“Why Would You?” is an interactive film written and produced by NSSW and the Barbican Theatre Plymouth. The film follows three students on their journey towards higher education, casting a spotlight on some of the obstacles they encounter along the way, juggling family life, social expectations and academic ambitions. The film is designed to provoke debate and challenge common misconceptions surrounding HE.
To ensure students get the most out of the film, and to facilitate the interactive elements download the accompanying lesson plan, plus teachers’ notes, which are designed to guide teaching staff in holding progressive conversations about HE.
The film features a few different themes which we have identified below, alongside some useful links to further information and support.
How are the parents influencing the characters? Do they have a point?
Are they willing to listen and are there ways to compromise? Do they know all the facts?
Take a look at our parent area to get facts, and find out how they can support, and help with your HE choices. You can Listen to Episode 4 of the HE Knowledge Hub podcast where we chat to students who have faced the barrier of being the first in family to go to HE.
Ways to compromise…
Take a look at these links for information and facts on:
Local HE options
Living at home as a student
2 year degree programmes
Degree & higher apprenticeships – if you need to earn at the same time as studying
Do you need your own savings to go to uni? When do you start paying back your student loan? What happens if you don’t earn the threshold salary?
Get answers to questions like these by taking a look our student finance page and also Student Finance England to fact-check.
Read our blog and find out tips for living on a student budget and managing money or to find examples of graduate earnings click here.
This short clip from the film, explains the basics of student finance in an easily digestible way. Please note the loan amounts are for example purposes and the actual amounts are subject to change.
How could you reduce your chances of ‘failure’?
Reduce chances of failure by choosing the right course at the right institution. To help with this take a look at our guide for choosing a course.
You can gain information through our guide to some of the support services available at HE that could help prevent you from not achieving your goals. If you’re a young carer you can find out information and support available at UCAS.
What if you don’t feel ready to decide now?
Why not consider taking a gap year? You can find information from UCAS here on ideas and options to consider.
How influential is peer pressure? How much should you consider other people’s expectations of you?
This article from UCAS explores making a decision to go to HE that might not align with what your family or influencers want. Or if you are estranged from your family information and support is available from Stand Alone.
The film also explores the some of the perceptions of HE. You can read more about this in the student area of our website and also our blog about the benefits of HE.
You can also watch and listen to content that our team has filmed and recorded on our podcast to give you further insight.
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