University News Last updated 20 July 2009
Birmingham City University is opening its doors and offering a taster of university life to local school pupils.
More than 100 pupils aged 15 and upwards are taking part in three residential summer schools at the University's City North campus.
Two of the summer schools are supported by the local Aimhigher network, which is a government-funded national scheme that aims to widen participation in higher education by young people from under-represented groups, particularly those with no family history of higher education.
The summer schools will give the pupils a real life experience of living as a university student and inspire them with the potential of university courses relevant to their interests and possible future careers. A theme of one of the summer schools is the Creative Arts and will be delivered by Birmingham School of Acting, Birmingham Conservatoire and Birmingham Institute of Art and Design.
A programme of activities has been arranged for all summer schools, including lectures and workshops on different subject areas, advice on careers and on Higher Education in general, as well as a number of evening social events ranging from drumming workshops to discos and meals out. The pupils will also give presentations on different areas, attend lectures and workshops at other Birmingham City University campuses across the City and will also be staying overnight in University accommodation.
The summer school finishes with an event where the students will celebrate their successes and achievements with their family, friends, teachers and programme deliverers.
Lynn Holder, Head of Outreach and Enquiry Management, said: "We have been working with Aimhigher for a number of years to deliver summer schools and I am convinced that the pupils who attend benefit from and experience as close to being a student as we can give them.
"Birmingham City University is proud of its excellent record in widening participation and this event will undoubtedly further stimulate and encourage many of the students to go on to higher education."