On Campus (1970) original text

The film “On Campus” was inspired by the idea of a student who wished to demonstrate the difference in teaching methods, in particular in mathematics, to be found in universities as compared with schools and, therefore, to make the transition for students easier. This idea was welcomed at the University of Warwick and was extended to embrace as many aspects of university life as possible within the framework of a twenty minute film. It is, therefore, a film made specifically for sixth formers to see, and to be entertained by, in the hope that this will cause them to reflect on how they are going to make the best use of their time while at this, or any other university.

The film was shot in Spring 1970, on location at the University of Warwick; it is very definitely concerned with student life, and for that reason the interviews and views expressed are with and of students, rather than other members of the University. The film shows students at work in lectures and libraries, indulging in argument, their social life, the type of accommodation provided on campus, the type of buildings at a new university, and in this way provides an insight into the sort of problems which face students as they adjust from school to university. In particular, the film gives a good picture of the University campus, situated astride the Coventry-Warwickshire boundary some 2½ miles south-west of the centre of Coventry and extending over 400 acres of open countryside. It is the largest site in Britain designated entirely for university development and as such offers an opportunity for Warwick to grow to be one of the largest British universities. Though the first stage of the Development Plan takes the University up to the 5,000 students size, further stages show possible extended growth to a student population of 10,000 or 15,000 or more. The film shows the sort of teaching methods and courses offered to students, covering a wide field in Arts, Social Studies and Science. At the time of shooting the University numbered some 2,000 students, 260 members of academic staff, including 27 professors and 65 research staff.

What the film does not and cannot show are the exciting new developments planned at Warwick over the next few years. Among these is the University Sports Centre, scheduled for completion by Easter 1971, which will include a swimming pool, a Sports Hall with facilities for badminton, two other rooms for special activities and four squash courts. A new Arts Centre will comprise a theatre-studio, conference room, coffee shop, bookshop, and a theatre auditorium seating 600 people as well as a music centre.

It is hoped that when the film is shown in schools it will form part of a discussion on universities, and that wherever possible a student or a member of staff of a university will be present. The film was directed by Stefan Sargent, produced by Miss Beryl E. Stevens, and was awarded a Certificate of Merit at the British Industrial Film Festival, 1970. School leavers interested in making any enquiries about the University of Warwick should write to the Registrar, University of Warwick, Coventry, Warwickshire, CV4 7AL.