More than 200 young people get an overnight taster of what being a student is all about this week when they descend on the University of Birmingham to experience campus life first hand.
The young people aged 13 and 14, from schools in Slough, West Berkshire, Greenwich and Middlesbrough, will learn more about University life and what opportunities the future could hold in store for them.
An action packed programme includes building robots and racing them, taking part in a theatre production and workshops, sports events and developing research skills.
Birmingham undergraduates run many of the activities so that the young people can meet ‘real’ students and find out what higher education is really about.
Zip Theatre presents a motivational drama piece packed with colourful characters, live music and plenty of action, entitled The Promise. The drama has been created with the specific aim of encouraging the young people watching the performance to consider university after leaving school.
Ester Hill, Widening Participation Officer at the University of Birmingham comments: ‘This programme has all the ingredients of an unforgettable experience for young people. We want youngsters to get a taste for University life, to understand the fantastic range of opportunities open to them and to go home determined to reach their own full potential.’
A student who attended last year’s Easter residential said: ‘It made me realise how hard university life is, but also made me want to achieve more.’
The Easter residentials are a collaboration between the University of Birmingham and Aimhigher, the national government initiative working towards meeting the target of 50% of 18-30 year olds having a higher education experience by 2010.
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
The overnight easter residentials take place at the University of Birmingham on 3/4 April and 5/6 April.
Further information:
Rachel Robson – Head of News Team, University of Birmingham
Tel: 0121 414 6681 / email: r.a.robson@bham.ac.uk