News

Year 12 pupils sample university life

(20 August 2004)

Year 12 pupils from schools in the North East, Bradford and Stoke are about to experience what life is like as a student at university.

The University of Durham is holding a Summer School (22nd-27th August) for 130 students who are about to start Year 13 or upper sixth in September.

The six-day residential summer school is designed to encourage able students to achieve their full potential and to raise their aspirations to apply to the more competitive universities.

In a busy programme of study and social activities, the summer school students will be able to get a real experience of what to expect as an undergraduate.

They will be studying one of nine subjects : anthropology; biological sciences; chemistry; business, economics and finance; law; geological sciences; Philosophy; French or Physics.

The summer school will be based at St. Aidan’s College on the University’s Durham campus.

Students will sample a full range of university teaching methods with lectures, seminars, tutorials and practical based learning. They will also mix with current undergraduates who will act as mentors.

A wide range of sports activities will be available and there is a full programme of social activities and outings including a Murder Mystery Night (Sunday 22nd August in St. Aidan’s dining room 6.00 p.m.-9.00 p.m.) A major garden party with fun games in the grounds of St. Aidan’s takes place from 2.00 p.m.-5.00 p.m. on Wednesday 25th August with a an Elizabethan Banquet to be held at Lumley Castle during the evening.

There will be an opportunity to get all dressed up for a formal dinner and prizes giving in St. Aidan’s dining room (Thursday 26th August) followed by a disco and Karaoke.

Half of the summer school students are drawn from schools in the North-East, with 30 each from Bradford and Stoke.

Experienced admissions advisers will be on hand at the summer school to give students detailed information on how to choose the right course, choice of institution, how to construct a good personal statement and advice on student finance.

Matthew Andrews, Head of Undergraduate Admissions, said: “Summer school is an excellent opportunity for young students to explore and develop their full potential. The University of Durham is pleased to be able to provide what we hope will be a very rounded and rewarding experience which will help students to make informed decisions about pursuing a course of higher education.”

For further information contact:

Matthew Andrews, Head of Undergraduate Admissions, University of Durham, Tel 0191 334 6105.

Media enquiries to: Tom Fennelly, Public Relations Officer, University of Durham, Tel 0191 334 6078 to e-mail : t.p.fennelly@durham.ac.uk

20th August 2004