Aims of the session:

To demonstrate how higher education can boost employability
To show options open to graduates when at University (such as placements and study abroad)and post University (such as graduate schemes)
To identify where to gain transferable skills at university, and building your CV around these skills

Advanced Study Skills (Guide Time: 45 mins)

Workshop | This session, aimed at final year of sixth form and college students, aims to prepare students for study skills at University. This will build on skills students have built throughout their first year of study in Year 12 (or equivalent) and will hear from recent graduates about the transition from sixth form/college to University. Please note this session is not available virtually.

Aims of the session:

To look at writing in and academic fashion, in terms of presenting an argument and formatting a University assignment.
Analysing advanced methods of note taking, time management and planning for lectures and seminars.
Informing students of the need to write in a concise manner, and to introduce referencing.

Student Life (Guide Time: 45 mins)

Workshop | Interactive, engaging workshop detailing how to prepare for life at University, and a guide of what to do when you get there.

Aims of the session:

A look at accommodation options available to students, covering prices and facilities. (This section can be removed if your students have already made their accommodation choices)
A guide on preparing for University, and settling in
To look at examples of a student timetable.

Ask Me Anything (Timings flexible)

Activity | An opportunity for students to anonymously ask questions about university to current or recent university graduates.

Aims of the session:

To provide honest answers from a student point of view
To give an insight into student life and university education
To explore all aspects of university and the application process

Specific Northumbria University Sessions

These sessions are primarily focused on Northumbria University and what it has to offer potential students. It is expected that we only deliver these sessions those who have not yet applied to university.

Choose Northumbria (Guide Time: 45 mins)

Presentation | A glimpse into life at Northumbria University and why it remains a research-rich, business-focused, professional university with a global reputation for academic quality, located in the UK’s best student city.

Degree Apprenticeships (Bolt-On: 15-20 mins)

Presentation | This session will introduce degree apprenticeships: what they are, how they work, and will run through Northumbria's portfolio of these courses. As we suggest students interested in an apprenticeship also apply to University, this session is only available as a bolt-on to another Evolve session, such as Choosing a Course, Choosing a University.

Campus Tour (60-90 minutes)

Activity | A tour of Northumbria University City Campus, including Sport Central, Student Central and the library, Student Union and course-specific buildings. Accommodation viewings are dependent on availability and notice given - please click here for more information.

Performance Sport at Northumbria (30 mins)

Presentation | Northumbria University has a strong sporting history, with over 70 teams competing in the British Universities and Colleges Sport league. Hear direct from one of our Student Sport team about what it takes to be a student athlete at Northumbria. Subject to availability.

Study Abroad at Northumbria (30 mins)

Presentation | Most of Northumbria's undergraduate courses have a Study Abroad option, allowing students to immerse themselves in another country. An exciting, challenging and rewarding experience, hear from our team about the application process, the benefits of studying abroad, learn about students' experiences and discover our academic partners across the world. Subject to availability.

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