Time to Shine Trip to Balliol College

On Wednesday 11th May, 17 students had the privilege to attend a day trip to Balliol College in Oxford University. We were given a tour across the impressive campus and had the opportunity to dine alongside students in the main hall, enjoying a delicious, substantial, and healthy meal. It proved to be an enlightening experience on university life and gave students an option for future pathways.

The sessions were lecture-style with kinaesthetic practicals, simulating volcanic eruptions for Earth Science, as well as an in-depth guide towards admissions and interviews at such a prestigious university. All students felt very grateful to be given this opportunity of a lifetime to explore higher education that previously was not thought accessible. The guides during our tour were extremely obliging and responded thoroughly to all of our queries.

Our favourite memories from this trip included an investigation of building up pressure to emulate volcanoes, handling some of the world’s oldest fossils including coral, an insect preserved in amber, and remains of magma; we also thoroughly enjoyed walking through the picturesque gardens, neatly trimmed with cherry blossoms and flower beds.

Some of us even felt inspired to pursue a degree at this university due to such a positive impression of the college!

– by Alex and Gemma