4 very successful weeks of Summer Schools took place in 2008 at the University during which 14-16 year olds from across the East Midlands came to get a taste of university life.
Find out more about what went on at each of the Summer Schools ...
DARE (Wednesday 19th March - Friday 21st March 2008) Year 10
Be. the Best (Wednesday 2nd - Saturday 5th July 2008) Year 10 and 11
Aspire (Tuesday 8th -Saturday 12th July 2008) Year 10
Bodies, Bones & Blood (Tuesday 15th July - Saturday 19th July 2008) Year 10 and 11
Students stayed on campus and lived the student life for the time they were with us. Each student got a chance to study a subject which was often new to them; having lectures, undertaking their own research and finally showcasing their work at the end of the week. The presentations were excellent and made many of our undergraduate student 'Ambassadors' vow to work harder to get such great results during their own studies next year! However, just like university, it wasn't all work and no play! There were several exciting and fun social activities also on offer including drumming and circus skills workshops, trips off campus to Lazer Zone and outdoor pursuits centres and the all important end of week themed parties!
Through all of this fun, the entire experience is a fantastic and really important opportunity for the students that have been selected to attend to realise that they have the potential to continue to higher education should they choose to. We aim to raise the self esteem and aspirations of all those involved. Workshops provided students with information and advice about what life after school could hold, and the great, realistic opportunities that are available to them.
Almost every student that attends the week overcomes things such as homesickness and lack of self belief to complete what is often one of the best weeks they have ever experienced. We hope that those students are as proud of themselves as what we are of them. And when I say we, I mean the fantastic team that supports, facilitates and makes the summer schools the amazing experience that they are for everyone involved. In particular, the Ambassadors (current undergraduates and recent graduates) who live and work with the students; they facilitate and participate in every activity, support the students and provide a real life example of what can be achieved with hard work and determination. Summer Schools would not be possible without their hard work and endless energy!
We had a fantastic time and would like to thank everyone involved. Seeing the students progress throughout the week and develop so many skills and attributes that will no doubt stay with them for years makes all the late nights and hard work worthwhile and makes us all proud of everyone involved.
the Summer School team.
If you have a query about the Summer Schools at The University of Northampton, please contact Simon Aston (Summer School Co-ordinator) on 01604 893304 or email summerschool@northampton.ac.uk
