An engaging group of our Lower Sixth students with aspirations to study at Oxbridge were taken on a tour of Balliol College, as part of an action-packed day spent at the University of Oxford.
Accompanied by Mr Behan, Head of Sixth Form, and Dr Thompson, UCAS and Aspirational Universities Coordinator, the group walked along Merton Street and admired the Radcliffe Camera. On arriving at Balliol, they were given a tour by a third year history student and then a presentation by an Outreach Officer all about Oxford's courses, colleges and the applications process for both Oxford and Cambridge universities.
One of our Lower Sixth Exhibition winners, Kristjan, was only too keen to share his thoughts after the visit. 'Being one of the oldest colleges at Oxford, Balliol is austere but it also has such a family feel to it. I liked meeting Bruce the chaplain, better known as the Grandad of Balliol, who is infamous for his amazing breakfasts and also the fact that there are so many sociable college events to attend, like student-hosted lunches or dinners in the JCRs (Junior Common Rooms),' he enthuses.
After their tour, the group were able to enjoy lunch at the high table in Balliol's magnificent dining Hall, below.
They then met two former Harrodians, Violeta and Ruby, both of whom are in their first year at the University of Oxford. Violeta is reading English at St Hilda's and Ruby Psychology at St Hugh's. Together they walked down St Giles' to Somerville College to meet another former Harrodian, Chris, who is studying Engineering there. He gave them a tour of his college before heading off to a tutorial. The rest of the group continued on to the Mathematical Institute, where they had a coffee and chat with Violeta and Ruby, below, and asked them questions all about life at Oxford.
All of our Lower Sixth students appreciated this part of the day and many of them remarked, 'It was great to meet former Harrodians, Violet, Ruby and Chris, and to hear how much they are enjoying life at Oxford. It also made Oxbridge feel more attainable.'
It was great to meet former Harrodians, Violet, Ruby and Chris, and to hear how much they are enjoying life at Oxford. It also made Oxbridge feel more attainable.
Carma-Thea, also a Lower Sixth student and one of our two scholars, was equally as enthusiastic about the trip. She had originally set her sights on going to university in the US but was so impressed by the University of Oxford. 'What struck me is the way they separate the mass of first-year students into smaller college groups. At Oxford there are 38 colleges compared to much bigger campuses in the US and as a result it has a much more friendly and inclusive feel to it,' she says.
The day came to a close with a brief tour of the Radcliffe Science Library, the Pitt Rivers Museum, a tour of Keeble College and a walk past Mr Behan's old college, Hertford. He was glad to see, despite leaving the college quite a few years ago in 1984, that the wisteria he planted is still growing!