This summer, Highgate welcomed over 95 pupils from 14 different partner schools to our 4-day Chrysalis Summer School. This project plays a vital role in Highgate’s partnership work, helping to inspire and support young people to pursue academic subjects at the next level.
Pupils from Years 10 and 12 were invited to attend, to deepen their knowledge beyond the curriculum and help them prepare for their ongoing academic endeavours. For Y12 students, that meant going through university style content and Y10 students were tasked with A Level taster sessions.
Along with lessons in a range of 10 academic subjects, there were sessions on employability skills, UCAS advice, university life, applying for competitive courses and mental wellbeing (managing academic stress).
Year 12 concluded their experience with a UCAS day, administered by Nottingham University, who offered one to one advice on writing personal statements, and skills for admissions tests at Russell Group universities.
A highlight of the Y10 summer school was their trip to Oxford University, where students experienced a mock academic tutorial and seminar, along with a tour of the city centre and the Bodleian Library.
Some pupils who attended the summer school shared their feedback:
“I found the experience very interesting and helpful and I feel a lot more confident now and knowledgable about my university applications and my chosen course.” Y12 pupil
“The summer school was very enjoyable. I learnt many new concepts in maths and the career sessions were very insightful. The trip to Oxford university was fun and inspiring.” Y10 pupil
“It’s very interactive and helps you understand the subjects you enjoy and the prospects for the future.” Y10 pupil
“I felt that the other people on the course were very ambitious so it was quite a motivating few days just to be around people who really like their subjects.” Y12 pupil
