Concord Alumni share Cambridge undergraduate experiences…

On Thursday 7th June, 53 of Concord’s current 6.1 students journeyed to Cambridge, to gain further insight into the university and application process.

The group arrived at Churchill College earlier than scheduled. In the Jock Colville Hall, Richard Partington – the Senior Tutor at Churchill, delivered a clear and detailed talk about the application process across the university. He showed an excellent knowledge of the educational background of the Concord students, anticipating many of their questions as his talk progressed.

The students were grateful to the college for hosting them for lunch too, where they were joined by Bill Li (2015 Leaver) and Steve Wu (2017 Leaver) who are currently reading Natural Sciences and Philosophy respectively at Cambridge.

A tour of the college followed, provided by current Churchill undergraduates. 6.1 students had the chance to view the main buildings, as well as student accommodation, kitchens and common room areas.

Later in the afternoon, the group made their way to central Cambridge, with teachers navigating the labyrinthine New Museums site to find the Hopkinson Lecture Theatre. 17 Concord Alumni greeted the students, despite being in the middle of or starting their exam period.

Dr Rob Pugh, Head of Careers and University Admissions at Concord said: “The College is enormously grateful to our Alumni for showing up at such a busy and important time.

“The Alumni led an insightful Q&A session, and assisted students interested in making applications in their desired subject areas.

“Seeing former Concordians provide advice and tips to the next generation of Concord applicants was wonderful to see.”

Lastly, it was time for the long journey back to Shropshire, but not before Tempy (Head Boy 2016-17), Audrey (Head Girl 2016-17) and Justin (2017 Leaver) had walked the group back to their bus and given them a warm farewell.

Many thanks to all the Alumni who gave up their time.

Because helping each other is what we do best.

Concord Alumni share Oxford undergraduate experiences…

On Friday 1st June, a select group of Concord’s 6.1 students visited a warm, sultry Oxford to get a feel for undergraduate life and to consider their application strategies.

University College – the oldest college in Oxford, kindly hosted the current Concordians and accompanying staff members for the day. The prospective Oxford hopefuls were met by a small selection of Concord Alumni – now current undergraduates, and were made to feel at home in the Goodhart Seminar Room.

Concord’s Head of Careers and University Admissions, Dr Rob Pugh said: “The purpose of the trip was to get a taste of life as an Oxford undergraduate and, beneficially, it came from recent Concord Alumni, who know the ins and outs of what can be a rigorous and highly competitive application process.

“Although a relaxed setting, the visit also comprised of a dynamic Q&A session, enabling the students to gain valuable insights into Oxford life and university – from educational tips and advice, to extracurricular activities and the social side of Oxford living.”

Concord’s students also received a talk on the University College admissions process, before having the opportunity to tour the grounds, seeing undergraduates depart and return from exams too – a familiar sight as Concord’s current pupils take their end of year exams.

Later in the day the group visited the Pitt Rivers Museum and aspiring scientists were able to visit the Department of Physics also.

Many thanks to the Alumni who gave up their free time to meet with the 6.1 students and shared their wisdom.

Concord Alumni – Because helping each other is what we do best.