The students attended courses in mathematics and computer science such as the lecture "Software Technology" by Dr Marcel Schweitzer, "Fundamentals of Computer Architecture" by Prof. Dr Norbert Eickler and Dr Martin Galgon or "Fundamentals of Mathematics" by Prof. Dr Jochen Glück. Participation included attending both the lecture and the accompanying tutorial. In the past semester, however, there were also events from the courses offered by the schools of human and social sciences and humanities: one student deepened his social science interests in the lecture "Introduction to Political Theory" by Prof. Dr Detlef Sack, another took part in the lecture "The Renaissance in Italy" from the history department with private lecturer Dr Arne Karsten.

Finding suitable courses together

In principle, courses from all faculties are open to school students. These are selected by the participants in consultation with the academic advisors according to their interests and previous knowledge. In this context, a decision can also be made as to whether the pupil student is allowed to provide proof of performance at the end.

It is also possible to take part in exercises that focus on teaching application knowledge and practical skills. One student, for example, took part in an exercise in biology: "Form knowledge of animals" (zoological form knowledge) with Prof. Dr Gela Preisfeld, Frederike Sill and Dr Sabrina Bleidißel. Using skulls and animal specimens, she learnt how to identify animal species with the help of a thick, eight-hundred-page book and under the guidance of her teachers.

Pursuing individual interests and talents

"A really great experience!" the pupil reported enthusiastically in a follow-up discussion at the end of the semester, as it is for her as it is for many other pupils: The young people have the experience of being able to pursue their individual interests and, above all, talents completely unhindered at university. Of course, this also requires a certain amount of organisation on the part of the students: the participants usually attend the events instead of their regular lessons, from which they are exempted by the school. But looking back, it was usually worth it. The biology student, for example, would like to continue her experience. Perhaps in German studies, because she has always been interested in science journalism as a career.

In the past summer semester, pupils from the following schools took part: From Wuppertal: Gymnasium am Kothen, Wilhelm-Dörpfeld-Gymnasium, Ganztagsgymnasium Johannes Rau, Gymnasium Vohwinkel and Märkisches Gymnasium Schwelm from Ennepetal.

The "Exzellent starten - Studieren vor dem Abitur" programme is open to particularly high-achieving pupils as a supplement to lessons at school. More information can be found at www.zsb.uni-wuppertal.de