Our Fourth Form Academic Scholars took part in a short residential trip to Cambridge over the Bank Holiday weekend, with the aim of furthering the programme’s goals of fostering intellectual curiosity, intellectual humility, belonging, connections and an enjoyment of learning.
Although it lasted only two days, our scholars enjoyed a packed schedule. They were challenged to grapple with the ideas of Game Theory, led by Mo Tanweer of Cambridge Judge Business School, exploring concepts such as backwards induction and the Pirate Game, and applying logic and strategic thinking to real-world problems. They also took part in a History of Art workshop on The Human Body in Sculpture, which equipped them with an effective toolkit for analysing how the body has been represented across different artistic periods and cultural contexts. The session included a tour of Pembroke College Gardens, where they examined sculptures in situ, applying their newly acquired analytical framework through first-hand observation and discussion.
‘I loved the art history workshop – it was interactive, collaborative, and a fascinating taster of a subject I’d never studied before’ – Tara M, Fourth Form Scholar
On a cycling tour of the city, they took in all the ‘must-see sights’, including St John’s College, Trinity College, ‘The Backs’, King’s College Chapel, the Mathematical Bridge by Queen’s College, King’s Parade, the Corpus Christi Gold Clock, and the Senate House. Punting provided the requisite ingredient of fun, offering views of the wonderful architecture alongside a forensic investigation of both riverbanks, multiple trees, stuck poles, and very low bridges. A behind the scenes tour Pembroke College gave the scholars an opportunity to understand a bit more about collegiate life.
‘We are hugely appreciative of the academics who took the time to give our students such valuable insights. The students were wonderful ambassadors of the school and engaged brilliantly with their busy schedule,’ – Amanda Campion, Director of Academic Extension