Half of mature students who try out WIT’s summer school go on to study at third level

Summer School offers Mature Students chance to try college life for free

Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) is offering adults considering a return to education the chance to sample college life at the Institute over two days on Wednesday 4th & Thursday 5th June 2014.

A limited number of spaces are available for the intensive two-day summer school, which is free of charge for adults interested in getting into college. Priority is given to those who do not have previous experience of higher education.

According to Sile Curtin from Student Life and Learning at WIT, “The summer school is intended to give a realistic taste of college life and an insight to the commitment level required to attend lectures and complete ongoing study both on and off campus.”

Participants on the Waterford Institute of Technology’s 2013 Summer School for Mature Students. Students typically hail from Waterford, Tipperary, Wexford, Carlow, Laois, Cork, Dublin and Kildare.

Participants on the Waterford Institute of Technology’s 2013 Summer School for Mature Students. Students typically hail from Waterford, Tipperary, Wexford, Carlow, Laois, Cork, Dublin and Kildare.

“This year is the 19th consecutive year that the Summer School for Mature Students has been held at the Institute,” Ms Curtin continued. “It is a really valuable experience for adults returning to third level education and we have seen almost half of participants develop the confidence to continue their studies, either full time or part time at the Institute.”

The Summer School will include lectures, information sessions and activities. Experienced staff and current mature students will be present to offer support and contribute throughout the day. Information will be available relating to application procedures for college, financial support, programmes of study and student support information. This affords participants the opportunity to meet with other mature students and learn from their experiences and to learn about the real issues facing mature students in college.

The programme is tailored to adults aged 22 and over who are considering a return to full-time study to improve their career prospects, upgrade or formalise their existing skills and increase their knowledge to gain qualifications after a period outside of formal education or regular employment. Although mature students can face obstacles, especially if re-entering the system after a prolonged absence from formal education many students studying at the Institute have shown that these can be overcome.

The Summer School for Mature Students is run by the Student Life & Learning Department (SLL) at WIT. SLL assists mature students to identify and overcome the obstacles to their learning, and will find the most appropriate method of study for each student. Assistance is also provided by REGSA (Regional Educational Guidance Service for Adults) in developing career plans and enabling participants acquire the confidence and skills necessary for further study and development.

“There has been much interest in this year’s Summer School so far and it is always great to see so many mature students returning to college. The return to education can be an intimidating prospect for adults. During the Summer School we set out to reassure the participants that their goals are achievable and that there is the support in place to make the transition to higher education as easy as possible” says Sile Curtin of SLL.

Some of the adults who attended the school previously had already applied to the CAO for a course in WIT for the coming September of that year and they welcomed the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the Institute and its facilities. Others who attended had applied to study part-time or for FETAC courses. Others were exploring the different educational opportunities available to them. As part of such exploration, REGSA can provide on-going assistance to develop future plans.

If you are thinking about returning to education and would like more information on the Mature Student Summer School, please contact us by calling 051 845513 or emailing maturestudent@wit.ie.

 

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