Access to Stage 1 – consolidated support for STEM pathways

Project leader(s): Catherine Scott Fiona Aiken Eira Patterson

Theme: Supporting students
Project faculties: STEM PVC Students
Status: Current
Date: February 2026 to December 2026

This proposal outlines plans to evaluate the impact of a ‘Learn 1’ VLE currently being developed as part of the AOCcI-supported project Skills for Success: Access and Beyond. The VLE will host resources to support STEM Access students (Y/XFT033) in developing and consolidating maths and academic writing skills in preparation for Level 1 (L1) OU study. It will also signpost key transition materials, including ‘Are you ready for L1?’ resources and advice on study intensity and module combinations.

This one-stop Learn 1 resource will enable Access and ‘new to OU’ students to make informed decisions about their next steps. Access tutors report that students often struggle to find materials to reinforce skills taught in the module - both for challenging stronger learners and supporting less confident ones. There is also demand for clearer information on L1 expectations and smoother transitions to Stage 1 STEM modules.

Currently, students access progression information through student choice weeks, embedded module materials, tutor discussions, and student-support teams. In 2024/25, additional help was provided via the Transition Tutors (pilot scheme). Skill reinforcement mainly comes from tutors, with some maths workshops and exercises on the module website. Despite these resources, students often struggle to locate or revisit useful materials.

The VLE will be piloted on YXFT033 26E (May-Sept 2026), and concurrently made available to Y033 26B, to assess its effectiveness in addressing these issues. Students and ALs will provide feedback on its role in scaffolding skills and signposting pathways. Progression data will be tracked to compare outcomes for students who engage with the VLE versus those who do not.

If successful, the resource could be maintained by the curriculum team but, importantly, will include mechanisms for AL input. It could be expanded for other Access modules and will be accessible to anyone with an Open University Computer Username (OUCU).