STUDY AT BRISTOL

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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 2014, 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.

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 nine universities in the UK and we are proud to be associated with the scheme.

The Sutton Trust Summer School at Bristol is in its thirteenth 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.

What can the students do?

We currently offer seven subject streams on the summer school. Students apply to one of the following subject areas:

  • Engineering
  • Humanities
  • Law
  • Medical Sciences
  • Science
  • Social Sciences
  • Maths Related

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.

Other activities

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.

Eligibility and cost

The Summer School is intended for Year 11 students who attend one of our target schools* in the South West of England. Every year we contact theses schools directly with further information about the Summer School and student application forms.

Students who attend the Summer School must be academically gifted and have the potential to attend university, expecting to achieve mostly A*, A and B grades at GCSE (including Maths and English). Teachers in the contacted schools are advised to pass application forms on to the most suitable students. Priority may also be given to students who meet one of more of the following criteria (in no particular order):

  • The student comes from a home where neither parent attended university in the UK or abroad.
  • The student is, or has been a looked after young person.
  • The student lives in ‘low participation’ neighbourhood as defined by home postcode.
  • The student is in receipt of, or entitled to, free school meals.
  • The student has experienced difficult family or individual circumstances that have affected their performance in exams or their likelihood of going to university.

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.

Postgraduate courses

Next event

The next Sutton Trust Summer School will take place in July 2014.

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 for a wide range of subjects, including those you may not have studied before 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 next year 11 summer school will take place from Monday 7th until Friday 11th July 2014.

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 a range of sports activities. In the evenings a packed social programme will keep you busy including bowling, karaoke, a quiz and the Summer School formal meal and disco.

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 School is intended for Year 11 students who attend one of our target schools* in the South West of England. Every year we contact theses schools directly with further information about the Summer School and student application forms.

Students who attend the Summer School must be academically gifted and have the potential to attend university, expecting to achieve mostly A*, A and B grades at GCSE (including Maths and English). Teachers in the contacted schools are advised to pass application forms on to the most suitable students. Priority may also be given to students who meet one of more of the following criteria (in no particular order):

  • The student comes from a home where neither parent attended university in the UK or abroad.
  • The student is, or has been a looked after young person.
  • The student lives in ‘low participation’ neighbourhood as defined by home postcode.
  • The student is in receipt of, or entitled to, free school meals.
  • The student has experienced difficult family or individual circumstances that have affected their performance in exams or their likelihood of going to university.

Next event

The next Year 11 Summer School will take place from Monday 7th July to Friday 11th July 2014