Rise High project

The Rise High Programme

The Widening Participation Team at The University of Derby, the Learning and Engagement Team at Chatsworth House and Highfields School in Derbyshire are proud partners of the Rise High programme, supporting young people living in rural and semi-rural areas to realise opportunities available for them on their doorstep, to help them plan and sustain meaningful careers.  The programme is a multi-engagement opportunity for KS3 students to commence their development of key skills in both employability and academic areas whilst exploring progression opportunities available to them post-18 in both employment and higher education.

Rise High has now commenced delivery with cohort 3, who are now in year 8 at Highfields School, welcoming 23 young people onto this academic year’s programme. The programme includes:

• Launch evening for students and their families in the summer term of Year 7 hosted in school
• University Information Assembly – hosted in school (Summer term – Year 7)
• Skills and Progression Pathways (Apprenticeships), hosted at University of Derby in partnership with Chatsworth House (Winter term – Year 8)
• Careers Day, hosted at Chatsworth House, in partnership with University of Derby (Spring term – Year 8)
• Campus Experience Day and Academic Tasters, hosted by University of Derby (Spring term – Year 8)
• Celebration Evening for students and their families at Chatsworth House (Summer term – Year 8)

Impact

Academic Year 2022-23 supported 29 students, explore their local labour market and the range of local economy employment opportunities within heritage, arts and estates management, and education pathways available to them through all apprenticeship levels and degree opportunities within their county.

The below graphics illustrate the attitudinal responses from learners who took part in the Campus Experience Day at the University.  

Knowledge of higher education

I understand the link between university and careers

Attitudes towards higher education

I am thinking about applying to university in the future

Quotes from Participating students on the Rise High Project 

Chatsworth House Careers Day 

• “It showed me how there are even more things to do and I could do any”  
• “It showed me all the opportunities I could do when I get out of school” 

Campus Experience Day – University of Derby 

• “I was able to learn what lessons are like in University” 
• “I liked that it helped us interact with each other and learn new skills” 
• “The opportunities and the variety of options for future careers”  

Future plans

The Rise High programme is set to continue its positive trajectory with exciting plans: 

• The team have recently launched the programme with cohort 3, aiming to replicate and build upon previous successes. 

• There is a strong commitment to embedding the programme for sustained engagement, ensuring that future young people can benefit from its impactful activities. 

• Ongoing research is providing valuable insights for the design of future activities. The team is considering incorporating more presentation opportunities and offering a wider range of career options to engage with. 

• Outcomes and findings from the programme will be shared through publications and conference papers, contributing to the broader dialogue on educational and career development for young people in rural areas.