Short description of the scheme for Teachers in partner schools
(click here for Word document)
The Undergraduate Ambassadors Scheme (UAS) is the brainchild of the author and broadcaster Simon Singh who was concerned with the decline in school pupils and university undergraduates studying science, technology and mathematics. The scheme was started in 2002, with the aim of developing an academic module framework and materials that would support these shortage subjects and allow undergraduates to spend time in the school classroom to pick-up transferable skills, thereby earning academic credit towards their degree.
In the academic year 2002/03 four departments including Mathematics at the University of Southampton ran such modules with help from UAS. In 2004/05 another seventeen new departments became involved including Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, Oceanography, Music and Modern Langauges at the University of Southampton. UAS are currently encouraging other departments across the country to come on board. Previous experience shows that classroom-based courses have tremendous benefits for everybody involved, which is why we are keen to promote such courses nationally.
Important benefits from UAS based courses are that the undergraduates have the chance to explore teaching as a career whilst acting as role models for pupils considering further study in maths and science. Teachers have also commented on the support they receive from undergraduates in their classroom and the module builds links between universities and the surrounding community.
Students at Southampton University who are interested in being considered for this unit should send an expression of their interest to the unit coordinator David Chillingworth (D.R.J.Chillingworth@soton.ac.uk ).
Short description of the scheme for Teachers in partner schools
(click here for Word document)
Talking heads - hear the students discussing their experiences
Powerpoint presentation on the scheme
Special Project on a University Visit Day for IT pupils
FAQS (Frequently Asked Questions)
Written by Prof Ray d'Inverno,
last updated on 27 January 2006