Once the Bassetlaw Citizenship Summer School 2008 had finished, all the pupils gone home and the staff finally allowed to get a good night's sleep again, the young people were asked for their comments on the school. A selection of them are below.

Responses from Summer School 2008

If John runs the school again next year, what advice would you give to the students?
Wear flat Shows.  Try to sleep well, enjoy yourself and be prepared for the time of your life?

It was a fantastic experience, I will never forget it.  I have learnt that to be in a high status job, you don’t need private education.  And if I aim high enough, I could be in their position one day.

The session that I most enjoyed was at GMTV.  I enjoyed this as it offered an interesting take on what the media has to offer.

Did you learn anything during the school? If so, what?
That I can achieve more than people tell me.

The School has provided me with an opportunity of a lifetime not only am I truly grateful for it but I know that it will influence many decisions I make in life.

I learnt that there are many different job opportunities that I never thought would be in my grasp.

During the summer school I have gained many life skills which I will definitely use.  It exceeded my expectations and I would recommend it to anyone.  A really good summer school.

If John runs the school again next year, what advice would you give to the students?
I would tell them to do so as much as they can to get noticed and away with no regrets.  Also not to hide behind others and be confident in their ideas.

This summer school has opened so many new doors for me and made me re-think my choices for A-Levels.  The respect we were shown was incredible and made us want to engage in activities.

I am really grateful to be part of such a great experience which opened my eyes to many career opportunities and made me a very confident person.

I really enjoyed the play at Shakespeare globe, it was fantastic and we could all get involved.  However, I also enjoyed the tour around GMTV because I liked meeting all the stars and seeing how it worked.

Did you learn anything during the school? If so, what?
A LOT.  How parliament works and what the different people in parliament do.  I also learned how to develop and market a new idea to improve a sector of the public services.

I have totally new knowledge about Parliament, the government and how every-day life proceeds in a city.

Thank you so much for providing the experience.

All in all I really enjoyed the whole trip it has helped me think and have an insight into the different jobs and careers for the future.  Thanks to John.

I learnt the art of hobnobbing, it was and is extremely useful.  I also learnt more about politics and its everyday impact in life.

It was absolutely amazing, fantastic opportunities that were once in a life time.

If John runs the school again next year, What advice would you give to the students?
Get involved with everything and enjoy every minute of it.

Any other comments?
It was fantastic and so worth while an experience of a life time.

What session did you most enjoy and why?
I liked watching parliament “Question Time” and going to the Globe Theatre.  Also the tour of parliament and meeting the speaker.  I can’t decide a favourite!

Any other comments?
Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the trip.  I was a bit uncertain about what it was going to be like but I have enjoyed almost every minute!  What an experience!  I am very grateful.

Did you learn anything during the school? If so, what?
I learned how a select committee works to a great extent as well as grasping a better knowledge of our political environment.

Fantastic four days, high pace but very enjoyable and educational.

Students from Bassetlaw Summer School 2008

An excellent opportunity for young people with lots of ambition, self-confidence and drive to experience life changing and thought provoking experiences.  They were a real credit to both the school and to the youth of Bassetlaw.  Their maturity work and commitment were a pleasure to see and this was particularly exemplified for me by the A4E presentations following the gala dinner.

Teacher