On 11th February 2015, we took twenty-one Year 12 students to visit Corpus Christi College at the University of Cambridge. The purpose of the trip was to give our students a taste of life as a University of Cambridge student as well as providing them with crucial advice on how to be a successful candidate in the rigorous application process to Oxbridge.

We arrived at the historic College (founded in 1352) and were given a session on ‘Applying to Cambridge’ by Dr Nicki Humphrey-Baker. Students were given a detailed insight into the lengthy application process and were given excellent advice on how to become a successful candidate. With our Year 12 students beginning the UCAS process later on this year, this talk was invaluable at giving our potential Oxbridge candidates the grades required and skills they need to develop in order to become an Oxbridge undergraduate.

Lunch was taken in the magnificent dining hall before the students broke off into smaller groups for a guided tour around the College by current Cambridge undergraduates. Here, they had the opportunity to see some of the most spectacular buildings as well as ask questions of their tour guide. The groups reconvened for a more formal question and answer session with the 5 Corpus Christi students (a geographer, an historian, a geologist, a philosopher and a computer scientist), where we could find out a students perspective of studying at Cambridge as well as the work required to attain a place.

The day finished with a taster lecture from Dr Richard McMahon from the University of Cambridge Engineering Department who provided a stimulating session on Renewable Energy sources. The Bosworth Academy representatives showed exceptional enthusiasm and answered the questions posed of them with confidence and accuracy.

This was a very rewarding trip for both staff and students alike. The invaluable information has given our students, not just a better idea as to how to apply for Oxbridge courses, but to university life in general. Our students left Corpus Christi with an improved appetite to ‘be better than they thought they could be’ and has motivated many of them to consider applying for Oxbridge courses this Autumn. As always, the Year 12 students represented the Academy with pride and distinction, and are a credit to this institute.

Mr J Scrimshire