Summer School 2008, 3rd June – 25th July

Background
Since 1996 more than 1500 students have successfully completed the LEAPS Summer School, our 8-week degree-level programme that is taught across the universities in Edinburgh. As well as offering valuable preparation for higher education, Summer School provides students with an additional opportunity to demonstrate to university admissions staff that they have ‘what it takes’ to cope with degree-level work. In fact, over 60% of our Summer School graduates have gained access to their chosen university course on the basis of a positive assessment report in cases where they didn’t meet the conditions set in university offers.

Who is Summer School for?
Summer School is aimed at LEAPS eligible students holding one or more UCAS offers (or an offer through CATCH). In a typical year the student body will comprise school leavers who are worried about meeting conditions as well as those who are confident of achieving the necessary grades but looking to get some extra preparation to make for a smoother transition into university life. Where spaces allow we also welcome students holding unconditional offers who, despite already being sure of a university place, know that Summer School can ‘give them an edge’ when they commence their degree-level studies. 

What does it involve?
All 160 Summer School students undertake three courses, taught and assessed at degree-level by staff from a range of universities. As well as participating in a Learning Skills course (which covers themes such as academic writing, research, time management, presentation skills) students choose 2 courses from a pool of 12 that relate to what they hope to study at university. During 2008 we hope to offer the following courses: Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics and Business, History and Politics, Introduction to Data Analysis, Language Literature and Media, Maths, People and the Environment, Physics and Engineering, Psychology and Physics and Engineering. Summer School isn’t easy, however it is a valuable opportunity for a student to impress admissions tutors and to get a true feel for university study.

Time Commitment
Summer School runs from 3rd June 2008 – 25th July 2008. By requiring students to undertake 3 courses simultaneously Summer School recreates the typical undergraduate workload. Each student will be in classes for the equivalent of 3 days a week as well as being expected to undertake private study, reading, research, revision etc. Students who already have holidays booked to take place during the 8 weeks of Summer School are not necessarily excluded from participating although we naturally give priority to those who can attend the full programme. Each student’s attendance is recorded during Summer School and is one of the factors university admissions staff may use when deciding whether to offer an individual a place of study.

Location
Classes are taught at a range of university campuses in Edinburgh, providing students with a feel for different learning environments. At the outset students are provided with passes to travel into Edinburgh (where necessary) as well as between classes.

How Much Does it Cost?
Summer School costs nothing. As well as travel, LEAPS covers the cost of teaching and study materials. We also organise a series of social events that are subsidised where possible or are free to attend. Furthermore, LEAPS employs a team of current students to act as Personal Tutors – all Summer School participants are allocated a Tutor who will provide advice and encouragement.

The LEAPS Admissions Pledge
Admissions staff at The University of Edinburgh, Napier University, Heriot-Watt University, Queen Margaret University, the Scottish Agricultural College and Edinburgh College of Art are pledged to consider students whose Summer School performance shows their potential to succeed at University. This means that if a student fails to meet his or her conditions, the university will look at their Summer School Assessment Report for signs of potential. Admissions officers at many other Universities across the UK are prepared to do likewise. However Summer School is not a guarantee of entry.

Applying to Summer School
The deadline to apply for Summer School is 7th March 2008. Up-to-date information can be found on our Summer School newsblog. Alternatively contact Alison Train on 0131 650 4676.