Taster days

Who is this for?

This event is for students currently studying chemistry who are thinking about studying a chemistry-related course at university.

What is the aim?

To provide students with an opportunity to explore a range of analytical techniques. The day will also give students an opportunity to experience some of the subjects taught within the university’s School of Science.

What will the students learn?

By the end of the taster day, students will have:

• Experienced analytical techniques first hand
• Found out more about the range of courses and programmes that the School of Science offers
• Experienced being a university student for the day.

What will the students do?

Students take part in several workshops, which consist of an introductory talk followed by either a demonstration or an interactive hands-on workshop (depending on the specific technique). They will then be given the opportunity to put questions to a panel of university staff and students.

Where possible, we can provide this taster day on a date and time to suit you, so, if you are interested, please contact us.

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Business Challenge is an interactive and popular business simulation aiming to change how accountancy is perceived. It emphasises the increasingly key role that accountants play in today's business world and explores the role of finance in general. This taster day is designed for 16–18 year-olds and is open to all Level 3 learners on A-level, BTEC and similar courses who have an interest in business and finance.

Students will develop the following skills:

• Communication
• Problem solving
• Application of numbers
• Improved learning and performance
• Ability to work with others.

This taster day gives students a flavour of studying engineering at university using practical, hands-on activities. It is designed for level 3 learners in Year 1 or 2 at college, or for those at school studying A-level design and technology. The day will also appeal to those who are studying on vocational diplomas and to students interested in following a career in engineering.

By the end of this taster day students will:

• Understand how to design a car using SolidWorks software
• Know how to calculate the strength of a material
• Have experienced a practical exercise at the university
• Understand the process of materials testing
• Understand the process of rapid prototyping

Who is this for?

This taster day gives Level 3 learners an introduction to some new topics that students study at university. It will inspire those on applied and A-level programmes in science at sixth form or college.

30 places are available.

What is the aim?

This taster day gives students a comprehensive overview of the environmental science and geography programmes. It is designed as an introduction for learners coming from a range of subject backgrounds - natural or physical sciences to social science and humanities.

What will the students learn?

Techniques employed in both physical geography and on information communication technology programmes and how they may be used within future careers.

What will the students do?

A geographic information system demonstration and physical geography practical will be included in theprogramme.

Who is this for?

This taster day gives Level 3 learners an introduction to some new topics that students study at university. It will inspire those on applied and A-level programmes in science at sixth form or college.

80 places are available.

What is the aim?

To provide students with first-hand knowledge of university life, and an opportunity to experience some of the subjects taught.

What will the students learn?

The programme for each day is packed with fun Harry Potter themed challenges including a visit from Eagle Heights Bird of Prey Centre.

What will the students do?

Challenges include the following: drama challenge, breaking news, art challenge, science challenge, sports challenge – quizdom, design a new wing for Hogwarts, quidditch trophy challenge.

Who is this for?

These taster days are for Level 3 students studying access, A-levels, BTEC or similar programmes. 100 places are available.

What is the aim?

To prepare students for successful entry to health and social care programmes.

What will the students learn?

At the end of the day, students will:

• Understand the different routes into health and social care and clinical skills courses
• Have learned how to make a successful application
• Have learned how to prepare for interviews
• Have experienced being a university student for a day
• Have developed practical skills in various subject areas.

What will the students do?

During the morning, there are short talks about different routes into health and social care. Students have the opportunity to take part in a health-related lecture, with useful tips on how to take notes and a note-taking quiz that will help with current and future studies. The afternoon sessions are interactive workshops. Please note that workshops are subject to availability.

Workshops

The morning sessions are tailor made to meet the needs of those attending the taster day. The afternoon sessions are hands-on interactive workshops held in our new skills laboratories.

Students select two from the following:

Clinical Skills

This workshop enables students to view, handle and practise with equipment under supervision. Students learn how to give injections and measure vital signs, such as temperature and blood pressure, in laboratories used to train nurses and midwives.

Interview Skills

Students develop the practical skills they need to prepare successfully for interviews, working out common questions and practising answers, experiencing the role of both interviewer and interviewee.

Learning Disabilities

This session gives students an experiential view of the difficulties faced by individuals with learning disabilities through carrying out tasks such as feeding.

Paramedics

A visiting paramedic team brings its ambulance on campus. Staff and undergraduate students answer questions on the role of the paramedic and share 'real-life' experiences.

Psychology

This session gives an insight into the study of psychology and the ways in which it provides understanding of our behaviour. Each student is encouraged to participate in games and questionnaires as part of a small group.

Resuscitation

This workshop offers students an introduction to skills, techniques and equipment used in the resuscitation of either adults or children, enabling them to gain practice of resuscitation techniques using mannequins under supervision.

Who is this for?

Year 11 students who are interested in a health and social care career. This taster day does not include psychology.

What is the aim?

To learn more about different careers and routes into health and social care professions.

What will the students learn?

The taster day covers:

• The terminology used in the medical profession
• The entry requirements for health and social care courses
• The programmes run by the University of Greenwich
• Skills used in the health care profession.

What will the students do?

Students participate in two workshops, chosen from:

• Adult Resuscitation
• Child Resuscitation
• Clinical Skills
• Learning Disability.

Our humanities and social sciences session gives students a taste of being in higher education. It is designed for level 3 students studying access, A-levels, BTEC or equivalent qualifications and offers the opportunity to learn more about university life in general. Students will have the opportunity to engage in interactive workshops to stimulate interest in humanities based subjects.

Please note these are part of the Humanities and Social Sciences Taster Day

Conflict
Is conflict inevitable? What are the reasons for political conflict? Can anything be done to prevent conflict? Does conflict inevitably end in violence? Should political conflict be governed by a set of rules? Is conflict resolution simply a matter of might over right? This workshop will consider these issues.

Thinking through the Green Problem
In this workshop, students will explore some of the complex interdependencies between human beings and nature and technology. The session will try to identify any hidden elements within the discussion of the environmental crisis.

Bling Sociology: Are We a Lost Generation of Consumers?
This session analyses the changes in consumer patterns, more specifically the growth of the 'bling' culture in Britain, from a sociological perspective. Students will reflect upon whether 'the end of bling is nigh' in light of the credit crunch.

This is for students who are thinking about studying a humanities or education programme at university. It provides them with first-hand knowledge of university life and gives them a chance to experience some of the subjects taught within the university's Schools of Education & Training, Humanities & Social Sciences, and Health & Social Care.

By the end of this taster day students will:

• Have experienced a university lecture
• Be aware of the university and the range of programmes offered
• Understand the career opportunities open to them.

This taster day helps guide individuals interested in a career in pharmacy. It explores the role of the pharmacist and provides information about our programmes and career opportunities. Students are also given guidance on what makes a strong application. This taster day is aimed at Years 12 and 13, access students, and college students.

Staff give presentations on the different routes into pharmacy and the skills prospective students require, while existing pharmacy students share what the programmes are really like.

During the taster day students will:

• Make an ointment
• Watch a clinical demonstration
• Understand the process of dispensing drugs
• Understand the effect of asthma and how we breathe.

Who is this for?

Students studying A-level and applied science courses.

What is the aim?

To provide an insight into studying science at university as well as a taste of university life.

What will the students learn?

During the four-day residential taster event, students will attend lectures, take part in lab-based workshops, undertake library-based research and prepare presentations. There will also be the opportunity to take part in a range of social activities, including tenpin bowling, a sports evening and a disco.

Accommodation is in student halls. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and other refreshments will be provided.

For further information or to book one of our events:

E-mail: access-medway@gre.ac.uk (schools in Kent and Medway)
E-mail: access@gre.ac.uk (schools in south-east London)

Who is this for?

This taster day gives Level 3 learners an introduction to some new topics that students study at university. It will inspire those on applied and A-level programmes in science at sixth form or college.

80 places are available.

What is the aim?

To demonstrate scientific topics covered at university.

What will the students learn?

At the end of this taster day, students:

• Understand the educational routes into science in higher education
• Know the basic principles of electrophoresis and the process of genetic fingerprinting
• Understand the importance of replication in human DNA
• Understand how spectroscopes work and how they are used
• Know how to calculate anaerobic capacity.

What will the students do?

Students choose one workshop from:

Electrophoresis

Students work in groups to load the DNA into pre-prepared gels. During a short lecture, an electric current separates the DNA. Students view results under a transilluminator.

Spectroscopy

Academic staff demonstrate different types of applied spectroscopy with a worksheet to highlight the basic principles of spectroscopy.

This taster day is designed for adults, access students, college students and those in Years 13 who are interested in social work. Tutors give useful tips on the skills prospective students require and share what to expect on the university's social work programme.

Students will be able to choose from two of the following:

• Interview skills
• Personal statements
• Presentation skills
• Social work practice – 'Dilemmas'
• A student's view of social work
• A campus tour.

Who is this for?

All students interested in teaching. 40 places are available.

What is the aim?

To prepare students for successful entry to teaching and related education courses.

What will the students learn?

• At the end of the day, students will have learned:
• About different routes into teaching
• What it is like to be a university student for the day
• Practical skills in various subject areas of English and mathematics.

What will the students do?

Storyboxes

The session is a practical workshop looking at the process of storytelling and storymaking in the primary classroom. Using storyboxes, storybags and mini backdrops, the student will learn how to develop communication, sentence and story structure, and speaking and listening skills.

Mathematics

Mathematics is vital to all of us and yet can have a bad press as being difficult or boring. In an effort to change this perception, we will demonstrate a range of innovative ways of looking at mathematics.