Former Novus learner enrols on master's programme at Liverpool Hope University

A former Novus learner with a keen interest in the film industry, has continued his education journey upon his release by enrolling on a master's course with Liverpool Hope University, after engaging in creative enrichment sessions whilst in prison. 

The majority of Novus sites allocate time in their curriculum for creative enrichment to further engage learners in education through projects with external partners, current events and broader creative activities. 

Working collaboratively with Liverpool Hope University to provide more creative enrichment opportunities for learners

During the former learner's time at HMP Liverpool, he took part in 'Enrichment Fridays' as part of the prison's education offer. The sessions are designed to provide enrichment opportunities for learners and the collaboration with Liverpool Hope University aligned well with this initiative. 

We have been working with Liverpool Hope University for 5 years, working collaboratively on a number of projects across the majority of sites, helping to enrich learner's education opportunities. At HMP Liverpool, professors from Liverpool Hope University, Dr Niamh Malone, Associate Professor in Drama and Theatre Studies and Course Leader for the BA Drama and Theatre (Hons) and Dr Gary Anderson, Associate Professor and Head of School of Creative and Performing Arts have been running creative enrichment sessions at the prison. 

Engaging learners through creative enrichment 

The former learner was encouraged to go to the creative enrichment sessions run by Liverpool Hope University by some of his peers on the wing. After expressing his keen interest in film, Niamh and Gary encouraged the learner to integrate his knowledge of film into the classes he attended. This was mainly achieved through the discussions in class but also through the written tasks the learners were encouraged to take part in.

Whilst engaging in the creative enrichment sessions, the learner also took part in the 'Piece of Mind' project, where they explored the visual art world through jigsaws and discussed the images and how film is a continuation of fine art in many respects.

During the sessions, Niamh and Gary also brought articles and books, that reflected different areas of interest, further engaging learners in the sessions and exposing them to broader creative interests. In one session, they brought in a course prospectus from Liverpool Hope University which the former learner was extremely interested in and was excited about the thought of going to University upon his release.

Inspiring former learners into further education upon release 

Upon release, the former learner contacted Liverpool Hope University and was put in contact with Gary Anderson who arranged a meeting on campus, so the former learner could chat with tutors and other students about possible courses. 

The meeting was a success, and Gary helped the learner navigate the application process to get a place on a master's programme at the University. 

The former learner is now fully engaged in the master's programme, as a registered full-time student. He aspires to be in the film industry and is currently enjoying learning and exploring the film industry.

Thanks to the collaborative creative enrichment sessions at HMP Liverpool with Liverpool Hope University, the former learner was able to nurture his interest in film and the film industry through the help of Niamh and Gary so much so, he was inspired to enrol on a master's course upon his release. 

Why we work with Universities to provide more opportunities for learners

Having a University partnership, like the one with Liverpool Hope University offers significant value to the work we do at Novus, particularly when University staff come into prisons to run small enrichment projects that enrich learning. 

These collaborations expose Novus learners to new pathways to further education and also provide specialised knowledge and expertise in specific subject areas, which can deepen engagement and broaden their understanding. Working with Universities shows learners that there is another path to take once released from prison and also shows them that they are able to still attend University if they choose to, further inspiring them to make a positive change. 

We have been working with Dr Niamh Malone and Dr Gary Anderson for 5 years, and throughout those 5 years we have been able to offer countless enrichment opportunities to learners across multiple prison sites. Working directly with academics on these projects helps learners develop their critical thinking, practical skills and increases confidence in their own abilities, inspiring them to take part in higher education. 

To learn more about how we engage learners in education, take a look at the news section.