Summer schools 2013
See what we got up to during summer school 2012 and hear first hand from the students who came along.
About our summer schools
We offer a number of free residential summer schools that allow Year 11
and 12 students to explore an academic subject while gaining an insight into
university life. They will live in student accommodation and attend lectures
and workshops delivered by leading academics, working alongside University
of Essex students who can share their experiences.
Upcoming residential summer schools
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Sum up Politics: 3-5 July 2013
This summer school is for Year 11 students and will take place at the
Colchester Campus.
Students with an interest in maths and politics can learn how maths can
impact on the laws that governments can pass.
Often, proposed government policies can fail even though they sound like good
ideas. This is because they are often based on discussions in back rooms, or
suggestions by their friends, and not based on sound statistical analysis. In
this summer school, students will be taught to write an evidence-based policy
proposal that has both a theoretical argument and a sound statistical basis.
They will be taught by leading lecturers in the
Department of Government who have delivered similar courses to policymakers
in the UK, Ukraine, Mozambique and Georgia.
-
Virtual Summer School: 3-5 July 2013
The virtual summer school is for Year 11 students and will take place at
Colchester Campus.
Students will sample what it is like to be a
Computer Science and Electronic Engineering (CSEE) student at the
University.
This challenging summer school will see students taking lectures and
workshops with leading CSEE academics. Once they are able to make an informed
decision, students can opt for a mini project in either Computer Science or
Electronic Engineering. Students taking the Computer Science option will have
the chance to design and build a Chatterbot, whereas those who choose Electronic
Engineering will design and build an electronic device to interface with a
computer.
Students with an interest in continuing to study Maths, Physics, Computer
Science or Electronic Engineering will find this summer school particularly
attractive.
-
Open to Debate: 23-25 July 2013
The Open to Debate summer school is for Year 12 students and will take place
at the Colchester Campus.
Students attending Open to Debate will prepare for engaging in discussions at
university level and develop the skills and confidence required to successfully
state a case about current social, legal and political issues.
With input from experts in the School of Law, the
Human Rights Centre and the Philosophy
Department, this school will be of great value to anyone interested in
improving their debating and argument skills before university.
Who can attend?
To participate in the summer schools, students must meet the criteria below.
- Sum up Politics: eight A*-C predicted GCSEs (including
Maths and English Language)
- Virtual Summer School: eight A*-C predicted GCSEs
(including Maths and English Language)
- Open to Debate: eight A*-C GCSEs (including Maths and
English Language) to include five at grade B or higher
We welcome applications from students from a diverse range of backgrounds and
we encourage all who are interested in the summer school to apply. As spaces on
the events are limited, if we experience a high volume of applications, students
who fall into one of the following groups are more likely to get a place,
although this is not guaranteed:
- if neither parent has attended university;
- have lived, or currently living in local authority care; and
- has a disability or specific learning difficulty.
As places are limited, schools can apply for up to three places on each
summer school.
Due to the practicalities of transport we usually prioritise students from the local area, for example, Essex, Suffolk and East London.
If you are outside these areas please contact us before applying. This geographical limitation does not apply to Year 12 students who are part of the Realising Opportunities programme.
Where do students stay when they attend summer school?
For all residential summer schools, students will stay in en-suite rooms in
our halls of residence. All students are supervised by the University's Outreach
staff and summer school mentors who are current students at the University.
Summer schools are completely free to attend and this includes accommodation,
entertainment, all meals and University-arranged transport.
How do I apply?
To apply, download the
application form (.pdf) and return an original signed copy by post to the address
below. If you have any queries about the summer schools, please contact us by
telephone or e-mail.