The Professor Fluffy programme works with primary-aged children across seven primary schools in the vicinity of Queen’s campus as part of the Widening Participation Unit which seeks to broaden access amongst groups currently underrepresented in Higher Education.

The partner schools are in areas where added socio-economic barriers are present such as having high uptake rates for free school meals, and low uptake of further and higher education.

Speaking of the initiative, Widening Participation Manager, Patricia Hampson said:

“A lot of children engaging in the programme may come from families who don’t have university experience themselves, so this programme is delivered in a fun and engaging way to familiarise the university environment and the language of higher education from a young age.

“By igniting their passions in different fields and exposing them to career paths they may not have any awareness of, we’re helping them to picture themselves in these spaces. Most importantly, we want to instil the mindset from a young age that Queen’s, and higher education in general, is absolutely within their reach.”

Throughout the academic year, Queen’s staff take primary 6 and 7 children through a range of STEM and other university subject workshops all culminating in a ‘graduation’ event like that held on campus today.

From solving crimes using forensic science techniques, to constructing infrastructure as ‘Lego City Planners’, the variety of activities on offer allows students to make meaningful connections between academic subjects and the world around them.

Mya, a pupil from Donegall Road Primary School loved being a part of the programme saying:

“The thing I loved most was getting to do all the science experiments. I think I’d like to go to university in the future, learn more about physics, and be able to use Queen’s PE hall!”

During today’s celebrations, school pupils immersed themselves in the world of engineering, and how it shapes everything from our morning routines to the buildings we learn in, the vehicles we travel in, and the apps we use for fun. 

Students will discover key principles of planning, problem-solving and innovation. They’ll divide into teams and use real-world engineering skills to design and build their own construction.

Noting the success of the programme, Michael White from St Malachy’s Primary School said:

“For all the children who go through this programme, this is about helping them to fulfil their potential and aspiring to be the best they can be.

“Through our partnership with Queen’s, the pupils can find they have interests or talents in different subjects they weren’t aware of before. Ideally, they then go on to post primary and study these at a more advanced level and follow these passions. It doesn’t matter what school you go to, if you go there and work hard, university is an option for every child.”

In addition to the Professor Fluffy Programme, the Widening Participation Unit at Queen’s offers a range of support to broaden access and viability of Higher Education to underrepresented groups.

This includes secondary school and sports outreach programmes, guidance to eligible prospective students through the UCAS process, bursaries, scholarships and mentor support.

Media

For media enquiries, contact alana.fisher@qub.ac.uk