Parents/Carers > Lift Off

Overview

This section of the website is dedicated to the parents and carers of LIFT OFF Core Pupils. Here you will find a range of FAQs and links to important information to help support your young person on their journey to their next destinations after school.

If you want to find out more about what LIFT OFF has to offer, we have created a helpful overview of the programme. Check it our here.

FAQ's

Why has my young person been selected to participate in this programme?

The pupils are identified by the teachers in the school and referred to the programme using a range of criteria. First and foremost, though, is the academic ability to achieve the required grades to move into a Higher Education destination after school i.e. college or university. The full pupil selection criteria can be viewed on the communications page.

Are there any costs for the activities on offer?

The LIFT OFF programme is fully funded by the SFC so there are no associated costs to parents and carers for any of the activities that we offer to our pupils. This includes our summer residential LIFT OFF 2 Success (LO2S).

What can I do if I have a question about post-school options myself?

LIFT OFF are not just here to support the pupils into their destinations after school, but also their families and support system. We offer opportunities and information sessions throughout the duration of the programme which parents and carers are notified of directly. Alongside this, we are more than happy to facilitate questions from parents and carers at any point in the programme. Just contact us!

My child has additional support needs. Can they still join the programme?

LIFT OFF strive to offer support to all pupils that qualify to join the programme. This includes supporting young people with any ASN and delivering an equal and inclusive programme across the board.

Can my child gain any qualifications through LIFT OFF?

They can! LIFT OFF offers pupils in S5 the opportunity to gain a credit-rated qualification (3 points) at the same academic SCQF level as a Higher. LIFT OFF Learning skills or “LOLS” for short, is designed to equip pupils with the skills required to succeed in HE, such as critical thinking and presentation skills. Successful completion of the course will allow pupils to add this qualification to their college and university (UCAS) applications when the time comes.

External Information

National Parent Forum Scotland

The National Parent Forum Scotland (NPFS) works in partnership with national and local government and other organisations involved in education and child wellbeing issues to ensure that parents play a full and equal role in education. The overall aim is to help every child to maximise their potential through their school life.

UCAS

The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service whose main role is to facilitate applications to universities in the UK. Services provided by UCAS include several online application portals, a number of search tools and free information and advice directed at various audiences, including students considering Higher Education, students with pending applications to Higher Education institutes, parents and legal guardians of applicants, school and Further Education college staff involved in helping students apply, and providers of Higher Education (universities and HE colleges).

SAAS

The Student Awards Agency Scotland site, giving information on student finance and access to apply for fees, loans and bursaries.

Parent Testimonials

What a super opportunity for our young people! My niece now has a much better idea of what course and university she would like to study at.

Thank you for giving my daughter this opportunity. She has thoroughly enjoyed herself and made lots of new friends!

About LIFT OFF

LIFT OFF Overview

LIFT OFF delivers the Schools for Higher Education Programme (SHEP) within Fife and Tayside, as part of the National Schools Programme funded by the Scottish Funding Council (SFC).

We are a widening access initiative that supports young people from local secondary schools into Higher Education; that’s any course from a HNC to a Degree. We work with S3 – S6 pupils throughout Fife, Dundee and Angus.

We have a limited number of core pupil places per school (roughly between 15-30) and we ask Guidance Teachers to help select pupils to join the programme. The selection criteria is based on many factors but our main priority is that pupils have the ability to transition into Higher Education after school. Many of the young people we work with may lack the confidence or inspiration to go on to Higher Education.

LIFT OFF Programme

Pupils who register with the LIFT OFF programme can engage in activities in S4, S5 & S6.

We also offer Tier 1 schools additional sessions with S3 pupils who have not yet joined the LIFT OFF Programme.

Schools we work with

LIFT OFF is currently undergoing a programme expansion to extend our reach. However we currently are engaged in the following schools:

LIFT OFF has provided support to its schools on a tiered basis with the level of support offered to each school being dependent on its tier. The allocation of schools to tiers is based on several measures including progression rate data and attainment figures.

Tier 1 schools receive the most support from LIFT OFF.

Meet the Team

Mel Rookes

Depute Manager

07854 681884

m.rookes@abertay.ac.uk

Julie McLaughlin

Administrator

01592223250

j.mclaughlin@abertay.ac.uk

Development Workers

Fife

Hannah Campbell

hannah.campbell@abertay.ac.uk

07799095037

Schools

Shauntelle Islam

s.islam@abertay.ac.uk

07854681760

Schools

Dundee and Angus

Shaunie Anderson

shaunie.anderson@abertay.ac.uk

07854681874

Schools

Arbroath High school
Baldragon Academy
Braeview Academy
Harris Academy
St Pauls Academy

Helen King

h.king@abertay.ac.uk

07971361735

Schools

Our Volunteers

Our volunteers are vital to the work we do at LIFT OFF, providing up to date knowledge and experience as current students studying a diverse range of subjects at Higher Education Institutions across Scotland.

Not only are our volunteers available at in school and campus activities, they are available online to ask any questions pupils may have regarding anything H.E. related.

Our Partners

As a partnership organisation, LIFT OFF works alongside all the Higher Education providers and local authorities in the Fife and Tayside region.

LIFT OFF is also supported by Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) outwith the Fife and Tayside region, most notably Edinburgh Napier University, Heriot Watt University, Queen Margaret University, The University of Edinburgh, and University of Stirling.

The Programme

How to be a Core Pupil

A LIVE virtual event to meet the team, volunteers and digital resources, and find out how to make the most of the LIFT OFF programme.

Click Here

S4

Campus Event

S4 Core Pupils are taken to a partner Higher Education Institution for the day. They will have the opportunity to engage with pupils from other LIFT OFF schools, work with our student volunteers, experience a lecture first hand, and discuss how they can start preparing for their future.

Core Pupil Meeting

This is a chance for us to find out how our S4 core pupils are getting on at school and what their plans are for the future. We'll prompt them to explore their strengths, skills and interests, and identify areas for development. The LIFT OFF team will then provide tailored, information, advice and guidance. This engagement will come in two stages, one remote and one in-person.