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Teenage takeover at the University of the Year

Teenagers have sampled campus life at the University as part of a higher education residential summer school.

The annual residential summer school provides Year 10 pupils, aged 14 and 15, an opportunity to experience the campus just like a University student. The three day event aimed to offer a snapshot of what university life is like for teenagers who may not have considered higher education. It also provided an opportunity to build confidence, develop communication skills and work in teams.

Coming from schools in an area stretching from the Tees Valley to Tyneside, the teenagers stayed in the halls of residence and explored a wide range of subjects including marketing, health, forensics, animation and television production.

Among those taking part in the summer school were 15-year-olds Abby Jennifer Youngman, from Berwick Community High School in Berwick and Reece Nash, from Branksome Science College in Darlington.

The facilities are fantastic Abby Jennifer said: ‘I’ve really enjoyed the residential summer school as it’s been great getting to meet so many new people and see what º£½ÇÖ±²¥ is like.

‘I was really surprised by how friendly everyone has been and how easy everything has been to find on the campus. I’ve really enjoyed the residential side of the summer school and also enjoyed learning about subjects such as forensic science and animation.

‘The facilities at º£½ÇÖ±²¥ are fantastic. I was shocked to discover there was so much available, such as the television studio and the nursing facilities which look like a hospital ward. I’d definitely consider coming to º£½ÇÖ±²¥ to study, it thoroughly deserves the title of University of the Year.’

Reece added: ‘I didn’t think I’d fit in at university before coming here, but the residential summer school has really changed my mind. I was really surprised to find out that university study isn’t just based in a classroom, there is a lot of practical study involved too.

‘Things we saw such as the television production studio and nursing facilities are very hi-tech and realistic. I really enjoyed our time in the television studios and also had a go at the climbing wall as part of the sports facilities. I enjoyed learning about the different forensics courses too.

‘I hadn’t really thought about university before, but would definitely think about coming to º£½ÇÖ±²¥ to study now after taking part in the summer school.’

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