The E12 experience: Students’ perceptions of a widening participation scheme

Abstract

Engaging students from lower socio-economic backgrounds in higher education is an ongoing issue in the tertiary education sector. Despite schemes to widen participation, low SES entry rates remain below 20% in Australia. Various factors have been posited for the low rates of success and strategies aimed at universities, high schools and individual students have been suggested. The literature on transition to university has informed a student-centred approach and the need to acknowledge dimensions of cultural capital. Resources to address difficulties in transition have been suggested. In response to this need, The University of Sydney developed a widening participation scheme where successful applicants were provided a benefits package supporting their transition into university. In this paper, we report on qualitative research exploring the perspectives of students who entered a Faculty of Health Sciences via a widening participation scheme. Our findings indicate that while transition strategies must be in place, the provision of ongoing material resources is also an integral factor in supporting students.