Newcastle University

Frequently Asked Questions - the Assessed Summer School

I'm on holiday during the Summer School - does it matter?

Yes! You have to attend 100% of the Summer School to pass. If you have a holiday planned during this event you must rearrange it. The Summer School is assessed by means of a project which you have to hand in after or at the end of the Summer School, so you must also ensure that you have plenty of time afterwards to complete and hand in the work by 24 July.

What if I'm ill during the Summer School?

You are expected to attend 100% of the Summer School so if you are ill during that period, or have a condition that may prevent you taking part in any of it, we will require a note from your doctor. Other circumstances for absence would be considered on an individual basis.

Is the Summer School hard work?

The Summer School is intended to enable academic staff to assess your potential to be successful at Newcastle University, so the project will be challenging, but taking into account that you have just finished your A levels (or equivalent). You will receive lots of support from academic staff and The Student Recruitment Team during the Summer School, but like anything, you'll get more out of it the more you put into it!

What if I fail the Summer School?

There are two parts to your PARTNERS offer - the grades element and successful completion of the Assessed Summer School. You must pass both elements in order to automatically be accepted into the University. If you fail either part of your offer, you must speak to a member of staff in The Student Recruitment Team to discuss your options and they will advise you on what to do next.

I live a long way from the University and it will be difficult for me to get to the Summer School each day?

We arrange for students who are unable to 'reasonably commute' to stay in Castle Leazes Halls of Residence, free of charge, for the duration of the Summer School (not including non-contact days/weekends). Please contact us if you would like to know if you would be eligible for accommodation. We will be writing out to everyone who is eligible for accommodation in May 2012.

Will I have any free time during the Summer School?

You will be timetabled for up to 30 hours over the two weeks of teaching/contact time, although it may be less than this depending on the academic subject strand you are studying. The rest of the time, when you have no timetabled sessions, is your 'free time'. You may wish to use this time to take advantage of the University libraries/computer clusters and start on your project work.

I don't know anybody else who is going to the Summer School - will I have the chance to meet new people?

There will be many opportunities for you to meet new people at the Summer School. There will be a social element, organised by the Reps to help you get to know each other.

Each of the subject strands will consist of a relatively small number of people (compared to university sized lectures) and you will do all of your academic sessions with these people, so there will be plenty of chances for you to meet new people.

How different will it be to school/college?

The Assessed Summer School is designed to give you a taste of university life. The sessions that you attend will take place on University campus and will be taught by University staff. The teaching methods used will be similar to those used at University, such as lectures, seminars, tutorials and practicals. You will be able to use the University facilities during the Summer School, such as the computing facilities and the libraries. There are, however, some differences between the Summer School and university life. Often, the academic sessions may consist of much smaller numbers than you could expect in a 'real' university lecture and due to the time constraints of the Summer School, the timetable may be more intensive (in terms of contact hours) than you may find once you start University.