OXBRIDGE WANTS YOU TO HIT THE TOWN

 

Planning to apply this October? Already building up a small pile of books by your bed and following my tweets? Good, but it may also pay off to venture into the wider world. That beach holiday you can’t wait for, though, is unlikely to improve your chances of a place.

      Instead, look out for a vaguely course-related exhibition or event. The point here is not so much to show that you’re willing to go the extra mile, as to expand your mind.  Contemporary exhibitions are broad in their sweep and not just about visuals. One-off events often come with expert talks.

     A visit can help you contextualise your favourite literary work, the research that goes into a space mission or the human cost of war. Your reflections on the experience will also enhance your UCAS statement. Here are a few possible destinations:

Manchester

COLLIDER: STEP INSIDE THE WORLD'S GREATEST EXPERIMENT

This immersive exhibition offers you a chance to virtually experience a visit to the famous physics laboratory. It also includes real-life talks by Cern scientists.

York

HUNGATE ARCHAEOLOGICAL DIG

This is a unique dig in the centre of York. You can see 2000 years of Yorkshire history unfold this time of year and new discoveries are made every day. Best if you’ve already visited the YORVIK VIKING CENTRE.

London

POETRY INTERNATIONAL

This festival offers readings, poetry films, translations, free events and innovative spoken-word performances by well known poets from all over the world.

Leeds

ROMAN EMPIRE
This exhibition explores the wealth, power and organisation of the Empire, but also looks at how the Romans viewed their provinces and other peoples. Religious, military and personal objects give an insight into the lives of people across the Empire. (Opens in September.)

Manchester

A LAND FIT FOR HEROES: war and the working class 1914 to 1918

This shows how World War I changed society, radically altering the social, economic, cultural and political outlook of the British people.

Edinburgh

A-Z: AN ALPHABETICAL TOUR OF SCOTTISH ART

The art and artists that shaped Scotland’s artistic identity.

Nottingham

TRENT TO TRENCHES: WW1
This exhibition looks at the war through the eyes of the people who experienced it - from the soldier on the battlefield to the worker in the munitions factory, from the volunteer nurse to the wife and mother, and from the British ‘Tommy’ to the German ‘Fritz’.

Birmingham

THE STAFFORDSHIRE HOARD

This unique collection of 1,500 beautifully crafted gold and silver items from the 7th century Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Mercia takes you through the history of Anglo-Saxon Britain.

Liverpool

A WORLD A PARTICLE

aims to 'demistify' particle physics whilst exhibiting some of the fascinating machinery used by scientists – including 3 Nobel prize winners - in pursuit of new breThis exhibition aims to demystify particle physics, whilst showing some of the fascinating machinery used by Liverpool scientists – including three Nobel Prize winners – in pursuit of breakthroughs.

London

ROYAL INSTITUTION SUMMER SCHOOLS FOR 16-18 YEAR OLDS

These are one-day events on four different topics: CLIMATE CHANGE, DOES IT ALL ADD UP? / THE FOUNDATIONS OF ENGINEERING / COMPUTER-BASED MATHEMATICS / COSMETIC CHEMISTRY. Tickets are £45, paid in advance. The R.I. also runs numerous free holiday events.

     Enjoy your day out,  but if the cost of some outings is off-putting, perhaps schools might consider a group trip.


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OXBRIDGE FOR YOUR STUDENTS?

Have you been disappointed with the low success rate of your Oxbridge applicants? Or is Oxbridge perhaps a new ambition for your school? If you'd like to help some (or more) of your best students win a place, read on. 

My unique, well established STATE SCHOOL TO OXBRIDGE teach-ins enable you to maximise applicants' chances. Topics range from student choices and crucial skills to academic ground work and test practice. There is also guidance on how to write a strong UCAS statement. Finally, we focus on effective interview preparation. What makes our events unique is that they are tailored to individual schools and geared towards helping students from non-university and/or disadvantaged backgrounds.

 

While some advice is offered by both universities, it is not focused on the very specific problems faced by many of today's state schools. Teach-ins provide you with the carefully targeted advice and crucial tips which even the most well-meaning dons cannot offer.  Schools aiming high need to have the right information well in advance to avoid common mistakes. To find out more, go to http://tellbooks.com/teach-in.htm.

 

Your students, meanwhile, will find the confidence to apply by reading  my newly updated guide, OXBRIDGE ENTRANCE: THE REAL RULES.