A Day of Inspiration, Exploration, and Academic Aspiration
Following a School trip to Oxford University, Joseph Kington, Year Ten, writes about the experience:
“There is something wonderful about the idea of stepping onto the hallowed grounds of the University of Oxford, a place renowned for its rich history, intellectual brilliance, and timeless charm. And so it was on 29 June, a group of 25 pupils stood ready to separate into groups and begin their exploration of the grounds.
Our first stop was Wadham College, a place nestled amidst the winding streets of Oxford (so much so that many were likening it to the streets of Diagon Alley). As we walked through the picturesque, perfectly symmetrical quad, surrounded by the serenity of centuries-old architecture, we couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe. The grandeur of the college was on display for all to see; it was obvious that any student would revel in the chance to continue their studies there.
Following our tour of Wadham College, we gathered in a small lecture hall for an admissions talk. A charismatic Admissions Officer welcomed us with a smile, eager to demystify the application process for prospective students. In the short talk she reassured us that Oxford was not just for the ‘intellectual elite’, but a place that welcomed curiosity, ambition, and above all a genuine passion for learning. The talk dissolved many of our anxieties and replaced them with an inspired determination to pursue our studies fearlessly.
Next on our itinerary was a visit to Blackwell’s, the historic bookshop that has been a literary haven for scholars for over a century. As we stepped into the subterraneous section, the aroma of aged paper and the sight of towering bookshelves filled with knowledge engulfed us. We wandered through the narrow aisles, amazed by the sheer number of books on display within their respective categories.
The highlight of our day at Oxford was undoubtedly the short sessions with tutors from various fields. From Biochemistry to Philosophy, and Law to Engineering, we were given a glimpse into the intellectual rigour and passion that permeated every discipline stemming from the tutors. In these brief conferences, the tutors not only bestowed their expertise upon us but also challenged us and our thinking. In law for instance, the tutor spent some time introducing us to the interview process for the course, including a testing activity on rule formulation.
As the day drew to a close, we couldn’t help but feel a mix of inspiration and ambition for the future. Our visit to Oxford had given us a taste of what lay beyond our classrooms; we knew that the memories of this remarkable day at Oxford would shape our aspirations and ambitions for higher education, instilling in us the belief that with determination and passion, we too could achieve a placement at the world-renowned university.
On a personal level what really struck me was the relatability of those that we met throughout our day and the eagerness they presented towards us. It was a truly enlightening trip and it gave a mix of understanding of the nature of life at a potential university destination, but also for many made the upper-echelons of further education seem a lot more attainable than they were beforehand. I, on behalf of the entire group would like to thank the teachers that took us on the trip, led by Dr Russell and Mr Hallett, for a truly remarkable experience”.
Joseph Kington, Year Ten Pupil
