School children get a taste of university life
Nearly 200 year 10 school children from six different schools in Sussex and London arrived at the University of Sussex today (14 January) for a multi-subject taster day – designed to raise their aspirations and encourage them to apply to university.
The 14 and 15 year olds, who came from Bishop Bell School in Eastbourne, Claverham Community School in Battle, Dorothy Stringer School in Brighton, Felpham Community College in Bognor, Littlehampton Academy and St George’s in Maida Vale London, were taken initially to the University’s lecture theatre in the Jubilee building to meet a team of undergraduate Ambassadors.
Chris Mason, events leader in the University’s Widening Participation team told the students, who are all studying for GCSEs that the day was intended to make them think about their post 16 and 18 opportunities.
The children were then taken off by the Ambassadors to lessons. There were nine different subjects to choose from: Art History, Business Studies, Politics, History, Law, Media, Physics, Engineering and Informatics and Philosophy and the students each chose three subjects.
Billie from Littlehampton Academy who wants to become a teacher said the history lesson she attended was making her think of looking for a course which allowed her to combine sport with history. "I do not think there is anything standing in my way. I really want to apply", she said.
Her friend Alison, who wants to become a forensic scientist, said her Philosophy lesson had inspired her. “It is a new subject and I did not know what to expect.”
Both girls and their friend Imogen agreed that getting the required A Level grades was the biggest hurdle. They also said they were interested in local universities so they could save money by living at home.
All the schools which sent students have pockets of deprivation in their catchments which traditionally produce fewer than average university applicants.
Posted on behalf of: Widening Participation
Last updated: Wednesday, 14 January 2015
