Trinity Access Programmes hosts over 200 Students during 2012 Summer Schools

Jul 02, 2012

The Trinity Access Programmes (TAP) hosted over 200 second-level students, ranging in age from 12-18 as part of its Summer Enrichment Programme in June. The programme included three specialised on-campus Summer Schools, with a science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), law and multidisciplinary focus respectively. All participants were recruited through TAP’s primary and secondary designated disadvantaged link schools.

The Maths and Science Bootcamp, which took place from June 5th- 8th, saw 75 student ‘scholars’ challenged through exposure to world-class lecturers, laboratories and research facilities. Parents and siblings were also involved in a whole-family workshop in Trinity’s unique Science Gallery. This programme was made possible through the support of the TCD’s Faculty of Engineering, Maths and Science, Bridge 21 (www.bridge21.ie) and the Science Gallery (www.sciencegallery.com).

The Pathways to Law Summer School hosted thirty 5th year students who are currently participating in the Pathways to Law programme during the academic year. These students attended a range of lectures, workshops and activities which aimed to enhance their interest in the theoretical as well as practical application of the law. The week’s activities culminated in a mock legal trial.  The practical and financial support of law firms and legal professionals is vital to the success of Pathways to Law. This programme was supported by A&L Goodbody, Arthur Cox, Matheson Ormsby Prentice and William Fry.

TAP Pathways to Law summer school students taking part in the mock trial at the end of the week long programme.

The TAP Summer School for 5th Year students is a five day programme which facilitated 65 students to explore their interest in a broad range of academic areas and gain an insight into what it is like to study in Trinity College. The programme included seminars, lectures, discussion groups, practical work, social and sporting activities as well as the opportunity to meet TCD staff and undergraduates. This year six exchange students from the United States took part in the programme as a result of a new and exciting partnership between TAP and College For Every Student (CFES), a US based educational NGO.

The experience of the Trinity Access Programmes outreach projects has consistently demonstrated that with timely and appropriate supports, students will thrive and succeed. This is evident through the 502 TAP alumni, 598 undergraduates now studying in TCD and the 4,000 primary and second-level students and teachers with whom TAP engages annually.