Sutton Trust Summer School
Applications are now closed for 2012
Information for Teachers and Advisers is available on The Sutton Trust website.
In July each year UK/EU Student Recruitment & Admissions organises a week-long Sutton Trust Summer School intended for those who still have a year to complete at school.
This Summer School is aimed at those who have the academic potential to do well at university, but who may not have family experience of Higher Education or who may have attended a state-sector school with little experience of sending pupils to the University of St Andrews.
S5 / Year 12 pupils have the opportunity to sample student life at Scotland's first university for free.
When and where is it?
Sunday 1st July to Friday 6th July at the University of St Andrews, Fife, Scotland.
What is it?
There are 100 places for S5 / Year 12 pupils on this one-week taster of academic and social life at Scotland's first university.
This initiative is supported by the Sutton Trust and preference will be given to applicants from state-supported schools who fulfill most of the following:
- Will be the first generation in their family to attend university;
- Have parents in non-professional occupations;
- Attend schools which have virtually no history of sending pupils to the University of Andrews;
- Attend schools with a low overall Higher point score or equivalent;
- Have gained at least five Credit passes at Standard Grade or equivalent;
- Are taking subjects relevant for the course to be studied;
- Attend schools with a high proportion of free school meals or are in inner city areas;
- Attend schools with a low proportion of S6 / Year 13 going on to higher education.
What does it cost?
The Sutton Trust Summer School is completely free to attend. All accommodation costs and meals will be paid for by the Sutton Trust and the University of St Andrews. Pupils will have to find their own personal spending money for the week.
What is it like?
Previous students on the Summer School have given an excellent rating to various features of the week-long course:
- Accommodation and Food - 88%
- Academic Programme - 93%
- Social Activities - 91%
- Would recommend the course to others - 97%.
Here are some of the things previous students have said about the Sutton Trust Summer School.
"The Sutton Trust Summer School has been an amazing experience''
"The staff and students have been brilliant. I've made so many friends''
"The lectures were fascinating"
"I would have liked to have stayed longer''
"I was worried about going to university, but now I can't wait''
"The activities and workshops was extremely useful''
"Brilliant food, people and activities''
"The students were friendly and approachable''
"It was awesome''
"I would not have missed it for the world''
"I will take this experience with me when I go to university''
"The University was better than I expected and everyone welcoming''
"Nothing could have been done to make it better"
What will I be doing?
You will be participating in an intensive programme of learning similar to that undertaken by first-year students as well as learning about the UCAS application process and having fun in the evenings.
The academic learning programme
You will attend lectures, tutorials and seminars plus undertake group-work and independent study to mirror the undergraduate student experience. Most academic departments are participating and you can choose to study two of the following subjects:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Classics
- Computer Science
- Economics
- English
- Geosciences & Geography
- History
- International Relations
- Management
- Mathematics & Statistics
- Medicine
- Modern Languages
- Physics & Astronomy
- Psychology
Academic-related activities
In order to assist you through the UCAS application system, you will also attend seminars on:
- How to choose a good university
- Writing an effective UCAS Personal Statement
- Funding your way through university
- Careers opportunities after university
Recreational activities
As you will be living in a Hall of Residence during the week, you will have the opportunity to participate in a number of social activities. These will include:
- Sports activities at the University Sports Centre
- Beach games
- Talent show
- Quiz night
- Film night
- Treasure hunt in town
- Ceilidh
Throughout the week, there will be many opportunities for you to meet pupils from schools all over Scotland and the UK. You will also have the chance to talk to current university students who will share with you the benefits of going to a top university such as St Andrews.