Fearnhill meets Hogwarts
A group of Year 10 students spent a day at Balliol College, part of the University of Oxford, as part of the Fearnhill Flyers programme.
Accompanied by Fearnhill headteacher Liz Ellis, the group of 14 students began their visit with a tour of the College itself.
Ms Ellis said: “It did feel a little like Hogwarts at first but a really helpful second year politics and economics student called Zoe made everyone feel comfortable as she was very open and friendly.
“We also learnt that our current prime minister went to Balliol, along with four other previous PMs.”
After a visit to the Chapel and Junior Common Room, students took part in a workshop activity exploring what they already know about life at university and what they might be worried about. Our students found it helpful to be able to have questions answered.
At lunchtime, the Fearnhill group ate in the Great Hall along with students, lecturers and other visitors, before heading to the Museum of Natural History. After browsing a tiny segment of the 7 million items in the wonderful building, students had a handling session with one of the curators. Apart from the chance to touch a barn owl and an elephant’s tooth, there were also living exhibits in the form of hissing cockroaches. The curator used them to explain how adaptation works in nature.
“The day was very useful, interesting, and has left me excited for the future!” Rebekah
“I really loved this trip, since it inspired me in so many ways. We learnt a bit about the history of the university and the way of student life during the tour, which was exciting for me too. Our group discussed life at Oxford Balliol, and the most common worries, and how they are dealt with. To me, one of the most interesting parts of our talk was learning about all of the societies that are available to students. They even have an underwater hockey society!
“Overall, I thought that the college was really nice and really inclusive with people from different backgrounds, and I would definitely consider going there.” Lily
The Fearnhill Flyers programme is designed to support and encourage students who are attaining highly, meaning students who show that they are passionate and motivated.
Our Fearnhill Flyers students are offered enrichment activities and are given additional support once they reach the sixth form with applications to Oxbridge and Russell Group Universities.
