Scientists of the future travelled to Oxford University’s New College after being selected to enrol on a prestigious academic course.
Twelve talented Year 9 students attended the launch of the Scholars Programme, as members of The Brilliant Club.
The Brilliant Club is a national award-winning, non-profit, organisation that aims to widen access to top universities for outstanding students in non selective schools.
As part of its Scholars Programme, students will attend six tutorials before being set a 2,000-word assignment, graded using university terminology, to ‘graduate’ the course.
During their first visit to New College, students were introduced to their tutor, PhD student, Emilia Moisio, and given this year’s assignment: ‘Picturing the Invisible: How Scientific Images Influence Our Perceptions of Reality’.
Emilia explained: “During the tutorials, we will be looking at scientific images and how they influence our perceptions of the world, but we will also spend time talking about pupils' own relationships to media.
“I hope the programme will inspire the pupils to think more critically and analytically about both science and media.”
If students pass the course, a graduation ceremony is pencilled in for April at another Russell Group University, to celebrate their success.
Ms E Buckley, Lead Practitioner with responsibility for More Able students who leads the school’s Brilliant Club project, said: “This is the fifth cohort of students chosen from Highfields to take part in The Brilliant Club and its Scholars Programme.
“They all thoroughly enjoyed the launch event at New College, being given the chance to tour the the university and attending lunch in the impressive dining hall, as well as meeting their tutor.
“They are all excited to get working on their assignment, and looking forward to their upcoming tutorials, with the motivation of a graduation ceremony to celebrate their achievements in April, which is always a wonderful event.”
