Page 10 - Eclipse - Autumn 2021

The RVC Animal Academy one year on!

n Eclipse 2020 we wrote about have joined the events
the launch of a brand-new online as guest speakers.
programme targeted at young people They’ve been continually
Ifrom disadvantaged backgrounds – empowered by our
the Animal Academy. student ambassadors,
who have been on hand
A year later, after 12 successful online to answer questions
events, the Animal Academy has become and share more about
so much more than the Outreach Team their own journeys to
ever imagined it could be! university and what it’s
like to be a student at
The Academy started as a log-in area the RVC.
of the RVC website, accessible only
to young people in school years eight Running events online
to thirteen, who meet our widening has also given us the
participation criteria. In reaction to the opportunity to reach
pandemic and the halt on our in-person more young people from
events, we decided to run monthly across the UK who, due
online events for members, to provide to distance, wouldn’t
information and advice on veterinary usually get the chance
careers and applying to the RVC. We’re to visit the RVC. Not
so pleased that the Academy is now a only do they have the
thriving community of over 350 young opportunity to engage
people, all with a passion for veterinary with us, they also have
and animal science. quickly become a close
community, asking Map demonstrating the reach across the UK, achieved
The Outreach Team work to after each other during by running the online programme
support young people who are the Zoom meetings
underrepresented at the RVC, and supporting one “I liked being able to interact
something that has become another on their journeys to becoming with other Animal Academy
increasingly important due to the RVC students. members and getting to hear
disparity in opportunities and support people’s opinions, and also
for those from disadvantaged The feedback from the students being able to share my own
backgrounds since the start of the and their parents has been incredibly viewpoints.” (Shumaira)
pandemic. All Academy members positive. 98% of those that have taken
meet at least two of our widening part in the events would like to take part “Due to this course, I’m learning
participation criteria, with over 40% in future events. Of those that said they so much that going to RVC will
of the members coming from the want to study on the Veterinary Gateway be my main choice. After the
most deprived areas of the UK or areas Programme, 100% felt more confident insights from the Academy, it
with the lowest participation rates in about this decision after taking part in is definitely a good fit for me.”
higher education. the events – and an incredible 96% (Eleanor)
would like to come to the RVC!
The events that have run this year If you would like to get involved with the
have ranged from a day in the life of a “It was so useful, I absolutely Animal Academy events, please get in
veterinary nurse and in-depth look at the loved listening to all different touch at alumni@rvc.ac.uk and we can
RVC Gateway programme, to how to perspectives and taking notes. put you in touch with the Outreach Team.
navigate student finance and a debate I feel so much more supported,
on the importance of ethics in animal and I love that I’m supported by
science. The members have been people that can help me with
inspired by our staff and alumni who my dreams.” (Lola)

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