On Wednesday 7th October, a group of sixteen successful Key Stage Four students were cordially invited to visit the University of Cambridge. Places for this fieldwork were limited, and therefore hotly contested. Students had to make a written application outlining their suitability for the visit, which was excellent preparation for future job and university applications. We very impressed to read quality self reflection within the successful applications. 

The day included a guided tour of Homerton College (even to their college pub!), along with an introduction to University session with a student ambassador Q&A session. All students conducted themselves incredibly maturely, and we were especially proud to see the confidence with which they asked clarifying and probing questions of the Cambridge staff and students about what it is like to study there. We were invited along with 3 other schools from Doncaster, Sheffield and Rotherham; during the Q&A session, XP students were the only ones asking some brilliant questions!

During the afternoon, pupils were put to the test by Dr. Paul Elliott – the admissions tutor for Homerton college – in a murder-mystery, ‘escape room’ type session. Dr Elliott has designed, created, and implements over 100 different puzzles to test critical thinking ability! Paul’s puzzles are often used as part of the admissions process, to test logical and lateral thinking – and thinking outside the box! These puzzles required lots of critical thinking, problem solving and quick mental arithmetic to try solve a crime – with students being offered a fully funded, formal visit back to the University early next year if they were able to fully solve the crime. Stay tuned here – they have 2 weeks to do it in!

Fortunately, the challenging curriculum at XP had already prepared our students pretty well for this as they are well used to making lateral connections between subjects. Here at XP, we agree wholeheartedly with the professor’s assertions that “it isn’t enough to just know stuff”. You must be able to apply it to different situations too! 

Overall, yesterday was an incredible day which showed the successful applicants exactly where they could be in 3-4 years time. We had so many great conversations to raise aspirations!

Miss Cross & Miss Cocliff x