Sutton Trust Summer School
Information for Teachers and Advisers is available on The Sutton Trust website.
In July each year 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 30th June to Friday 5th July 2013 at the University of St Andrews, Fife, Scotland.
Applications for the Sutton Trust Summer School 2013 are now open and will close on the 11th March 2013. Pupils should apply through the Sutton Trust website.
What is it?
There are approximately 130 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 achieved at least 5 A/A*s at GCSE, 5 credit passes at Standard Grade or equivalent
- are taking relevant subjects in relation to the subject stream they are applying for
- attend schools or colleges with a low overall A-level, Higher/Advanced Higher (or equivalent) point score and / or schools or colleges with low progression to higher education
- come from neighbourhoods with low overall progression rates to higher education or levels of socio economic deprivation
- are (or have been) looked after, accommodated or in care
- are under the age of 18 at the time of the summer school
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?
Students on the 2012 Summer School gave an excellent rating to various features of the week-long course:
- Would recommend the course to others - 100%
- Feel more confident about going to university - 97%
- Feel more informed about applying to university - 91%
- Accommodation - 98%
- Academic Programme - 90%
- Social Activities - 85%
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 - one choice from Session One and one choice from Session Two:
Session One:
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- English
- International Relations
- Psychology
- Physics & Astronomy
Session Two:
- Biology
- Classics & History
- Earth Sciences
- Mathematics & Statistics
- Medicine
- Economics & Management
- Modern Languages
Academic-related activities
In order to assist you through the UCAS application system, you will also attend seminars on:
- Personal development and study skills
- Writing an effective UCAS Personal Statement
- Funding your way through university
- Opportunities whilst studying, study abroad and careers 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
- Scavanger 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.
