Students Enjoy University of Oxford Workshop

This month, a group of students in Years 9 and 10 at Irlam and Cadishead Academy took part in a day of exciting and educational activities ran by Corpus Christi College, University of Oxford, hosted at the academy.

The young people were also joined by their peers from The Lowry Academy and The Albion Academy, with all three schools forming part of United Learning.

Students began their day with an Oxplore debating session. Oxplore is an engaging program delivered by the university which challenges young people aged between 11 and 18 to consider ideas and debates beyond what is covered in the classroom. Students are encouraged to think through big questions and tackle complex ideas across a wide range of subjects, reflecting the kind of critical thinking they would undertake at university.

The debating session was followed by a Q&A with past and current University of Oxford students. Students also benefited from a taster university style lecture, delivered by Oxford scientist Mikey Staines, on Material Science.

Toni Holdsworth, Principal at Irlam and Cadishead Academy, said:

“Thank you to Corpus Christi College and to the university for delivering such insightful and thought-provoking activities for our students. As a whole, the day was an excellent way to promote broader thinking amongst our young people and to encourage them to set high aspirations for their futures. It was also a fantastic opportunity for our students to find out more about the university experience which I know they thoroughly enjoyed.”