Imperial's Summer School programme inspires the next generation

This summer Imperial staff and students are hosting a series of outreach sessions on campus for more than 1,400 school students.

Led by the College’s Outreach Office with support from their partner Exscitec, this year’s Summer School programme is the largest yet for the College. The initiative aims to inspire students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) and discover what it’s like to study the subjects at degree level. Starting in July and running until the end of August, the programme also gives school students the opportunity to experience university life.

Isaac (age 15) from The Globe Academy in Southwark said: “This has given me a great insight into life at university. During the day I learnt about all the different fields of engineering, and it was great to get an experience of all the different engineering sections. It taught me how diverse the subjects are.”

The Summer School programme gives students the opportunity to find out what it is like to study at university

The programme is available for students aged 9 – 18 from schools across London. A variety of programmes tailored to age and ability focus on different aspects of STEM subjects with taster sessions, week-long projects and academic led learning. Staff from across the College are supporting the Outreach Office by providing lab space and volunteering their time to talk about undertaking research and giving them an insight into studying at Imperial.

Current students and alumni are also working as mentors on the programme. Emma Woodcock attended an Imperial Summer School in 2011 and is now studying Chemistry at the College. Having completed her first year she is working for Exscitec this summer. Emma said:  “Although I have done a few other outreach programmes, this was my first summer school and it has been great to see the students so enthusiastic about the STEM subjects. Quite a few used the opportunity to quiz me on Imperial and Chemistry as a degree. They were really engaged and I loved how much more inspired they became as the week went on”

Emma added: “Staff or students who think they might enjoy working with children should definitely get involved. Organising your group is hard work but it is worth the effort because of how fun the rest of the time is.”

Each Summer School lasts for four or five days, with some students staying in College halls during their placement, whilst others attend as day students.

More than 1,400 school students are taking part in the College's outreach activities this summer

As well as a series of educational activities, sessions for students considering university provide practical information on preparing university application forms, student finances and career prospects.

Dr Mel Bottrill, Scientific Programmes Manager for the Outreach Office said: “The programme enables students who might not otherwise have the chance, to discover first-hand what university life is like. It also helps them to see if a subject they may wish to continue studying is actually for them. By speaking to students and staff at the College we hope that this approach will inspire these students to continue studying a STEM subject at university.”

Jasmine (age 15) from The Green School in Isleworth attended for four days and found out about all the different applications of engineering. Jasmine said: “This is the first time I’ve been to Imperial’s Summer School so I had no idea to what to expect but the whole experience has been a happy surprise. I’ve been able to meet lots of new people and that’s been my favourite part of the Summer School.”

This year’s programme also includes two four-day residential courses run in partnership with the College and the Sutton Trust.  This is the second year that the College has worked with the Trust to develop a Summer School to support young people who have the potential to excel. Last year 100 students took part, and many said that they were inspired to apply to study at Imperial after attending. This year’s programme has doubled in size with 200 students taking part.

Details of next year’s Summer School programme will be available in December, with booking opening in January. For more information visit the Outreach section of the website.