Leap into Health . . . What's it All About?
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What is Leap into Health Summer School?
The Leap into Health Summer School is a fun, interactive event designed to give year 12 students who have the ability to proceed into Higher education but are unsure about going, a taste of university life. The Leap into Health Summer School gives you the chance to learn more about Health and Social Care in Higher Education in a fun and supportive environment - gaining a real taste of what it is like to be a University Student.
You will be able to experience some of the opportunities a university has to offer which will help you make an informed decision about whether it is the right choice for you.
What will I experience at the Leap into Health Summer School?
You will be interacting with real university Students, taking part in seminars, practical labs and interactive workshops with practicing professionals.
You will participate in academic taster sessions where you will experience university teaching and develop valuable skills such as team-work, problem solving and communication skills.
You will receive up-to-date information on student loans tuition fees from University staff and existing students
You will have chance to take part in University extra-curricular activities such as Freshers Week style events including climbing, inflatable obstacle courses and trampolining, and Students’ Union led media experiences.
You will experience night time student led experiences such as a Summer School Disco and Prom
You will have full use of UWE’s new Halls of residence including your own on suite bedroom.
You will meet lots of new people considering their future in HE
What sort of academic subjects could I experience?
You will get the chance to experience workshops form a range of healthcare professions such as: Paramedic Science, Adult Nursing, Physiotherapy, Midwifery and many more . . . .
Is it all work, work, work?
Of course not! For many students sports and their social life are as important as their academic work. At a typical University you can find over 100 different clubs and societies! Throughout Leap into Health we'll give you a taste of this, and you'll have time to enjoy yourself.
Will I enjoy it?
Of course, this is a wonderful opportunity to meet lots of new people, make new friends, try out different activities and discover if university life is for you!
If you do have any worries or concerns you can always talk to one of the Student Ambassadors or staff - we really want to help you enjoy your experience as much as possible.
Who will be there with me?
There will be 35 other students on the Summer School from lots of different schools and colleges in the southwest. Student Ambassadors who are current University Students will spend the week with you, helping you to have a great time and be on hand if you have any problems. There will also be the team of Summer School staff supporting you throughout the week 24/7.
How long is the Leap into Health Summer School?
The Summer School runs over four days and three nights at The University of The West of England’s Frenchay and Glenside Campuses in Bristol.
How will I get there?
You will get picked up by coach from your school or college. Alternatively you can get your parent or carer to drop you off. Either way, we’ll make sure that you get to the University and we’ll meet you when you arrive and help you settle in.
A Taste of University Life
The Summer School runs a bit like an extremely condensed student university cycle – what a university student experiences in three years you experience in three days. So we start off with some getting to know you/team building activities (a bit like Freshers events), then you take part in some lectures and workshops (the academic bit) and finally we end it all with a Graduation ceremony and celebration. By planning it this way we think it will give you a better idea of what it’s like to be a university student.
Student Life
You’ll be spending four days at one of the biggest university’s in the country with over 25,000 students – we have five campuses and you may get the chance to visit more than one – you may also have a bit of time to look round some of the facilities at the campus – the sports unit and gym, the libraries, cafes, shops, etc. In addition, we’ll give you the low-down on everything you need to know about applying to university, choosing a course and importantly we help you to understand all the finance information you will need – how much are tuition fees and the students loans you would be able to receive. It all sounds like a lot – but it will be fun!
Subject Tasters
A key element of the School is to help you understand what its like to study at university – as its very different to school and college! You will take part in taster sessions which are based around different subject areas. But it isn’t just about the academic workshops and lecture’s, you’ll be working alongside current university students who’ll be able to help with any problems, answer your questions and tell you more about how they found it coming to university – how they’ve coped with money, being away from home, going out, making friends, possible finding their way around a new area/city and so on.
What subjects will I be able to do?
The workshops are all be based around different health occupations and/or areas and we will be drawing on the strengths of the University and also the local Health Trust to offer an exciting range of activities. We be running workshops on essential skills for healthcare professionals, the science behind health care, midwifery, physiotherapy and radiotherapy to name but a few.
All the workshops will be varied and interesting and will help you get an idea of what its like to learn at university, which is very different to school and college., you also get an idea of some very different academic disciplines. There will be some lecture style sessions but many of them will be interactive, hands on and very practical. You’ll have to work together as a team and get stuck in with all the activities.
You will soon receive a booklet outlining all the workshops we will be running to enable you to pick the ones which you are most interested in!
Social Activities
We probably shouldn’t talk just about the social activities – but they are important and by doing some fun activities at the start it will give you a chance to get to know everybody else and make some good friends for your time with us.
Will I meet any current students?
Our trusty team of current students are supporting the whole week – they will be more than happy to talk about student life, or even just listen if you need a chat.
Will I know anyone?
You may well know other students but in case you're worried about this, just like when you start University for real, there’ll be many people around to look out for you and make sure you don't feel left out.
When will I know how I am going to get to and from the Summer School?
The team is currently working on arranging all the transport to pick you up and drop you back off at a suitable location (generally your school/college). You will receive this information in early June – but please don’t worry about this – it will all be taken care of for you!
What else will I be doing?
In addition to the workshops, we'll also give you lots of information about the next steps open to you. These sessions will cover student finance, career options, how to pick the best place for you to continue your studies and the student union. We're proud of the support that higher education can offer you and we want to tell you all about it.
We also want you to go away with even more skills to help you in the future so we will also be running sessions on presentation and communication skill – essential if you want to work in health!
What should I do if I have any worries?
The whole of the activity is free – transports, food, workshops and social activities – you will not have to pay for anything!
Everything we do we will try to ensure as far as possible that it is accessible to all whether this is because you have a disability or other needs or requirements. All we ask is that you let us know about these as soon as possible so we can ensure you are not disadvantaged in any way. Any other special circumstances just please talk to us and we’ll try to accommodate as far as possible.