Year 10 Explore Life at Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge

Our Year 10 Harris Scholars embarked on a trip to Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, in February as guests of the outreach team of Cambridge University.

Along with other schools in the Harris Federation, they were given the opportunity to explore what life might be like in this great seat of learning.

A programme of varied events gave them the opportunity to both explore the grounds of the college and gauge what it make be like to make your home on campus for three years or more of study.

Consideration was made as to what the academic requirements are to make that possible (two A* and an A grade), whilst being made aware of the financial support that is provided in the form of bursaries to make it a reality.

Real world experience was provided by current Cambridge students who have themselves navigated this decision process. They served as both guides around the building and advisers on what a successful transition to University requires.

This was welcome advice for possible entry to Cambridge, Russell Group universities or any of the other 142 universities in the UK offering over 30,000 undergraduate courses. 

The final discussion was about the interview process; particularly the rigorous interview and reflective questioning that are involved. This formed the basis of a panel discussion that further explored the entry and interview requirements of these selective education establishments. The session stressed the importance of having a passion for your subject that has extended into a personal exploration of the topic outside of school.

Visits such as this are a key factor in opening up access to our students to such outstanding potential learning experiences. See a list of the universities our students attend.