Computer Science @ Oxford Taster Day
Thursday, June 14th 2012, 9:15 — 4pm
This event is aimed at year 12 students (and very keen year 11s) who are actively considering taking Computer Science, or a maths-related course at University, and are currently figuring out their options.
- explore what computer science is — attend lectures by Oxford experts on subjects including computational biology, the cross over between Philosophy and Computer Science, and discover whether computers can think.
- find out about the Oxford Computer Science degrees — including joint-honours degrees.
- have a go at some programming — try out our hands-on activities
- learn about the Oxford application process — explore real interview questions with the Tutors who ask them
- visit an Oxford college — find out what its really like to live and study at Oxford
The day will combine lectures, and practical hands-on sessions, as well as advice on the Oxford application process. Speakers will include Oxford University lecturers and there'll be the chance to meet current Oxford Computer Science students.
Audience
This event is intended for those interested in doing a Computer Science degree but who are undecided or who want to learn more. The day is open to high-achieving year 11 and 12 students from UK schools. (Year 13 students taking a gap year, who will be applying for 2013 university admission are also welcome.) Students should be taking, or planning on taking Maths A Level (or equivalent), and expect to receive at least an A grade in it. Students taking Further Maths are particularly welcome. Attendees should be considering applying to university. Schools can send groups if they wish, but spaces are limited, so no more than six students per school. There is no minimum.
When and where
Department of Computer Science, Wolfson Building, Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QD, Thursday, June 14th 2012, 9:15 — 4pm. Booking essential.
FAQs
Do participants need to have studied IT/Computer Science before coming to the day?
No previous knowledge is expected. Computer Science at Oxford is a very mathematical subject, so an aptitude for Maths is all we ask for. Attendees who have previously studied Computer Science before also more than welcome.
How much does the taster day cost?
This event is free to attend. You should bring your own packed lunch. (Please note there is nowhere onsite to purchase food, but tea and coffee will be freely available.) Attendees will need to organize their own transport to Oxford. (See below).
How do I book?
Teachers can book places for your students here. Places are very limited so please only book as many as you need.
I'm an A Level student and I want to book a place for myself. My school is not sending a group. Is that ok?
As long as you're over 16 we're happy for you to attend unaccompanied. (Under 16s please bring a parent with you.) But, we do ask that your school books the place - please ask your teacher to do it for you. It only takes a couple of minutes. As long as they include your name and contact details in the "special requirements" box we'll make sure you get copies of the confirmation emails too. However, if you received a priority invitation from us, as a result of applying to the UNIQ summer school, please see the question below.
I received a priority invitation having previously applied to the Oxford UNIQ scheme. Do I still need to get my teacher to sign me up for this?
No - this is the exception to the rule. If you received a priority invitation from us, as a follow up to your UNIQ application, you can just fill out the form yourself. We already have your school details on file from the earlier application.
My school would like to send a couple of students with a parent/unaccompanied. How do we book?
We understand that sometimes schools might only have one or two students who you would like to attend, and can't justify sending a teacher for so few pupils. We are happy for a parent to accompany the student(s) or for students over the age of 16 to attend unaccompanied. We do however ask that schools book the places. We need to have confirmation of which school students are at, and that you as a school know the student is coming to the event. If you are a school but it's a parent attending, or the student(s) is unaccompanied, please book using the booking form (see above), entering the school's contact details, but let us know in the "special requirements" box who is actually coming. If you'd like confirmation information sent to multiple email addressees include those in the same box. If you are a school group, ideally you should bring no more than one teacher per six students. Schools will need to fulfil your school's own policies about trips.
Do I need to book a parent place?
Parents who book for this particular event will follow the same programme as the prospective students. We have a limited number of seats available for the event, and although parents are very welcome, we do ask that you only book a parent place for parents who are planning on staying for the event. If your son or daughter is over 16, and you are just dropping them off/picking them up, or plan on going shopping for the day there is no need to book a parent place at the event.
My students aren't doing A Levels and we're a college not a school — can our students still take part?
Yes! We don't mind what kind of school or college attendees come from, just as long as it's in the UK and the students are thinking about university applications. We tend to talk about 'schools' when we should say 'schools or colleges' because the word 'college' means something different to us: at Oxford colleges form part of the University. Students who are taking Baccalaureates, Scottish Highers, etc are also more than welcome — there are just too many alternative qualifications to list them all. Please don't be offended, or think that we're trying to exclude you. If we are oversubscribed priority will be given to students from state schools.
How do I get to the venue?
The Department of Computer Science is on the corner of Keble Road and Parks Road in the St Giles area of Oxford — maps and directions can be found here. We strongly recommended that you use public transport if at all possible. If you do travel by car or minibus, please note that parking in the city centre is very limited. There are several Park & Ride bus services that run from car parks on the outskirts of Oxford. The local traffic wardens are less than keen on mini-busses being parked on Keble Road. If you are brining a minibus please note the Council's pages on access for High Sided Vehicles at Park and Rides.
Unfortunately we are not able to provide accommodation. If you cannot get to Oxford and back in one day you may like to consult Oxford Rooms which offers B&B accommodation at Oxford Colleges. Alternatively you might consider one of the city's Youth Hostels.
What should my students bring/wear?
You need to bring a packed lunch. Tea, coffee, juice, etc will be freely available during the day, but there's nowhere on site to purchase lunch, and not enough time in the programme to pop out and get anything. There will be some walking during the day (eg the College tour) so sensible shoes are suggested. Some participants will wear school uniform, others won't: either is fine.
I've got a question — who do I talk to?
Please contact: opendays@cs.ox.ac.uk
Please note the organisers reserve the right to change programme without notification or to make alterations to the advertised details for the day at short notice.