The First Campus Residential ran at the University of Glamorgan this year during the first week of July. 

120 Year nine School Pupils from Treorchy Comprehensive School, Ysgol Cwm Rhymni, Michaelston Community College, Bishop Hedley High School, Barry Comprehensive School, Glyn Derw High School,  Heolddu Comprehensive School, Willows High School and Llanrumney High School spent three days with First Campus experiencing student life.

The aim of the project is to give the young people an experience of university life.  Day one was the equivalent of Freshers’ Week, and the pupils were split into groups to mix with young people from other schools and enjoy a series of team building activities.

Everyone was then put into a course groups and spent the next two days studying their chosen topic.  At the end of the programme, the team organised a graduation ceremony for everyone who completed the programme.  Parents and family were invited to the graduation ceremony to celebrate the efforts of the pupils and award them their certificates.

The courses on offer were based at University of Wales Newport, University of Wales Institute Cardiff and the University of Glamorgan.  They included Music Composition, Astronomy, Chemistry, Dance, Catering, Product Design,  Complementary Therapies, Sport, Animation and Design and Technology/Engineering.  In the evenings, the First Campus team organsied a BBQ, Discos, Karaoke and a pub quiz.  The pupils visited the Students' Union for a taste of real student nightlife.  

Natalie Ray, First Campus Coordinator at the University of Glamorgan, said 'Its been a very hectic three days as we have been working around the clock to fill the programme with fun and educational activities.  Its been really rewarding to see everyone enjoying themselves so much.  We felt that the pupils got a lot out of the experience and we are already planning for next year!'