Over One Hundred Second Level Students Take Part in Trinity Access Programmes Shadowing Event

Posted on: 16 February 2009

The annual Trinity Access Programmes (TAP) Shadowing Days took place on February 10th and 12th last. The Shadowing programme, which is sponsored by NCB Stockbrokers, helps second level students gain a hands-on understanding of Trinity College and aids them in making informed decisions regarding options for third level study.  

This year's programme involved over one hundred 5th year students from TAP linked schools, who each spent a day on campus shadowing 70 TCD undergraduate volunteers in a wide variety of courses. The secondary pupils are paired with students studying courses in which they are interested in pursuing at third level. This year, the most popular choices among the visiting students were engineering, science, medicine, law and psychology.

"I liked that I was able to sit in lectures and get a taste of what is in store for me when I come to college.  It was really good being able to ask all the questions I wanted instead of being in a big group," stated one 5th year student participant.

Aishling O'Keeffe, TCD physiotherapy student, LauraMcKay of Ardscoil LaSalle, AliciaBrady of Loreto College, SarahMcCahill of Assumption Senior School and Sharon Kieran TCD physiotherapy student.

The Shadowing Days are one of a suite of programmes available to students in TAP linked second level schools and gives secondary school pupils the unique opportunity to experience first hand the physical, academic, cultural and social aspects of student life in Trinity College.  As well as attending lectures and having tours of the campus, students participated in activities designed to introduce them to college societies which included a mock debate with the Philosophical Society and an improvisation workshop with the Comedy Society.  

For more information on the Trinity Access Programmes, please visit www.tcd.ie/Trinity_Access or contact Melanie McArdle, Student Activities Coordinator, Trinity Access Programmes at email: mmcardle@tcd.ie or phone:  896 3647.