Taster Days
Southampton Solent University can provide opportunities to gain an insight into what university is like. We do this through a programme of 'Taster days'. This section will provide you with the answers to the questions below…
What are 'Taster Days'?
Taster days are designed to provide you with a better idea of what university is really like, the different types of subjects you can study, the buildings, the atmosphere and information about the opportunities available to you in the future. They take place on campus, so you can come in and see what Southampton Solent University is like for yourself.
Who can take part?
Southampton Solent University works with specific local target colleges to offer taster sessions to year 12's. In particular we target students whose family has no experience of university.
If you would like to find out whether you may be eligible to participate we suggest that you either ask a member of staff at your college or email us at wpteam@solent.ac.uk| with the name of your college and we will let you know.
What subjects can you experience on a 'taster day'?
Southampton Solent University can offer taster sessions in many different subjects; here are some of the subjects you can experience …
-
Construction
-
Creative Thinking & Problem Solving
-
Digital Photography
-
Fashion
-
Fashion with Photography
-
Law
-
Leisure & Tourism
-
Maritime Environment Science
-
Material Testing
-
News & Journalism
-
Performance
-
Print Making
-
Product Design
-
Radio Production
-
Robotics
-
Sculpture
-
Sports
-
Web Design
What kind of activities would you get involved in?
Of course this depends on the taster session you choose to participate in! You should remember that each taster session is different, but to give you an idea these are the sorts of activities previous participants have been involved in:-
Product Design: you will be given a design problem and will work in teams to try and find a solution it. Each group makes a model of their design solution and these are tested.
Radio Production: the extended two day version of this taster is designed to provide you with an introductory working knowledge of the theory and practice of operating a radio station. You will be introduced to key concepts including on and off air branding, audience targeting, programme scheduling. There is also the chance to obtain some hands on involvement in the studio, by trying audio and multitrack editing, as well as learning interview and vox pops skills.
Sport: you will be given a team challenge of devising your own sports activities by using a variety of different equipment. You will then 'sell' your idea to the other teams, who are challenged with taking you on at your own game.
Web Design: use the internet to help you design some web pages on a subject of your choice adding links to form a coherent product.
Previous Tasters:
In June 2004 Totton College came to Southampton Solent University for a 3 day residential taster. They stayed in our Chantry Halls of Residence and either took part in a number of media or IT workshops which were related to their college studies.
"I enjoyed the radio production activity the best as it was really rewarding when we were able to produce a professional result" - Ryan
Other Opportunities - Residential Summer Schools
Aimhigher and the European Social Fund also run Residential Summer Schools for pupils in years 10, 11 and 12. These summer schools take place at higher education institutions all over the South East.