A SCHEME through which students training to be teachers at the University of Worcester are given a say in how their course is run has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award.

The University of Worcester has been shortlisted for the Outstanding Support for Students awards in the Times Higher Education Awards 2015 for the Working in Partnership scheme.

The initiative was launched in September 2013 and gives undergraduate Primary Initial Teacher Training students a voice on the running of the course.

This involved students setting up evaluations allowing them to give their feedback on the course while it is ongoing, a text message system to alert others to timetable changes and reorganising lectures to be held on the same day to reduce travel time.

Students involved in the scheme also now participate in interviewing applicants and helping them through the process. It has proven so successful it is now being introduced in other courses.

Course leader Rachel Barrell said: “Working in Partnership recognises that our students do not see themselves as consumers but as active participants.

“Tutors wanted to move beyond consultation with students to achieve a collaborative and shared leadership model of course management.”

The winners of the awards will be announced in November.