1. UCL OUTREACH OFFICE
UCL FAMILY DISCOVERY DAYS
UCL is running a series of free activities in July and August for both young people and their parents/
carers. These fun and interactive sessions are a great way to learn and discover something new together.
Wednesday 7th July How Political Cartoonists Think Up and Draw Their Ideas
5.30–7.30pm In this interactive talk, Guardian cartoonist and artist Patrick Blower will take you on a journey
Ages 11-16 through the world of political cartooning. Illustrating his talk with his work from both the Evening
Standard and the Guardian, he will explore some of the tricks of the trade. Armed with pencil
and paper, you will be invited to have a go too. As the session progresses, cartoonist and
audience will consider that day’s main news stories and attempt to come up with some ideas
for the next day’s political cartoon. Bring your thinking caps for an evening with a difference.
Monday 9 August Basic First Aid
1.00–4.30pm An introduction to basic first aid. You will learn how to handle emergency situations and how to
Ages 11-16 treat conditions like choking, bleeding and broken bones. UCL medical students will be present
to help you learn and to answer any questions about university in general.
Tuesday 10 August Violent Volcanoes: A Story of Two Volcanoes 100 Years Apart
10.30am–12.30pm In 1883 the eruption of Krakatau in Indonesia killed over 36,000 people. Just over a century
Ages 14-16 later in 1991, a similarly sized volcano called Mt Pinatubo erupted in the Philippines, yet less
than 400 were killed. During this session you will discover what scientists learnt in that 100
years, and how they used this knowledge to develop volcano monitoring and warning systems.
You will be able to try forecasting volcanic activity and issuing warnings in a simulation of the
eruption of Mt Pinatubo, and see what really happened and how well you did in saving lives!
Wednesday 11 August Self-Defence
10.30am–12.30pm This two-hour session in personal safety awareness and effective physical defence techniques
All ages welcome will cover different self-defence techniques ranging from stances to grab releases and will also
include crime prevention tips. The session leader is a former Metropolitan Police Officer and
Officer Safety Instructor.
Thursday 12 August Photography
10.30am–4.30pm A fun and interactive taster session in basic photography skills. You will learn how to use a
Ages 11-16 camera – what all those buttons and knobs do, the basic rules of composition and tips on
taking pictures like the professionals. You will also learn about the ‘digital dark room’ including
uploading images and seeing how they can be processed or digitally altered.
Wednesday 18 August Spanish
10.30am–12.30pm Discover Spanish language and culture through games and music. In this session you will learn
Ages 7-12 useful and practical Spanish phrases that you can use while on holiday in Spain, as well as
learning more about Spanish music and food.
Wednesday 18 August French
2.00–4.00pm Discover French language and culture through games and music. In this session you will learn
Ages 7-12 useful and practical French phrases that you can use while on holiday in France, as well as
learning more about French music and food.
The aim of UCL Family Discovery Days is to enable young people and their parents/carers to explore
and develop new skills together. We kindly request that all adults are accompanied by a young person.
For further details and to register your place please contact Lisa Schappert:
Email: l.schappert@ucl.ac.uk or Tel: 020 7679 1365