The programme is being developed during 2008 and is the result of a partnership between:-
The WISE Campaign
Women Into Science, Engineering and Construction http://www.wisecampaign.org.uk
and Headstart
(Part of EDT: The Engineering Development Trust) http://www.headstartcourses.org.uk
Each course follows a particular framework so that students can expect a similar experience wherever they are invited to attend, although the University course organisers have scope for customisation.
Most courses include an industrial visit where participants meet a local employer. They also involve lots of hands-on activity, lectures and seminars, meeting under- and postgraduates, technicians and lecturers and participation in team challenges and social events.
An essential feature of Insight is the enthusiastic involvement of female engineers - some of whom are volunteers - who assist with the courses and talk with students about their own work and study experience, as well as acting as points of contact throughout the week.
Many attended Insight courses themselves so have both the perspective of teacher and student.
Introduction
Insight is a well-established education programme for girls interested in mathematics or science, designed to help them to consider their options from the hundreds of technology-based course and career opportunities that are available.
The senior programme (Year 12/S5) provides an opportunity for 16 and 17 year-olds from across the UK to spend up to a week in the science or engineering department of a university prior to making their UCAS application. Various courses examine different aspects of science and engineering including the development of problem solving techniques, teamwork, presentation skills, practical hands-on activity and often include a company visit.
It is an introduction to university life and helps to make informed decisions about courses.
Those taking part have the chance to develop important key skills including mentoring, presentation and team-building. They meet other women who are undergraduates at the university or beginning their career: information regarding work experience, industrial placements and company bursary schemes can be provided.
Monitored for quality by The Royal Academy of Engineering, Insight is designed for those who prefer to study in an all-female environment and wish to learn first-hand about science and engineering courses at college or university.
After their Insight course, they usually know what subject they want to study, where to study it, and how to apply for their preferred course.
The Past
The first 'Insight into Engineering' course took place in 1979 at the University of Loughborough and was funded by ECIS (Engineering Careers Information Service - part of what is now known as The Sector Skills Council for Science Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies (SEMTA), at a time when few young women were considering - or being encouraged to explore - engineering careers.
After that course, the number of applications indicated more would be required and the programme was running at 9 universities by 2000. Universities ran Insight with funding from SEMTA and support from their own engineering department. SEMTA also funded courses in Finland, France and Spain and was the main facilitator of the programme until the end of 2005.
Then, responsibility for Insight was transferred to The Engineering Development Trust who agreed to develop the programme alongside Headstart, a co-educational summer school programme of experience courses at university - many of which had run in parallel with Insight over the years.
Universities that have hosted Insight courses and are part of the present programme include Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Newcastle and Salford.
The Present
Insight is available to any girl in Year 12 / S5 and they can apply by registering here or requesting an application form from enquiries@insightcourses.org.uk. These courses will be of particular interest to girls who are interested in mathematics and/or science, thinking about going to university to read a technology-based course - but also to those who may not be sure, and need help in deciding.
Subject to availability of places, students are invited to attend by Insight and after payment of a course fee will receive joining instructions. The course fee is heavily subsidised and represents less than half the actual cost: in 2008, the attendance fee is £195 although some bursaries are available for students who need financial support - please enquire on registration.
Typical course content is shown in the website Courses section and common features include:-
- Experiencing different types of science and engineering as a first-year undergraduate
- Learning how university life works by staying in their halls of residence
- Meeting like-minded girls, many of whom are interested in technology
- Talking with current undergraduates, academics and university admissions tutors
- A question-and-answer feature where recent graduates explain course and career choices
- Visits to local organisations to see technology at work
- Hands-on activities, some with guidance from postgraduate researchers
- Social activities, typical of university life
- Where time permits, an end-of-course Dinner with guest speakers
- Most importantly, you are expected to have fun while finding out!
The Future
Insight is planned to develop over time to include a series of day courses for girls in Year 9/S3 entitled Dragonfly (where those attending local schools join an EDT course for the day, to be mentored by the older girls who have just finished their course), plus a Year 11/S4 variety (non-residential courses held at university over three days) and then the senior programme in Year 12/S5 where they can choose another girls-only Insight, or the mixed option entitled Headstart.
From 2008, girls who participate in any of the day or week-long experience courses run by EDT – including Go4SET, Dragonfly, Spectrum and First Edition will automatically be enrolled for Insight in the appropriate year. Obviously, they are not obliged to attend but their participation in the earlier stages will entitle them to first-refusal (if they respond in time) to the next phase of the programme.
It is intended over time that girls from the age of thirteen will be provided with opportunities designed to develop the interest gained from their initial experience, increasing the likelihood of finding out what they need to know about options for continuing into higher education or possibly taking other routes, including an apprenticeship or other vocational work experience.
Summary
Insight courses are up and running now for girls in Year 12/S5, will be available for Year 11/S4 girls at some locations from 2008 (check with enquiries@insightcourses.org.uk for details), and younger girls (Year 9 and 10 / S2 and S3) can ask their school to contact Insight for locations running ‘Dragonfly’.
