Can I try university?
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 lots of information about taster days, such as who can take part, the subjects you can sample, and the type of activities you can get involved in.
What are 'taster days'?
Taster days are designed to give you an idea of what university is really like, the different types of subjects you can study, the buildings, the facilities, the atmosphere, and information about the opportunities available to you in the future.
Who can take part?
Southampton Solent University works with specific local target schools to offer taster sessions to years 8, 9, 10 and 11. In particular, we target pupils whose family have no experience of university. If you would like to find out whether you may be eligible to participate ask a member of staff at your school.
What subjects can you try on a 'taster day'?
We offer taster sessions in many different subjects, all of which are likely to be very different from the subjects you're currently studying. Here are some of the subjects you can experience…
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Construction
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Creative Thinking & Problem Solving
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Digital Photography
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Fashion
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Fashion with Photography
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Law
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Leisure & Tourism
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Maritime Environment Science
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Material Testing
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News &Journalism
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Performance
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Print Making
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Product Design
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Radio Production
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Robotics
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Sculpture
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Sports
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Web Design
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What kind of activities can you get involved in?
It will depend on what taster session you participate in! Each taster session is different, these are the sorts of activities previous participants have been involved in:
Fashion: create mood/theme boards of the specific looks that you like or are interested in, whether it be the glam 50s or the grunge 90s. These boards are created using tear sheets from magazines.
News & Journalism: learn about the skill of conducting interviews and then having the chance to try out this skill on members of the public. Write a news story based on your interview notes and research obtained from the internet.
Product Design: work in teams to find a solution to a design problem. Each group makes a model of their design solution, which is tested.
Sport: receive a team challenge to devise your own sports activities using a variety of equipment. '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.
Year 10 Residential Summer Schools: In addition to this, Year 10's participating in taster days may have the opportunity to stay overnight in one of our halls of residence. This will give you an even fuller flavout of what university life is really like.
What does a typical taster day involve?
Below we have given you the timetable of a taster day we have run previously. Although each and every taster day is different, this example will give you an idea of what you can expect if you decide to join us.
Example: Taster Day in Product Design & Sports
Morning
9.10 - Arrival
9.15 - Welcome and Introduction - Lecture Theatre 1
9.20 - Pre-Taster Questionnaire
9.30 - Product Design Taster
12.00 - Lunch
1.00 - Campus Tour
Afternoon
2.00 - Sports Taster
4.00 - Finish
Feedback
Read below and see what previous participants have had to say about our taster day experience…
"You couldn't improve the taster day because it was all good." Joanne, a Year 8, on the overall taster experience
"I liked journalism because I found out how they write newspapers and learnt how to lay out an article." Dannielle, a Year 9, on learning more about news & journalism
"I've enjoyed everything so far, especially designing my own pooper scooper in product design." Calum, a Year 10, on the delights in store in a product design taster
"I liked the activity of being part of a jury the best because I learnt how to argue and look at what were the significant points." Becca, on her experience of the Year 11 taster in law
Other Opportunities - Residential Summer School
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 universities all over the South East.
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