What’s next? Students consider their options in Oxford
08 Apr 09
Students from across the southeast are visiting Oxford this week to find out more about the options open to them after their GCSEs.
Oxford University is working with Abingdon and Witney College to run “What’s Next?”, a free, three-day residential course for Year 11 students, ending today, who have not yet decided what to do after their exams.
It is the first time the University has run this residential programme and the fifteen and sixteen year olds have been staying at St Edmund Hall, while spending the days at Abingdon and Witney College.
Activities at Abingdon and Witney College have included courses on media, music technology, performing arts and equine and animal care; as well as taster sessions in forensic science, health and social care, art and design, engineering, and business.
Alongside some GCSE revision tips sessions, the University organised social activities in the evenings, including a formal dinner and a sports night at the University’s sports centre.
The course is designed for students who have the potential to progress to higher education, through an academic or vocational route. They have been accompanied by undergraduate student mentors from Oxford University and have had the chance to speak to staff at Abingdon and Witney College.
Sinead Gallagher, Access Officer at Oxford University, said: ‘We hope the students are getting a taste of university life and at the same time learnt about the many different routes to higher education.’
Teresa Kelly, Principal of Abingdon and Witney College, said: ‘We are delighted to be able to work with Oxford University in support of this imaginative scheme. Many of our students take vocational and academic courses and progress to higher education. Our staff are well used to offering support and guidance to young people, stressing the benefits of higher education. The Oxford University guest students have been made very welcome during their visit.’