Plymouth University hits the right note at Rock Assembly

Undergraduates Kerry Hayes and Lindsey Cooper attended the Rock Assembly 2011 event at London’s O2 arena organised by the Transformation Trust - an independent education charity funding extra-curricular activities in state schools.

In between singing and dancing along to a line-up of top named bands including Tinchy Stryder, Eliza Doolittle, Diversity and The Saturdays, concert goers were given the opportunity to speak to the many representatives at a ‘university village’.

Kerry said: “We fielded a number of enquiries about the courses the University has to offer as well as general information about Plymouth. We spoke to people ranging from Year 7 up to final year pupils, and a number of course enquiry forms were filled in by years 10 to 12 students. We also spoke to teachers who were compiling information with a view to setting up stands at their own schools with information about the different universities.”

The event, which combines entertainment with presentations and information sessions, is open to students and teachers and this year attracted approximately 16,000 visitors.

The Shakespeare Schools Festival drew in the crowds with a stage performance, while TV money expert journalist Martin Lewis’ talk on the new tuition fees system also attracted a large gathering.
VIP guests were among those who showed support of the initiative and included Olympic rowing gold medalist Sir Steve Redgrave and publisher Sir David Bell.

Plymouth University Widening Participation Assistant Lois Tucker said: “By getting current students involved, not only does it add to their student experience, it gives those attending events like this the opportunity to talk to real students about their involvements at university.”

ENDS