Records broken at 23rd Summer School
Published On Fri 24 Jul 2015 by Roddy Isles
A summer of hard work ended this week for a record breaking 170 students who graduated from the DUAL and OSS Access Summer Schools at the University of Dundee.
The University’s Summer School programme is now in its 23rd year, having first been offered in 1993 as a means of encouraging able students from all backgrounds and circumstances to prove their ability to qualify for study through a special targeted course.
Since then, around 2000 students from a diverse range of backgrounds have taken part. Whilst some arrive having just left school, others are making a return to study, including talented candidates who are looking to change career.
The Summer Schools are a key part of the University’s leading efforts to widen access to higher education.
Dr John Blicharski, Course Director for the Summer Schools, said, “We have had a record breaking year with more students joining the programme than ever before and once again we have demonstrated the mission of the University - to transform lives. The delight of the students, their family and friends is as humbling as it is inspirational.
“Most of those graduating from the programme will go on to take up their undergraduate places at the University in September, better prepared and ready for their new challenges.”
Graduates were sent messages of congratulations from actor Brian Cox, Rector of the University of Dundee, and one of his predecessors as Rector, television personality Lorraine Kelly.
One of the annual elements of the Summer Schools is to hire students who completed the course the previous year to support the new intake as they transition.
Former DUAL student Kerena Ponton said, “I was told when I was at school not to apply to university because I would never get in. DUAL supported and believed in me and also got me to believe in myself and now I'm studying my chosen degree in Psychology. DUAL was one of the best experiences of my life and I'm so glad I had the opportunity to be a part of it.”
Another former DUAL student, Lauren Kersley, added, “Getting to be involved in the summer school last year was such a great opportunity. It helped me to get into my desired Engineering course for September as well as giving me an insight to lectures, university life and making friends.”
A Scottish Funding Council report in March this year showed the University of Dundee leading the way in Scotland in improving access to higher education for students from the most deprived sections of society.
Roddy Isles
Head of Press
TEL: 01382 384910
MOBILE: 07800 581902
E-MAIL: r.isles@dundee.ac.uk