Staff accompanied eight Year 12 students to Oxford and Cambridge this week for a three day residential Open Day experience. Jonathan was one of those students and here’s what he had to say about this opportunity:
Oxford and Cambridge are two of the most prestigious universities in the world, credited for excellence in every field. To say that an introduction to these Universities was daunting is an understatement!
Nonetheless, the opportunity to explore the worlds of Oxford and Cambridge, worlds of intelligence and opportunity, provided an unbelievable insight into the possibilities we as prospective students could achieve.
The hustle and bustle of both towns complimented wonderfully the quiet corners of both Universities, where students freely roamed in search of limitless resources, intellectual liberty, and most undoubtedly: food.
Oxford University was first on the agenda, and the spectacular atmosphere was imminently clear when we stepped off the bus. Large oak doors, intricately beautiful architecture and the hype of student activity pervaded every corner, and the combination of serene gardens and walkways with high street shops and busy roads made Oxford thrive with a congealment of work and play. The ‘work’ side took a prominent part in our visit; lectures about application, admissions, Colleges and courses swept us off our feet. The exhilaration was equally met with an excitement at the passion with which people delivered their speeches about a subject that you felt equally passionate about, creating a plethora of aspiration, awe and envy for the students already there.
Cambridge equally displayed this passion; students could be seen carrying books upon books in their pockets, others passed by, offering glimpses of intrepid discussion of intellectual subjects. The atmosphere was indelible; the invigoration and opportunity to participate in conversation about our intended subjects was relished.
The happiness of belonging, the excitement of involvement and the witness of dedication at both Universities was complimented tidily by several service station stops, countless cups of coffee, and endless laughter, making the Oxbridge trip all the more unforgettable.
