A double taste of university life for Glasgow twins

Oct 23 2008 By Gordon May

IDENTICAL twins David and Colin McNicol enjoy a taste of student life at Glasgow Caledonian University's new Caledonian Club.

The 16-year-olds, from All Saints Secondary School in Glasgow, matriculated as club members and joined lectures and labs, supported by a student mentor.

Following a successful pilot project last year, the Caledonian Club was launched this week. The club is designed to raise the aspirations of young people and their families from areas across Glasgow where the number of people going to university has traditionally been low.

It challenges participants' preconceptions of universities and builds their confidence by creating a fun learning environment and offering tailored educational projects and mentoring as well as opportunities to celebrate success.

And it is hoped that the club will ultimately increase progression rates to higher education from its partner schools.

Caledonian Club project co-ordinator Susan Grant said: "Glasgow Caledonian University is breaking down barriers to higher education through giving young people from our community the chance to understand more about university life and help them make informed choices about their future.

"Pupils who have taken part say it has made them more confident about going to college or university and motivated them to work harder at school.

"If you think back to your own first day at university or college, imagine how different it would have been if you had already been a student for a day. If you didn't go to university, consider whether you might have if you'd had an opportunity like this."