This video lecture, presented by Dr Simon Usherwood (University of Surrey) as part of the MASSOLIT course "The UK and the European Union", examines the creation of the institutional foundations of the European Union after the Second World War. It focuses on the political, economic and international factors that opened a window for European integration, including post-war reconstruction, the desire for enduring peace, and the Cold War context.

The module situates the EU's formation within three converging impulses and introduces analytical frameworks useful for understanding the EU's structure, such as intergovernmentalism and supranationalism. The wider course also considers the impact of EU membership on UK political life and the complexities behind Brexit, using historical and institutional perspectives to explain contemporary developments.

This lecture is curriculum-linked and intended for GCSE, A Level and IB students (and their teachers). The content is presented as a high-quality, curriculum-aligned video resource hosted by MASSOLIT; full access requires an account on the MASSOLIT site.

Study Mind runs a 1-week Economics work experience programme designed to give school students practical, hands-on exposure to economic concepts and real-world applications. The programme is led by experts and focuses on interactive simulations, economic modelling and data analysis to help participants bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional practice.

Participants take part in Economics Practice Days featuring case studies, group exercises and role-play scenarios that develop analytical and decision-making skills. The programme also offers UCAS application support and interview coaching, helping students prepare stronger university applications and demonstrating their experience with a certificate on completion.

The Study Mind programme runs in multiple UK locations (London, Manchester and Birmingham) and is explicitly presented as suitable for ages 15-18, with a focus on Year 12 students. Interested applicants are invited to book or find out more via the Study Mind website link provided on the page.

Kirkaldy’s Testing Works offers pre-booked visits, regular public tours and bespoke group experiences at its historic Southwark workshop in London. Visitors can see the Universal Testing Machine in action on selected premium tours, explore the story of the Testing Works through video, and, on some visits, watch smaller machines being demonstrated by volunteers. For schools and colleges, the venue is a hands-on STEM learning space focused on Physics and D&T for older students. Its Materials Testing Workshop helps students understand materials testing, measurement and data collection, and brings ideas such as Hooke’s Law and Young’s modulus to life using historic working machines. The team also welcomes private group visits and tailored events, and asks teachers or organisers to get in touch to discuss pricing and arrangements.

UCL Campus Tours are guided, in-person walks of the Bloomsbury campus led by current UCL Student Ambassadors. Tours last around an hour and typically include a view of key campus features and informal insight into student life and applying to study at UCL. Tours do not include visits to academic departments or halls of residence; visitors are directed to UCL course finders and accommodation pages for further course- or accommodation-specific information. Guided tours run regularly on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday (times include 11:00, 12:00, 13:00 and 14:00 slots depending on the day) with additional sessions scheduled on specific dates (see schedule). Bookings open at the start of each month for events the following month. Spaces are limited, there is no waiting list, and the booking form will show "No available sessions" when fully booked. Accessibility information is provided and queries about access arrangements can be emailed to campustours@ucl.ac.uk. Group visits for schools, colleges and universities can be arranged via the Student Recruitment team; UK state school groups may be eligible for Year 7-11 or Year 12 campus visits. Alternatives to guided tours include self-guided tours, online resources and other open events.

The TeenTech Awards are a national competition for young innovators that invites students to develop and showcase projects addressing real-world problems. Participants may work individually or in teams of up to three across a wide range of innovation, skills and research categories, exploring areas such as transport, healthcare, energy efficiency, digital media and more. Every submitted project receives feedback and is awarded bronze, silver or gold; the strongest entries progress to the TeenTech Awards Final for judging. The programme supports schools with suggested structures and industry contacts, and TeenTech connects teams with industry mentors to help develop projects. TeenTech also runs live, interactive 'Top Tips' sessions for teachers and students to explain how to run the Awards successfully and to help with research, IP protection and practical project development. Winners of the Final receive a cash prize and finalists take part in the showcase and judging events. Registration for the TeenTech Awards 2027 is open via the Stage 1 Form, with full submissions opening in early 2027.

Join LUNG Theatre for a practical bootcamp exploring how verbatim theatre is created and how real people’s words can be brought to life on stage. The session uses testimony and interview transcripts to show how stories are selected, edited, shaped and performed, with a focus on the creative choices involved in making powerful theatre from real voices. Led by Co-Director Matt Woodhead, this is a hands-on introduction designed for people who are new to verbatim theatre or want to strengthen their understanding of the basics. Alongside technique, the workshop considers the ethical responsibilities of representing other people’s experiences and how to handle source material carefully and meaningfully. It is an in-person session at Lowry Studio and is aimed at participants who want practical insight into the process behind verbatim performance.

The mA*ths Online Programme at The University of Manchester is an outreach programme for A-level Mathematics students aimed at supporting those with the potential to achieve A/A* in A-level Maths. It is delivered in collaboration with Mathematics in Education and Industry (MEI) and Imperial College London, and combines online study with tailored mentoring and face-to-face masterclasses on the University of Manchester campus.

Participants receive online mentoring from current University of Manchester students and take part in two structured Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) focused on challenging A-level topics, with practice questions and assessments to track progress. The programme also includes one-day introductory masterclasses (on campus) to meet mentors and one-day closing masterclasses to consolidate learning and prepare for final A-level examinations.

The programme targets pupils from communities underrepresented in higher education and is restricted to applicants from eligible north west postcodes. Applications for Year 12 programmes are open via the application link; applications for the Year 13 programme are marked as closed on the page. For further information applicants can contact mathsonline@manchester.ac.uk.

Join the University of Gloucestershire for a Psychology Taster Day at the new City Campus in Gloucester. Attendees will gain hands-on experience in the university's facilities and learn about degree-level study in psychology from expert teaching staff.

Participants will receive insider interview tips, have opportunities to chat with current students, and take a guided tour of the campus and facilities. The event is designed to help Year 12 and 13 (or equivalent) students explore what studying psychology at university is like.

For more information or to register, contact the outreach team via [email protected]. The event takes place at City Campus, GL1 1AW, Gloucester.

The British Physics Olympiad Senior Physics Challenge (SPC) is a national competition aimed at Year 12 (first year of A-level or equivalent) students. There are two routes: SPC Online, a quiz-style competition made up of two 30-minute multiple-choice sets designed to encourage wider reading and interest in physics; and the traditional paper SPC, a one-hour problem-based paper that challenges students' problem-solving and application of core physics principles.

Both competitions are intended to be taken in school under teacher supervision and are not permitted to be sat remotely. The online event is run via the BPhO Competition Platform and is accessible to capable students (not an Olympiad-level paper). The paper competition uses a problem-set format with past papers recommended for preparation; teachers download papers from the Competition Platform and mark scripts in school using the provided mark scheme.

Entry arrangements vary: SPC Online charges £20 for a school entry (up to 999 students), the paper competition is free for (UK) schools while international schools have a £20 fee for up to 100 students. Results, reports and supporting materials (sample questions, past papers, mark schemes) are available on the Competition Platform. Selected top performers may be invited (with their teacher) to the Royal Society awards.

The Experience Engineering Academy is a two-week on-campus summer course run by Oxford Scholastica Academy on the Oxford University campus. Students tackle real-world engineering challenges-building an engine, designing hydraulic and pneumatic systems, exploring aerodynamics and thermodynamic cycles-and are guided by tutors typically drawn from Oxford and Cambridge.

Beyond daily classes, the programme includes an intensive four-hour Bridge Building Challenge that tests teamwork, budgeting and structural design. Masterclasses, visits from an established engineer, cultural excursions and a full social programme (including an International Boat Ball, punting and college experiences) give participants a taste of university life alongside academic learning.

Class sizes are capped (maximum 15 students). All successful participants receive an Oxford Scholastica Academy Certificate of Achievement, and qualifying students may be awarded a personalised Letter of Recommendation and access to the Ambassador Programme for follow-on activities.

Oxford Scholastica's Online Psychology & Neuroscience Course is a live, tutor-led summer programme for motivated 15-18 year olds. Delivered via Zoom, classes run daily with two hours of live tutorial time (1-3 PM UK time) plus independent study, and are capped at a maximum of 15 students to ensure personalised feedback. The course explores topics including memory, learning, emotions, personality, neuroimaging, the ethics of psychology and practical research skills.

Students can choose one- or two-week options: the two-week course includes approximately 20 hours of live teaching plus masterclasses, practical research sessions and a final presentation. Teaching is typically delivered by academics from universities such as Oxford and Cambridge; participants receive detailed personalised feedback and can be considered for a Letter of Recommendation for outstanding performance.

On successful completion students receive an Oxford Scholastica Academy Certificate of Achievement, access to a Graduation event (recording provided), and an invitation to the Ambassador Programme. The programme is aimed at school-aged learners preparing for university applications and those wishing to deepen their understanding of psychology and neuroscience.

Surrey County Archaeological Unit offers a range of volunteering opportunities across fieldwork and post-excavation activities. Summer community projects include excavations, surveys and field walking; no previous experience is needed and training is provided. Volunteers can join digs during the warmer months to gain hands-on experience in archaeological field techniques.

Year-round Wednesday sessions are held at the Surrey History Centre in Woking, focused on processing finds and samples; these sessions run 11:00-16:00 and require booking. The unit also provides limited work experience placements targeted at students in Year 11, sixth form and college, and publishes career resources online for those considering heritage and archaeological careers.

To get involved or for further details about placements, sessions and summer projects, contact the Surrey County Archaeological Unit directly. Note that placement availability can be limited, so early enquiries are recommended.

The Medic Mentor Virtual Work Experience Programme, developed in partnership with University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, provides an immersive remote insight into medicine for students considering medical school. The programme covers six different areas of medicine, involves real doctors and high-fidelity clinical simulations, and takes students through a complete patient journey and the multidisciplinary team.

The course is e-learning based so students can complete sessions in their own time around school work. Students have 30 days to complete each session, and a certificate of completion is awarded once all six sessions are finished. A free reflective journal is included to support personal statements and interview preparation for medical school applications.

This programme is positioned to help prospective medical applicants demonstrate people-focused experience and observation of healthcare to medical schools. Access to the virtual work experience is provided via attendance at a Get Into Medicine conference.

St Oswald’s Hospice currently advertises a wide range of volunteer roles across hospice and retail services. Opportunities include clinical-support roles (e.g. Lymphoedema Volunteers, Bereavement Support), specialist roles (Podiatry Volunteer, Hairdressing Volunteer), horticulture and maintenance (Gardening, Facilities Volunteer), and retail and logistics roles (Shop Volunteer, Vinted Volunteer, Van Crew, Volunteer Book Scanner, eBay Sales Assistant, Sorting Volunteer and Donation Point Receptionist). Role descriptions and application forms are available for download on the site. Many roles offer flexible hours and full training where required; some roles seek specific skills or qualifications (for example, qualified podiatrists or experienced hairdressers). The Bereavement Support Volunteer training is a 9-part programme run over eight weeks; cohorts are recruited periodically - see the role page for the next intake. Locations include the Hospice, Gosforth clinics and the Retail Hub/Ouseburn (NE1), with roles sometimes based at Kingston Park or other local sites. To apply, download the relevant role description and return the completed volunteer application form to volunteer@stoswaldsuk.org. Role-specific contacts (e.g. AnnTraynor@stoswaldsuk.org, Ouseburn@stoswaldsuk.org, brendahodgson@stoswaldsuk.org) are listed on role pages for enquiries.

The Spanish Residential Summer School for Teenagers runs on a secure Albergue campus in Marbella city centre and offers 2- or 4-week options with full-board accommodation. Students can choose residence, homestay, day camp, or course-only options. Residence accommodation is in 3- or 4-bed dormitories with air-conditioning and en-suite bathrooms; homestay students stay in twin rooms with shared facilities (no air-conditioning). Extras such as airport transfers and additional nights can be arranged for a fee.

Tuition comprises 20 Spanish lessons per week held between 09:00 and 12:30 in a nearby school (maximum 15 students per class). Course materials are included. Activities are scheduled every weekday afternoon and evening until about 19:30, with half-day excursions during the week and full-day excursions at weekends. Supervised workshops, sports, cultural activities and conversation sessions are part of the programme.

The course is suitable for students aged 1418 of any nationality and ability level, including complete beginners. Students are grouped by age and gender; those aged 15+ may have supervised free time in small groups with parental permission. Arrival is normally the Sunday before lessons start, with departure the Saturday after the course ends.

Dukes Plus runs a programme of free online events and webinars aimed at students, parents, and educators to support university and admissions preparation. Topics cover test preparation (UCAT, TMUA, ESAT, TARA), subject- and sector-specific guidance (medicine, law, drama), how to find work experience, US college admissions and athletic recruitment, and general application strategy for domestic and international universities. Each webinar is delivered online in the evening (listed at 6pm UK time) and is suitable for school-age students preparing for GCSEs, A-levels/IB, and university applications, as well as for parents and teachers seeking guidance on supporting applicants. Past webinars are available as recordings in the archive sections for specific topics (Medicine, Oxbridge, US applications, Drama, tutoring and revision). Sign-up is managed via the Dukes Plus website events page. The series aims to provide practical, actionable advice for students at different stages of the pre-university journey and to demystify admissions tests and application choices.

Cambridge Open Days 2026 are in-person events for prospective undergraduate applicants to discover what the University of Cambridge is really like. The main undergraduate Open Day dates are Thursday 9 July 2026 and Friday 10 July 2026, and a separate Colleges Open Day is scheduled for Friday 11 September 2026. These events are designed to help Year 12 applicants (or equivalent) and mature applicants (aged 21+) learn more about studying at Cambridge, and to allow parents and supporters to accompany prospective students.

Booking for the July 2026 Open Days will open in Spring 2026; booking for the Colleges Open Day in September 2026 will open after the July Open Days. To be notified when bookings go live, visitors are encouraged to sign up to the undergraduate newsletters. The website also lists other ways to discover Cambridge, including applicant webinars, subject masterclasses, a virtual tour, and an events listing for college and departmental activities.

FaithTech BUILD is an annual UK weekend hackathon where developers, designers, product people and other tech-minded builders team up to work on real projects that matter. Around 100 participants join roughly 15 teams for a fast-moving sprint, with the best teams often mixing technical and non-technical people. The format is collaborative and hands-on, and you do not need to be a developer to take part. Across the weekend, teams work on projects brought by charities, churches, ministries, kingdom-focused businesses, or individuals with an idea. The aim is to make meaningful progress in a short space of time, whether that becomes deployed code, a prototype, a concept design or another practical solution. The event is rooted in a Christian approach to technology and brings together people who want to use their skills for good. The weekend takes place in person at Here East in London and includes meals. Attendees also hear from guest judge David Gardner, with team presentations and awards at the end. Project owners can also submit a project for consideration, and accepted projects are matched with a dedicated team for the full event.

This two-hour in-person creative writing workshop focuses on the idea of middles, exploring the centre of a piece both thematically and structurally. It is designed to help participants think about what happens in the middle of a poem, short story, essay or novel, and how that central section can shape the overall impact of the writing. The session will consider how writers begin, continue and finish a project, with practical discussion and creative exercises that lead into new writing. It is suitable for all writers, whether they are just starting out or already have more experience and want to develop their craft further.

Afternoon Anatomy at the Royal Veterinary College is an on-campus taster session for Year 10 to Year 12 pupils (ages 14–17) considering undergraduate studies in Biological Sciences, Veterinary Medicine or Veterinary Nursing. Held at the Camden Campus in London, the session introduces comparative physiology across the animal kingdom through practical, hands-on activities and expert-led demonstrations.

The day begins with an introductory talk and continues with a Directed Learning session based on a simulated disease outbreak inspired by real Biological Sciences course content. Participants will take part in an interactive quiz using real animal specimens in the Anatomy Museum led by the Head of Anatomy, Mr Andrew Crook MBE, and will have the opportunity to observe and learn from a live animal experience conducted by the Anatomy Team. The session is designed to give pupils a realistic insight into veterinary and biosciences study.

To be eligible applicants must attend a non-selective state-funded school or college in the UK; priority is given to students meeting RVC Widening Participation criteria (for example FSM eligibility or being first in family to attend university). The event is free, capacity is limited (32 pupils), and travel reimbursement may be available via the FSM Bursary.