On Friday 12th May, a group of year 10 pupils visited Oxford University’s Somerville College. The previous week, the group had attended a talk delivered by Cambridge University focusing on Oxbridge and “Why University?”, so their visit to the historic institution was very fitting for their exploration of higher education.

Pupils had a tour of the college – one of 44 which are part of Oxford University! They learnt about university life and how different colleges differ from each other and from other universities. Pupils were interested in hearing about the broad range of undergraduate courses available at Oxford, and how the teaching style is very unique and perhaps why Oxbridge is world famous for its academic achievements. Pupils very much enjoyed their dining experience, which many found reminiscent of a scene from Harry Potter! They then had a quick stroll through the city to the Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archeology. This astounding museum houses a whole range of artefacts and collections from Egypt to contemporary art. Pupils had an engaging museum tour from a student ambassador, who is studying History at Oxford. They followed “a child’s story”, interpreting different items throughout history to discover children’s perspectives at different times.

Pupils were fantastic ambassadors for the school, keen to ask insightful questions about the museum, the university, and student life in general.