Student Summer Residential - Student Report
Sue Garlick
/ Categories: General
by Rebekah Head
On Thursday July 18th 6 students, in years 9 and 10, travelled nearly 200 miles to Birmingham University for a 3 day residential.
Along with lectures from professors, the students experienced many of the wonders the university and city had to offer.
During the 3 days the students stayed at the university, they were able to talk to professors, ambassador students at the university and make friends with students from other schools. Students attended the residential from schools as far away as London and some closer to home like Midhurst. With approximately 36 students, 7 teachers and ambassadors, all coming from different places there were plenty of people to socialise with and help bring anyone out of their shell.
Day one, after arrival, Ice breakers introduced all the students and a tour by the ambassadors showed them the university grounds; where they saw the Library, containing 2.1 million books, the sports centre with an Olympic sized swimming pool and the Main Hall where graduation is held along with many major events and talks. The last activity after dinner was a quiz with their flatmates, who were a mixture of people from all different schools.
Day two commenced with a students choice of breakfast and a rainy walk to campus for a lecture by university professor Dr Gabriela Silva on diabetes. After lunch the students got involved with the physics of hot and cold by Professor David Evans. The students led by the ambassadors travelled into the city to see all it had to offer, including its famous 6 ton bronze Bull which stood proud outside the Bull Ring. They get back for dinner and their Bollywood dancing class which one of the students said was “a unique and fun experience”.
The third and last day started with final packing and breakfast. Then a walk to campus for their last lecture by the University’s Outreach Officer on the importance of GCSE’s and career paths. The residential ended with final goodbyes to new found friends and the trip home.
Elliot Scott Ragless, Year 9, said “It was an amazing experience and I loved the valuable insight we were given into university life, which will help me when choosing universities in the future.” Alexia Porsica, Year 9, agreed and added “Seeing how life is as a university student was a great experience and the campus accommodation was fantastic.”
Overall the students views of the residential were extremely positive and they would recommended the trip to everyone, especially those in a quandary about going to university.
Our thanks goes to the students and teachers who helped make the residential a success, particularly Miss Offer.
Maisie, Posy, Alexia, Rebekah, Thomas and Elliot.