UCL residential summer schools

The Natural History Museum worked with UCL to provide an exciting and challenging programme for the 'Conservation and Extinction, Past, Present and Future' summer school, from 23 to 29 June 2007.

Devised for those interested in studying biology or related subjects, participants in the summer school undertook in-depth investigations into mass extinction, climate change, global catastrophes, conservation methods, collecting and using evidence and the future of the human race.

Students got the chance to work with a range of experts and to research and debate issues, leading towards a group presentation on the final day. They were also guided by student mentors from UCL and had unique access to the collections and resources of the Grant Museum of Zoology and the Natural History Museum.

For the first week of July, students on the 'London: Past, Present and Future' summer school were taken on a tour of the Museum of London and the Bank of England Museum.

Supported by The Sutton Trust, the summer school for students interested in social and historical science also features sessions on anthropology, history of art, and history with UCL academics, an archaeology trip to Trafalgar Square, followed by a trip to the Globe Theatre to see Shakespeare's  'The Merchant of Venice'.

The week was rounded off with the students and their mentors contributing to three debates on the impact of immigration, climate change and the 2012 Olympic Games on London.

The summer school participants also received generous support from Nancy Drucker of the Henry Drucker Memorial Fund, who gave each student with a book token to spend in Waterstones, providing them with an opportunity to visit an academic bookshop with advice and guidance from their mentors.

UCL widening participation summer schools co-ordinator Lorna Richardson said: "The schools offer students access to some of the finest and most respected educational and research institutions in one of the most exciting cities in the world. They broaden students' perspective, enrich their knowledge, teach them new skills, enhance and demystify the university experience, improve their career opportunities and provide fun and enjoyment through learning, and participating students make great new friends along the way."

To find out more, use the link at the bottom of this article.

Image: students on the 'Conservation and Extinction, Past, Present and Future' summer school