GCSE students get taste of university life

Year 10 students from schools across Devon, Dorset, Cornwall, London and Birmingham visited the University of Exeter as part of the university’s outreach and widening participation programmes.

During the two- or four-day residential visits, the teenagers got taster sessions in subjects ranging from humanities to medical sciences.

“Welcoming such a large number of students on to our campus was absolutely fantastic,” said university Outreach Manager Dr Karl Devincenzi.

“Students were provided with a great opportunity to obtain a true representation of what university life can be like.

“For many, not only was this the first time away from home but also in many cases the first time they have made an independent visit to a location outside their region.

“Programmes such as these encourage students to consider higher education as a viable option and I am delighted with the feedback received from participants thus far.

“We look forward to continuing to support these students through their academic journey into higher education.”

120 students from Devon, Dorset and Cornwall attended a two-day residential programme between 4-7 April, providing them with the opportunity to learn more about progression routes and opportunities available in higher education.

Students took part in a “Creating your own society” activity and a pub-style quiz in the evening.

40 students from London and Birmingham attended a four-day residential from 10-13 April as part of the university’s Experience Exeter programme – a four-year widening participation scheme aimed at reaching out to students from communities who traditionally don’t consider Exeter as a destination university.

Students attended numerous academic taster sessions, and in the evenings they enjoyed a varied social programme which included trips to bowling, the cinema and taking part in an Exeter challenge.

For further information about the university’s widening participation programmes, please contact Dr Devincenzi at outreach@exeter.ac.uk