Summer schools
Summer schools are integral to the work of the University’s Widening Participation and Undergraduate Recruitment Office. They are central to our aim of becoming more accessible to a wider range of students allowing young people to experience university life.
We have been running summer schools for over a decade and have come up with a successful model that comprises a balance of academic study, enjoyable social activities and crucial interaction with our students and academics.
In 2012, we will be running two summer schools: the Sutton Trust Summer School for Year 12 students and the UniTaster for Year 11 students. Both of these programmes will introduce the students to the sorts of work that they can expect as undergraduates at university.
Sutton Trust Summer School
What is it?
Run in association with the Sutton Trust, this summer school is designed for Year 12 students with outstanding academic ability. The Sutton Trust is an educational charity that seeks to encourage the most academically able students from disadvantaged backgrounds to apply to the most prestigious universities in the country. These summer schools are only run at five universities in the UK and we are proud to be associated with the scheme.
The Sutton Trust Summer School at Bristol is in its twelfth year. During that time over 1,500 students have taken part and gone on to university. We believe that the experience gained on the summer school is critical in helping students to decide on their university choice and prepare for the academic rigours of an undergraduate degree.
When is it?
The Sutton Trust Summer School will take place in early July 2012.
What can the students do?
We currently offer six subject streams on the summer school. Students apply to one of the following subject areas:
- Engineering
- Humanities
- Law
- Medical Sciences
- Science
- Social Sciences
Throughout their time on the summer school, participants experience a number of taster sessions in the subject area they have applied for to get an idea of the range of subjects that are on offer in any one area. In addition, students receive information and guidance in a number of other key areas such as student life, UCAS applications and student finance.
What else happens during the summer school?
The summer school also gives participants a taste of what university life is like outside of the academic sessions. On two afternoons during the week participants get to do the sorts of things that our students typically get up to. One of the afternoons is taken up with a variety of taster sessions of university clubs and societies, where participants might take part in a dance or debating workshop, and the other is given over to a variety of sports activities.
A packed social programme keeps students busy in the evenings with activities such as bowling, karaoke, a disco and a formal meal.
How much does it cost?
The summer school is funded entirely by the University and the Sutton Trust, including travel to and from the summer school, so there is no cost to the students, their families or schools. Students live in University halls of residence for the duration of the summer school and eat their meals either at the hall or at the student refectory on the main precinct.
Who is eligible?
The Sutton Trust sets out the criteria under which we select applicants to the summer school. Priority is given to those students who satisfy one or more of the following criteria:
- Attend a state school
- Have parents with no experience of higher education
- Are under the age of 18 at the time of the summer school
- Come from a school or college which has little history of sending pupils to research-intensive universities
- Have high academic credentials (at least 5 A* or A grades at GCSE)
- Are eligible to receive Education Maintenance Allowance
- Are taking subjects relevant for the course they are applying to study
Year 11 Summer School
What is it?
Our residential Summer School for year 11 students will give you the opportunity to experience student life at the University of Bristol. You’ll take part in a number of taster sessions in subjects such as law, physiology and psychology. In addition, we’ll also look at other key areas to help you prepare for your future such as student life, study skills, course choices and careers.
When is it?
The year 11 Summer School will take place from Monday 9th July to Friday 13th July.
What social activities are planned?
You’ll have the opportunity to take part in sessions run by our University clubs and societies, such as a dance class, debating workshop and sports activities. In the evenings a packed social programme will keep you busy including bowling, karaoke, a quiz and the Summer School ball.
Where will I be staying?
You’ll stay in one of the University’s halls of residence, where you’ll get your own en-suite room. In the social area there’s plenty to keep you entertained, including a pool table, table-tennis and a tv.
Will I be able to meet any current students?
Current university students will be on hand at all times to answer any questions you may have, organise social activities, tell you all about university or just have a good chat with.
How much does it cost?
Nothing! All travel, meals, accommodation and activities will be paid for by the University.
Who is eligible?
The Summer Schools are intended for Year 11 students from target schools* who are defined by their schools as academically gifted and are expected to achieve A and B grades at GCSE including Maths and English. Priority will be given to students who also meet one of more of the following:
- This student comes from a home where neither parent attended university in the UK or abroad.
- This student is, or has been a looked after young person.
- This student lives in ‘low participation’ neighbourhood as defined by home postcode.
- This student is in receipt of, or entitled to, free school meals.
- This student has experienced difficult family or individual circumstances that I believe have affected their performance in exams or the likelihood of their going to university.
*for more information about Summer School eligibility please email schools-college-liaison@bristol.ac.uk