Welcome to the Queen's Professor Fluffy Programme!
The Professor Fluffy Programme aims to raise awareness of Higher Education amongst Key Stage 2 primary school pupils from all backgrounds. Through introducing the concept of Higher Education and equipping children with the knowledge and vocabulary associated with university, we aim to empower them to develop higher aspirations for the future.
About the programme:
Professor Fluffy works with members of the Widening Participation team and our partner schools to raise awareness of higher education and show them that Queen's University could be a part of their future. The programme begins with an introductory in-school presentation which introduces pupils to Professor Fluffy and the bigger picture of higher education. During this visit we think about the vocabulary associated with university and give pupils a taste of what university life can offer. After the presentation, the pupils are then given the opportunity to ask questions about the programme and University.
Later in the year Queen’s staff will visit each participating school twice for two separate learning taster days to provide pupils with an experience of what can be studied at Queen’s and a further insight into university life. Pupils are then invited to attend the campus celebration day at Queen’s campus toward the end of the school year to celebrate their participation and learning!
Some important facts about the programme:
- The programme is open to Primary 6 and 7 pupils in targeted areas throughout Belfast.
- Both the school and campus visits are run throughout the school year.
- These are organised in accordance with the school and can be arranged to suit a particular school's needs.
- There are no costs for schools to participate in the programme; all travel is funded by Queen's University.
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Who is Professor Fluffy?
The team use Professor Fluffy, a mascot for STEM in Higher Education, to engage young pupils and encourage them to participate in the range of activities offered as part of the school visits. The programme comprises of a mixture of school visits and visits to Queen's campus.
The Widening Participation team work closely with professional and academic staff across the university to introduce your pupils not only the vocabulary associated with university, but to also give them a taste of what university life can offer through a range of taster sessions, campus visits and meet and greets with current and past Queen's students.
Want to know more? Below are some frequently asked questions about the Professor Fluffy programme:
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How can my school get involved?
The Professor Fluffy programme typically works with a range of local doorstep primary schools. At the moment, we are at capacity and cannot work with any additional schools. However, this may change soon so we would encourage you to email professorfluffy@qub.ac.uk to express your interest so we can add you to our waitlist.
- What dates are the school visits?
The Professor Fluffy programme runs through the school year, from approximately December to May every year. The individual dates for school visits are organised in accordance with the school and can be arranged to suit a particular school's needs. The average timetable follows the below structure:
December - January: initial visit by the WPU team
February - April: school visits by WPU and wider QUB team
May: celebration day on Queen's campus
- What is the cost to take part?
There are no costs for schools to participate in the programme; all travel is funded by Queen's University.
- Can other classes in my school participate?
The Professor Fluffy Programme works with P7 students - and, in certain circumstances - P6 students. FIND RATIONALE FOR THIS
- Are there other programmes my school can engage with?
You can view our full range of programmes here.
Get in touch
Contact WPU
