Facilitating social change

Just one of the innovative routes the university has taken to interact more closely with its neighbouring communities is through the establishment of The Caledonian Club, a ground-breaking initiative that has allowed children as young as three to take classes at the university.

What we do

Once enrolled as a Caledonian Club member, members gain access to GCU’s stimulating, open and welcoming learning environment.  We work with young people, from nursery age through all school stages, and their families to raise life-long learning aspirations, and equip members with key life skills.  We achieve this by offering targeted nursery, primary and secondary schools a linked set of activities delivered by staff and students from GCU.

The club, which is committed to widening access, changing attitudes to higher education and helping young people build key life skills, works with children and teenagers at nursery, primary and secondary schools in areas of Glasgow where traditionally few pupils have gone on to university.

Breaking down barriers

The club is the brainchild of Vice Chancellor and Principal Professor Pamela Gillies and offers fun, tailored educational projects focusing on key skills such as science, computing and nutrition.

“Through the Caledonian Club, the university is breaking down barriers to higher education. It gives young people from our community the chance to understand more about university life and helps them make informed choices about their future. We challenge their preconceptions and build their confidence.

“Pupils have told us that it is already making them more confident about going to college or university and motivated them to work harder at school. In turn, our student mentors, who are drawn from all the university’s schools, gain valuable experience through working with the children."

- Susan Grant, Caledonian Club co-ordinator

Helping young children

When children from Milton Nursery School joined the club, the day started with a story about Molly, a character who is embarking on her first day at school while her mum is about to start university. The group then broke into smaller teams to try activities such as dissecting owl pellets and getting to grips with computers.

“The club engages pupils and their families with the university from a very early age. Club activities are an excellent way to excite pupils about learning and help them with their post-school decisions while inspiring pride in our institution and showcasing the many things that we have to offer. In reaching out to the wider community, we hope to show that higher education can be accessed by everyone.”
- Dr Caroline Parker, Head of Computing and Creative Technologies

Encouraging teenagers

For teenagers, the club offers a taste of university life by allowing club members an opportunity to matriculate before joining lectures and labs and meeting lecturers. Their matriculation card lets them study in the award-winning Saltire Centre throughout the year. It is hoped the club will still be welcoming youngsters to the campus in 15 to 30 years.

More information

For more information visit the Caledonian Club website or email: caledonianclub@gcal.ac.uk