16:00 to 16:45 – Session 2

16:00 Day One Closing Keynote: Addressing Disparities in Student Success - Enhancing BAME students' achievement

Prof Phil Gravestock, University of Wolverhampton

The gap in higher education degree attainment between UK-domiciled white students and Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) students has been prevalent for over 10 years. The extent of the gap becomes more explicit when the BAME categories are considered separately, with Black students showing the greatest gap in attainment compared with white students. This disparity in award outcomes for students from different ethnic groups has been highlighted by the Office for Students as a specific target that the higher education sector has to address.

The diversity of students entering higher education means that it is hard to provide appropriate support to ensure that all students: develop a sense of belonging; make meaningful learning relationships; and acquire the appropriate academic skills to meet the assessment requirements to allow transition into subsequent academic levels.

This presentation will reflect upon research that has been undertaken as part of national projects – such as ‘Disparities in Student Attainment (DiSA)’, ‘What Works?’, ‘DRIVER, Data Responsive Initiatives as a Vehicle for achieving Equity in Results’ and ‘Value-added’ – to enhance BAME students’ attainment, success and progression.

16:30 eSTEeM Scholarship Projects of the Year Awards

Awards for the Scholarship Projects of the Year in two categories: Innovative/Original Approach to Teaching, and Enhancing the Student Experience.

Day one closing remarks by Nicholas Braithwaite.

16:45 End