More than 80 school students in Year 9 are attending a residential event at the University this week to give them an insight into life on campus.
They have been selected from eight state schools in West Wiltshire.
The school students have been set a challenge on a mystery theme, given to them on arrival at the University, and asked to prepare a team presentation.
David Howells, outgoing Students’ Union President, welcomed the pupils to the University in an opening talk on Wednesday 4 July. The conference keynote speaker was Richard Lupton, Regional Coordinator South West of the charity HELP for HEROES.
The students have had the chance to take a tour of the campus, stay in university student accommodation, make use of the University’s outstanding sports facilities, and enjoy social activities.
During their stay, they spent time with University’s Student Ambassadors who have talked to them about life at university and worked with them throughout the event.
Stephanie Gan, Education Liaison Manager in the Recruitment & Admissions, said: “The conference is designed to give the school students a completely different learning experience. It’s very valuable for them to meet new people and to explore ideas together. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to get a taste of university life from the inside.”
The school students attending the conference are all classed as ‘able, gifted and talented’. The event is organised by the West Wiltshire Alliance of Secondary Schools (WWA).