Evaluation of a programme for gifted disadvantaged students attending after-school classes in university in Ireland
Eleanor Cooke (Dublin City University)
Abstract
This paper outlines a programme that has allowed over 500 students, aged from 10 to 12 years, from socio-economically disadvantaged areas of Dublin, to attend special after-school classes at Dublin City University (DCU) since it began in 2006. These children were identified as ‘top of the class’ by their teachers who were anxious to encourage them to develop their academic talent. Many of these students may not have thought of attending university as an option for their future, and the aim of the programme is to encourage these students to fulfil their potential, and continue on to be successful in both second and third-level education. This programme, called the ‘Centre for Academic Achievement’ is a collaboration between the ACCESS department in DCU and the Irish Centre for Talented Youth.
Some of the subjects that the students have studied so far include medicine, forensic science, aeronautical engineering, architecture, sports science and many more. The project is partially sponsored by Discover Science and Engineering with the aim being that these students with academic abilities will go on to study science or engineering at third-level.
This paper evaluates the courses that took place as part of the programme in both November 2008 and March 2009. Feedback was gathered in the form of questionnaires filled in by students, their school teachers and pupils. Information gathered from focus groups with all parties involved was used to triangulate the results. Information collated from the November 2008 classes highlighted the success of the programme and the benefits to the students when they returned to their school environment.
