From Tuesday 17 to Thursday 19 July 2018 the Partnership Development Office ran our Year 12 Summer School, attended by 36 students from 12 different schools in the Kent and Medway area. This was the second year we have had the opportunity to offer this event, having piloted it for the first time in 2017.
This year’s summer school was both larger and longer than last year, but the increase in resources and capacity was definitely beneficial – feedback from all those involved has been incredibly positive. Students’ comments included:
“The summer school was way better than I expected. I’m surprised with how amazing the experience was.”
and
“[I’ve gained] a reassurance that no matter where I go for university, I can make friends and be happy and succeed.”
The Summer School was supported by seven Student Ambassadors who accompanied students to all activities and stayed overnight, acting as mentors and helping attendees make the most out of the experience. Whilst the event was primarily designed to benefit the attending Year 12 students, the University Student Ambassadors also appreciated the opportunity to work on it and be involved: one ambassador has said,
“I really enjoyed working the summer school and found it to be a rewarding experience.”
The event is designed to help Year 12 students explore their higher education options and make informed decisions about their next steps after school. Participating students were given the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the University of Kent Canterbury campus and student life; stay in University accommodation; attend subject taster sessions in the faculty area of their choice; visit two other local universities (Canterbury Christ Church University and the University for the Creative Arts); join talks and workshops about student finance, Years Abroad and Placement Years; and participate in a range of social activities including society sessions, a cooking challenge and a quiz. We managed to fit a lot into a very busy programme; although this was demanding for students, supporting ambassadors and staff, it was agreed that we all got a huge amount out of it and created a rewarding and memorable experience for all.
Given its success, we are very much looking forward to running the event again next year.
There was high demand for the Year 12 Summer School this year and there were therefore a number of unsuccessful applications. We will be running a one-day event in September to give those applicants the opportunity to visit the campus and explore their higher education options; other interested Year 13 students from our partner schools will be invited and welcome to attend subject to availability. For further information please contact outreach@kent.ac.uk.