On 23rd and 24th June, our Year 12 students had the opportunity to visit Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) for an inspiring conference and campus experience designed to support their higher education aspirations.
The visit provided students with a valuable insight into university life, giving them the chance to experience academic study in a world-class university environment while developing the skills needed for successful university applications.
Following a welcome session, students took part in an engaging Personal Statement workshop, where they received expert guidance on how to showcase their academic interests, achievements and experiences effectively when applying through UCAS. The session offeredpractical advice on standing out as applicants and highlighted the importance of reflecting on super-curricular experiences and future aspirations.
Students then attended subject-specific taster sessions aligned with their areas of interest. Those exploring Humanities and Social Sciences considered thought-provoking legal and ethical questions in the session “Should it be a Crime?”. Students interested in Science and Engineering investigated the fascinating topic of Selection and Evolution of Antipredator Defences, while aspiring medics and dentists developed practical knowledge during an interactive Clinical Skills Session. These sessions gave students a genuine taste of university teaching, encouraging them to think critically, ask questions and engage with subject specialists.
The day concluded with an overview of the next steps in the university application process, allowing students to reflect on what they had learnt and gain a clearer understanding of the opportunities available to them after sixth form.
The visit was an excellent opportunity for our students to experience university-level learning, explore the Queen Mary campus, meet university staff and student ambassadors, and develop greater confidence as they begin preparing for applications to higher education. We would like to thank Queen Mary University of London for hosting such an informative and engaging programme, and we look forward to continuing our partnership in supporting our students’ future aspirations.
