The year 12 Seren Academy learners from across Wales have spent three days as undergrads at Cardiff University’s state-of-the-art medical and dentistry facilities, attending practical clinical sessions and interactive lectures. Students had the opportunity to live on campus like real undergraduates, learning clinical and communication skills from practising experts.
During the three days, 15 Seren students attended the dentistry residential at Wales’ only dental school at Cardiff University. They participated in dental workshops and gained first-hand experience in dentistry.
Additionally, the potential medics got hands-on experience as doctors during the ‘Hope Hospital’ workshop. With volunteers playing the part of patients the students, supported by clinicians, were required to take their clinical histories, assess, and treat symptoms.
Lynne Neagle, cabinet secretary for education, said, “Seren has had tremendous success supporting the most able Welsh students to reach their full potential. This is yet another example of how the academy is inspiring the doctors and dentists of the future to apply to the best degree courses.
“We will always need highly skilled medical professionals, and this is a great way of not only highlighting the fantastic facilities Welsh universities can offer students but also help Welsh students get into rewarding careers in medicine, irrespective of background”.
The Seren Academy’s residential courses are one part of the programme of activity provided to its learners to build the relevant skills, experience and expertise to apply for competitive courses and universities.
Last year, 166 learners from the Seren Academy went on to study medicine or dentistry at leading universities.
The Seren Academy is a fully funded Welsh Government initiative to support the most able learners, regardless of socioeconomic background, who have the ambition, capability and curiosity to excel in their future educational goals. Currently, around 23,000 learners in years eight to 13 are participating in Seren.
Andrew Dickenson, chief dental officer, said, “It was a privilege to welcome and chat to the prospective dental students at Cardiff University School of Dentistry Summer School this week. Good oral health is integral to everyone’s overall health and, as such, dentists are essential members of our healthcare system.
"The summer school will highlight that dentistry is a rewarding career with opportunities to make a genuine contribution to our population’s health. Using the fantastic modern facilities at Cardiff Dental Hospital will showcase how our future dentists are being trained and stimulate their interest whilst preparing for their university applications”.