HE Experience Summer School 2009
Year 11 students took part in a summer school with a difference this week. They visited three universities, enjoyed a taster of some of the courses on offer, checked out the food and accommodation and had the opportunity to talk to students currently attending the three universities.
On the first day they visited the GENIE labs (Genetics Education Networking for Innovation and Excellence) at the University of Leicester. There they donned lab coats and gloves and took part in some interesting activities – they found the DNA of a banana, took part in the Human Genome Race, acted as DNA detectives and found out how they were “one in a million”.
The group then transferred to DeMontfort University where they opted for one of two sessions. Those who opted for the Science of Textiles found themselves using a computer rather than a piece of fabric! Using Photoshop they created their personalised design which was then printed and bonded to the appropriate material to form their own mouse mat! Those who chose Music Technology discovered that it’s possible to create music without any traditional musical instruments.
The second day was spent at Loughborough University which has the largest university campus in the country. It probably also offers the best croissants in the country – we all loved the breakfast. This was followed by a multi media presentation in the Student’s Union which did a great job of convincing us that Loughborough University was a great place to go.
A session in the department of Civil and Building Engineering opened our eyes to the range of work done by engineers and set a challenge to build a tower of a minimum height which could bear the weight of a container of water. The winning team, whose members received gift vouchers as a prize, contained two Northants students – well done guys!
Wednesday afternoon saw us in the Sports Department. The Northamptonshire students chose to attend the Physiology laboratory session where their fitness was tested in a number of ways. The young people did us proud – one produced the best performance on the Wingate bike test and one had the most impressive results on the Concept 11 Dynamometer Strength Test. This session was followed by an experience of a new sport – Rock-It-Ball – which was definitely more difficult than it appeared at first.
After two fascinating days we hope the students left with a clearer idea of what university life might be like, and an increased determination and aspiration to include it in their plans for the future.
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