This year the Widening Participation team in the Division of Medical Education ran their first ever residential summer school for aspiring medical students from widening participation backgrounds. This was funded by the Medical Schools Council (MSC), after a successful funding bid to Health Education England. It was aimed at year 12 pupils in Greater Manchester, from areas where fewer students applied to medicine.

The summer school aimed to motivate pupils to a career in Medicine, equip them with the skills to get into medical school and provide them with an insight into life as a medical student. Activities included inspirational career talks, PBL teaching sessions and a variety of workshops such as communication skills, preparing personal statements and a mock multiple mini interview (MMI).

61 pupils successfully completed the four-day summer school, which culminated in a hugely popular motivation workshop and graduation ceremony attended by parents.

A pupil who attended said: “All of the speeches or lectures presented by the guest speakers have changed me in a positive way, most importantly, they have taught me to come out from my comfort zone and be more confident in order to thrive for the best and I think this will hopefully help me to achieve my dream to study medicine.”

The organisers would like to acknowledge the support of the University Student Recruitment and Widening Participation Team, MSC, Greater Manchester Higher, and the huge number of staff, medical students and doctor volunteers who made the four days a memorable experience for all who took part.