University of Strathclyde - Poor face obstacles to learning

Pupils from disadvantaged areas face serious obstacles to getting involved in extracurricular school activities, and go on to make decisions about their future long before many of their more affluent peers, according to a study. The University of Strathclyde's research, part of the five-year Applied Educational Research Scheme funded by the Scottish Government and Scottish Funding Council, has been investigating ways of engaging pupils in learning, including after-school clubs, virtual-learning environments and out-of-school activities. Senior research fellow Alastair Wilson, who co-authored the report, said disadvantaged pupils often lack support at home, with their parents working long shifts and antisocial hours.