Despite taking place online, this year’s Seren International Summer School is already proving a big success with participants. Arron O’Connor (below), who has just graduated in English from Jesus, reports.
This summer, Jesus College has once again had the opportunity to invite bright young minds from across Wales to participate in the Seren International Online Summer School. Hosted by the College in conjunction with partners Equal Education, the International Online Summer School is currently one week into a programme that runs from 19-30 July.
It is designed to introduce Welsh Year 12 students who are participants in the Welsh Government’s Seren Academy programme to the critical ways of thinking demanded by a university education. In early 2021, the College launched its largest programme yet, thanks to the benefaction of £1 million to our Welsh Access Fund from Jesus alumnus Oliver Thomas, and generous funding from the Welsh Government.
Throughout the two weeks, students attend lectures, seminars and tutorials in their respective subject areas as well as sessions on university life, applications and interviews. Students also have the opportunity to present their individual research at the end of the programme in the form of a Capstone Project. These projects range from ‘describing an algorithm which could tackle fake news’ and sketching a story outline which explores confusion to answering questions about ‘landfill mining’ and ‘economic recovery post-COVID’.
During the summer school, students also have the opportunity to really engage with their subject beyond their school courses. All of this is designed to inform, equip and increase progression of academically-talented individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds in Wales to Oxford and other competitive universities.
Despite the disruptions that this year has brought to the lives of students across the country, the enthusiastic response to the International Summer School has been impressive. The pandemic hasn’t quashed the motivation of applicants who are eager to experience teaching at a university level and better prepare for university applications later in the year. This readiness is apparent in the words of the students themselves who kindly offered their perspective on this year’s programme:
“I hope to gain new insight into the subject of economics and have something to take away and put back into my studies to help develop myself and become a better student ready for university applications in September.”
Charlotte, The Vale of Glamorgan
Students have also been encouraged by the Capstone Projects, which have captured their interest and curiosity. These projects grant students the opportunity to explore their subject area and its applications in a changing world. This has been an attraction for many applicants, including Elin from Newport, who says:
“I was taken by this year’s theme of designing an algorithm to tackle fake news because this is something that as young people we are intrinsically involved with. I was drawn by the value that reliable news gives to people’s lives, and how people are eager, and better equipped than ever, to join the conversation.”
The applicants, however, were not without their anxieties about online learning. After a long and difficult experience with digital teaching during the pandemic, students were worried that the online nature of this year’s summer school might impact the programme. Carys from Rhondda Cynon Taf commented that she was worried about it being completely online, as she was “concerned about connectivity issues”. The reassurance of the programme’s coordinators and the resilient adaptability of the applicants have helped to assuage such worries. As Holly from Wrexham commented:
“Email communication and handouts from the staff involved in the course have helped me feel comfortable and excited about starting the summer school.”
Overall, the applicants are ready to meet the challenges of the summer school and to use this experience to develop their skills for the future. Many are excited to participate in their subject area from a different perspective, and keen to critically explore concepts, theories and texts. Ffion from Swansea said:
“I am eager to be challenged and taken out of my comfort zone… The opportunity to discuss the subject I am most passionate about with other like-minded individuals will prove to be intellectually stimulating yet hugely enjoyable.”
This motivation is universal across the students, who are attending lectures and seminars given by a team of Teaching Assistants, many of whom are Seren alumni and study at universities across Wales, England, Northern Ireland, Singapore and the US. Also universal among the students is the desire to truly expand their learning beyond the classroom. As Isabel from Caerphilly commented:
“Developing a deeper understanding of the topic and doing more for English outside of school is a major factor of why I applied to the summer school… It will also give me a different, fresher approach to what I am currently studying in my English classes.”
We hope that the students attending enjoy the programme, and that it assists them in developing their subject interest, critical thinking and applications. Thanks to the applicants who offered their thoughts, to Dr Matthew Williams (Jesus College Access Fellow), Lois Williams and Tomos Wood for coordinating the summer school, and to the fantastic Teaching Assistants helping to deliver our largest access and outreach programme yet!