My World Class Oxford University Chemistry Outreach Day experience
Two very successful days in Oxford for the World Class Schools Alumni Association! April 5th and 6th 2022 saw 45 World Class students from around the country visit St Edmund Hall of Oxford University as part of GCSE and A-Level Chemistry Outreach Events.
As the WCS Alumni Association Vice-Chair, I had the privilege of meeting so many wonderful young people and accompanying them throughout the day’s activities. Each day began with the opportunity to meet and talk to current Oxford University undergraduates studying a range of subjects across different years and colleges. This was in conjunction with an interactive admissions talk from Eve, Outreach Officer at St Edmund Hall. Much was learnt about university life, admissions and Oxford in particular. There were tours also of the college and the city centre plus an amazing lunch in the dining hall!
Thinking in 3D
In the afternoon, GCSE students took part in a chemistry workshop entitled ‘Thinking in 3D’ with current undergraduates and postgraduates from the Department of Chemistry at Oxford. Students engaged with the tasks brilliantly and asked some insightful and inspiring questions. A highlight was certainly the VR experience!
Chemistry Escape Room
Chemistry Escape RoomOur A-Level students had the opportunity to complete a Chemistry Escape Room which involved many puzzles to solve in order to unlock padlocks and solve the overall problem. It required trusting your chemistry instinct and the students embraced this challenge with great enthusiasm, intrigue and diligence. They truly demonstrated World Class skills.
Throughout the day, countless thoughtful questions were asked by the students. Lots of information was gained to help support them in making informed decisions regarding A-Levels, university applications, and Oxbridge, hopefully making this an event which the students will reap the benefits of for years to come.
World Class access opportunities
Feedback highlighted how beneficial attendees, all studying GCSE / A Levels at World Class accredited schools across the UK, found the day. One student commented that “throughout the day a lot of the common myths and misconceptions about Oxbridge were addressed and it was really useful to learn about the inclusivity and friendliness of Oxford!”.
The WCSQM Alumni Association are incredibly grateful to Isabel Creed, the ambassadors and the team at Target Schools for their amazing work in supporting the day, and also the Chemistry Department at Oxford for their wonderful workshops. These two days watching students immerse themselves in the experience of studying their passion subject at university really brought home the importance of giving students, many of whom may never have previously considered Oxford University, access to an opportunity that may well open up new exciting education pathways for them.
It was a pleasure to be part of such an inspiring experience. Here’s to many more successful events in the future!
Sophie Angel, WCSQM Alumni Association Vice-Chair
Year 12 Shadowing Days at Oxford University May/June 2022
Target Schools, Oxford University’s student-led access organisation, are offering a unique opportunity for Year 12 students to participate in a shadowing scheme, to experience the Oxford teaching style and see what studying at Oxford is really like. The shadowing days are running in May and June for subject areas including Social Sciences, Humanities, MPLS, and Medical sciences, and are open for applications for Year 12 students in state schools considering applying to Oxford.
Download the event programme for details of upcoming shadowing days
Complete this form to sign up to a shadowing day
Find out more about studying Chemistry at St Edmund Hall, Oxford University
Visit the events page for more information on events for WCSQM Alumni students, and the WCSQM Alumni Association page for information on how to sign up to get news and updates on upcoming events and opportunities.
Follow the WCSQM Alumni Association on Instagram and Twitter
