Plan a lesson to help your students to prepare for higher education conventions

Time	Topic	Tutor/Adviser Activity	Student Activity	Resources
2 minutes	Introduction	Outline aims and objectives of session
5 minutes	Convention Guide	Issue copy of Convention Guide to each student	Look through and become familiar with the guide	Copies of the Convention Guide
		Outline content
4 minutes	HEIs at the convention	Refer students to list of attending HEIs	Look at HEI list and floor plan in the guide, and refer to map for locations	Copies of the UCAS Big Map
		Distribute copies of the UCAS Big Map
3 minutes	Making use of supporting organisations at the convention	Show location of Connexions/careers services, Finance, Student life, Year out, SKILL and other stands	Look at floor plan in the guide
		Explain their purpose, including role of student ambassadors	Consider and record personal questions that can be asked at such stands
7 minutes	Planning your visit to the convention	Emphasise why prior planning is essential to getting the most out of the convention experience	Questions and comments
10 minutes	Making a shortlist of courses and institutions	Remind students of academic and lifestyle factors to consider when choosing a higher education course and institution	Identify and summarise key criteria of choice	Copies of any relevant Connexions/careers service publications
		Outline a strategy for short-listing
		Refer to any local Connexions/careers service publications summarising options and questions		Local personal/careers adviser input
		Instruct students to mark or colour on the guide floorplan the stands they wish to visit	Highlight targeted stands on floor plan in the guide they wish to visit
10 minutes	Deciding on questions to ask at the convention	Emphasise that the convention is not primarily a prospectus-gathering exercise, but rather an opportunity to gain valuable information about courses and institutions by asking higher education staff and student ambassadors thought-provoking questions	Questions and comments Complete Convention Guide preparatory activities
		Urge students to be proactive in asking questions; explain that representatives are friendly and used to dealing with queries
		Encourage students to make notes on the HEIs they talk to and any seminars they attend
2 minutes	School/college internal arrangements	Advise students of transport and lunch arrangements, time available and expected behaviour at the convention
		Ensure any additional needs are identified
2 minutes	Conclusion	Remind students how to seek further advice and information	Questions and comments	Connexions/careers services and Aimhigher information leaflets/local contact details
		Encourage students to see their tutor or personal adviser