Last Friday, 20 year 11s got the exciting opportunity to visit Oxford University. Upon arrival, we were greeted at the Balliol campus by a third-year student called Frank. He gave us so much helpful advice on how to get into Oxbridge as well as a wonderful tour of the College. Frank explained how to ace university interviews and prepare to have an edge over other potential candidates. We were shocked to hear about his experience of Oxford and how much spare time he gets to enjoy University life. We understood the importance of wider reading and problem-solving skills as Frank explained the benefits of having non-academic skills.

Frank gave us a tour of some of the key aspects of the College including the chapel and the Library which is open 24 hours a day! As well as that, we got to see the undergraduate common room where many students were enjoying freshly cooked breakfast. The Library was one of my favourite parts of the tour, as it has every single book in the whole world! 

After a delicious lunch at the head table, we walked to the Maths Institute where we met James. He truly was a maths fanatic and he delivered an engaging lesson with infectious enthusiasm. We learnt about Geometric Series and the basic formula S = a/1-r. Our brains were overflowing with maths as we exited the seminar room, exhausted from a great day.

A huge thank you to Ms Wright for organising the trip, it really was a day to remember.

Written By Yaashri 11 Ash