Maths Summer School

The summer school is aimed at anyone aged 17 years and over and resident in Staffordshire who traditionally would not have access to higher education. Priority will be given to those who have faced difficult circumstance their education and those who are, or families are currently experiencing unemployment, financial difficulty. You don't need qualifications to gain a place on the summer school. Indeed, to be eligible for a place, you would not normally have a qualification (or currently be taking a qualification) beyond A level or equivalent.

The five-week summer schools take place during July and August. You will attend Monday to Thursday 10.00am until 3.00pm (Thursday afternoon is a drop in session) Friday 10.00am until 12.30pm.  You will need to do some additional work outside these sessions.

There are limited places available at Staffordshire University, Stoke-campus. You will have opportunity to look around the campus at which you are based and use the facilities of the university.

The course is free of charge (including learning materials) which should be returned to us.

The summer school has been specifically designed to help you gain confidence in maths and to acquire the mathematical knowledge and skills required on courses such as business, technology and science. More general skills needed for success in further and higher education have been integrated into the programme to prepare you for the next step you want to take in education.

The tutors have been specially selected for the summer school on the basis of their previous experience and their enthusiasm for this programme. They understand the anxieties that many people have about maths and will help you gain confidence in the subject. You will be in a small group supported by a tutor and a tutor assistant so there will be plenty of individual support for you throughout the summer school.

No. There will be a range of assessments during the summer school so you will know how you are progressing right the way through. If on any assessment you don't quite make it first time, you will be able to have another go.

If you successfully complete all four maths units you will have a qualification equivalent in level and scope to GCSE grade C. The summer school is validated by the Open College Network West Midlands region (part of the National Open College Network) and you will receive a certificate from them at the end of the summer school. If for some reason you don't successfully complete all four maths units you will be given credit (and a certificate for the units you have successfully completed.

Contact Enquiries on 01782 294400. If you have any outstanding questions, they will help you. You will then need to make an appointment to come and see one of the team. This will give you the opportunity to find out if SUMSS is right for you and will enable them to check your eligibility and suitability. They will also be able to give you information and advice on opportunities available in further and higher education and help you plan your next step.