Achieve More – Level 2 update

This briefing provides an update on the implementation of Achieve More Level 2.

As we are still in the early stages of the Achieve More project, it is worth reiterating its principal purposes: (1) to increase the distinctiveness and competitiveness of the University of Sheffield’s undergraduate offer, and (2) to increase the competitiveness of the University’s graduates and to prepare them more fully for their future life beyond graduation. These principles have informed the overall aims which are to:

  • give our students the chance to engage with academics and their research from the outset;
  • allow our students to tackle some of the biggest global challenges facing society today;
  • encourage students to work across disciplines to broaden their horizons and subject knowledge; and
  • develop team working and problem-solving skills.

To meet these aims, we have identified five developments:

  • faculty based challenge activities for all first years from 2014-15;
  • inter-disciplinary challenge projects for all second years from 2015-16;
  • opportunities for all final year students to demonstrate that they can explain subject-based research to non-specialist audiences;
  • a review of student module choice as one of the mechanisms for broadening knowledge and skills; and
  • a review of current assessment practice in light of the Achieve More aims and associated changes to the curriculum.

Progress on Achieve More Level 2

All second year undergraduate students will take part in a cross-faculty inter-disciplinary challenge tackling some of the biggest real world challenges. Professor Anthony J Ryan has been appointed as the Academic Lead for Level 2 and from September will be chairing the Level 2 steering group. We are currently formalising membership of the group and are requesting nominations from appropriate areas.

Work has begun on defining the scope and potential modes of delivery for the inter-disciplinary projects. Once the steering group is in place, fine-tuning baseline expectations for L2 challenges can proceed, including the natural progression from L1 to L2, as well as scoping for a delivery model. Early thoughts on the structure of Level two are outlined below:

  • Given the size of the cohort (c.5000) at Level 2, the challenge will not take place over one week and activity is likely to be spread across the academic year.
  • Key research themes and research centres from TUoS combined with external perspectives/global view will feed into the themes to be addressed.
  • Students to be pre assigned to groups; allocated a joint theme; allocated limited choice of output(s).
  • Expectation that there will be 10 theme topics/5 joint themes, e.g. Community & Environment or Aging & Childhood. Combining themes will allow for an element of student choice.
  • Pre-selected groups of 10/11 students will be made up of 1 x MDH, 2 x A&H, 2 x Sci, 2 x Eng, 4 x FSS or similar, to ensure a mix of faculty, home and international students.

Early thoughts on groups and student outputs include:

  • First action as a group to decide which theme to address and which output, followed by a discussion with tutor.
  • Group task could involve first finding the TUoS research on their theme; looking at external research; and then, as part of their output, identify what further areas of research TUoS might want to do in future.
  • Skills development – the aim is to include real world experience, e.g. lack of choice in team, pitching correctly to the correct audience. Will build on student development provided and supported through the faculty challenges.

For further details, please contact:

Gillian Dinsey – Project Manager

Ext.20420