DARE 2008
19th - 21st March 2008
37 year 10 students from Northamptonshire took part in our 3 day summer school, DARE 2008!
The aim of the summer school was to Develop Aspirations through Real Experiences (DARE). Each student that attended has the potential to progress to HE. By giving them an exciting taste of student life at university, we worked to make students aware of their potential and raise their aspirations towards achieving it.
Students chose either Performance Studies, History, law and Business Studies to study. In small groups they then undertook a project which entailed them doing their own research and putting together a final presentation to showcase their work on the final day.
Stimulating workshops provided students with more information about what exactly we mean by higher education. The workshops challenged common perceptions and stereotypes students often form about university and made them see that it a realistic and exciting option for them.
As university is never all work and no play, crammed into the 3 days was also a trip to Lazer Zone, a circus skills workshop and a trip back in time to the Krypton Factor team challenge!
In true university style the summer school ended with a graduation ceremony. The ceremony celebrated the students’ achievements in front of the whole DARE group, their family and friends. Students received their certificates from former University of Northampton Student and trainee Barrister, Pete Coe. Pete ate lunch with the students and helped them out with their project work before the ceremony, so they were all surprised when he later entered with a graduation ‘cap and gown’ to award them with their certificates! This was yet another challenge to the stereotypes that are so often formed about HE and the professions that can follow.
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
