Another successful summer school

University of Brighton’s Sport Summer School saw students from 21 colleges across the country experiencing life as a university student. The free residential school took place in August on the Eastbourne campus.

The annual event offers students an opportunity to participate in a wide variety of lectures and practical activities, enabling them to gain a better understanding of the range of sport courses we offer and help to inform their future choices. University Student Mentors supported the participants throughout the week; leading a range of activities as well as sharing their experiences of getting to university and what student life is really like.

The Sport Summer School was launched in 2013 and is led by Principal Lecturer, Fiona Smith. Many of the students who have attended in previous years have since enrolled  on University of Brighton courses.

Fay Lofty, Widening Participation Officer, said: “Summer schools are a very important part of the widening participation suite of activities. Evidence shows that students who are currently under-represented in higher education are more likely to consider university as a real option if they’ve had a chance to try it out for themselves.

“The sports summer school is particularly important as it draws students from partner colleges in Sussex and London together to experience student life and explore the variety of courses available to them.”

Watch our short film to see the school in action:

The school was a resounding success and comments included:

“I have learnt not to be afraid to put myself out in situations I might not feel comfortable in. I would have loved if it was longer.”

“I have learnt the importance of going out of your comfort zone and adapting to new surroundings and the behaviour of new people. I found mixing groups useful because it allowed me to meet and share my ideas with new people.”

“I’ve learnt more about sports itself, e.g. learning more about sport related degrees and what careers it can lead to.”

“I particularly enjoyed the activities as they were enjoyable and there for everyone to participate. We were always encouraged to keep active and join in.”

“All the activities were very enjoyable and fun! The Ambassadors were really great and approachable.”

100% of participating students said that they found it useful working with current undergraduate students and that they found the week useful for learning more about what university life is like.