14 Dec Year 9 pupils experience a day at Warwick University
Last week, the University of Warwick arranged a taster day for a selection of pupils to teach them about what university life can offer. Several schools were in attendance, and on arrival our students were mixed into smaller groups to enhance the sense of how university is very much a place to meet new people.
The day started with an ice-breaker game, similar to what would be done at universities during ‘freshers’ week’, in order for the children to introduce themselves and get to know the students they would be spending the day with. After that the groups were taken across the campus by Warwick University students who toured them around the different buildings, explaining the facilities available, and giving the pupils a glimpse of the scale of university life and the range of spaces available.
Each group was then given an example seminar from one of the university departments. One group studied engineering and discovered how code could be used to embroider patterns onto cloth; creating wonderful symmetrical patterns. The other was taught about the connection between the American civil rights movement and music (hip hop in particular). They were asked to devise a spoken word poem and deliver it at the end of the session and each pair excelled, creating some fantastic work!
At the end of the day there was a question and answer session with two students from Warwick University, who addressed misconceptions, areas of confusion, and added to knowledge the pupils already had.
Whitley Academy students received many positive comments throughout the day on their enthusiasm, intelligence, and consideration, all crucial points for future scholars!