The Sutton Trust
The conference has been funded by the Sutton Trust, a charity that makes grants to projects that provide educational opportunities for able young people from non-privileged backgrounds. The projects range from early years (0-3 year olds), through primary and secondary schooling, to further and higher education, including research projects, with an emphasis on innovative start-up projects that have the scope to benefit large numbers in the future.
The Sutton Trust was founded in 1997 by Sir Peter Lampl. It has a particular emphasis on recognising the needs and raising the aspirations of the academically able. Most funding goes to educational institutions such as schools, colleges and universities. The Trust only funds projects that are based in the UK.
The Gateway Conference - Promoting Participation in Medicine
About Us
Leeds WAMS (Widening Access to Medical School) Scheme was set up by five third year medical students from the University of Leeds in June 2002. During the course of the past five years the scheme has gone from strength to strength and is currently coordinated by a committee of 22 enthusiastic medical students. There’s more information about the Leeds WAMS Scheme at www.wanttobeadoctor.co.uk.
The aim of the scheme is to widen access to medicine; it is hoped that this will increase the number of successful applications of students from a wide range of backgrounds, thus encouraging a breed of doctors who have a greater understanding of the diverse culture in which we now live.
We achieve our aims in three main ways:
1. Mentoring
Sixth form pupils from schools in West Yorkshire are paired with medical student mentors who provide them with factual information about life at university, help with the admissions process and boosting confidence. Mentoring is provided via the Brightside Trust’s Bright Journals web platform and also face-to-face.
2. Workshops
The Leeds WAMS scheme coordinates presentations in schools in West Yorkshire, to year 9 ⁄ 10 and year 12 students. A range of presentations are undertaken: talks on admissions, interview skills and interactive workshops on topics which tie into the National Curriculum whilst also promoting a career in medicine and dispelling some of the myths about doctors.
3. Our website
www.wanttobeadoctor.co.uk "Want to be a doctor" is a website offering medical school admissions advice for school leavers and mature students.
