NewVIc students aim for Oxford
During the summer holidays a group of NewVIc students spent a week experiencing the life of Oxford undergraduates at Pembroke College.
The students stayed in university accommodation and ate meals in the 19th century dining hall. They were divided into groups of four and each allocated an area of academic focus; history, psychology or oriental studies. They researched and wrote 1500 word essays related to one of these areas.
At the end of the week three students were presented awards. NewVIc A-level student, Sidra Hussain (ex-Plashet School), 17, was awarded the prize of best scholar. She was presented with a one-week residential course at Villiers Park Educational Trust in a subject of her choice. Sidra commented on her time at The University of Oxford:
“It has been an amazing experience. For my prize I have chosen to attend a residential about neuroscience which is the area of work I am pursuing. Before going to Oxford I thought I would stay in London to go to university as I thought I might get homesick. After this week I am now sure I will apply to top universities out of London too.”
The students timetables were also packed full with tutorials run by PhD students and lectures on topics including ‘Life after university’. They were given tours of the Bodleian Library, the History of Science Museum and the Pembroke JCR art gallery. There was also time to relax and have fun with some punting on the river and a visit to an open air theatre to see a production of Twelfth Night.
The group consisted of students from NewVIc and BSix Sixth Form College in Hackney.