Year 9 students were provided with the opportunity to visit Pembroke College, University of Cambridge. They were able to see examples of beautiful architecture, learn about the University and city history. Located in the heart of the city, Pembroke presents a tranquil environment with varied architectural styles framing beautiful gardens and open courts.  Students were able to mingle and meet with current students, and to hear what it is like to be a student at the College during a question and answer session. They enjoyed the College tour which allowed them to see the facilities and grounds, and in particular the recently renovated Library. A delicious meal was enjoyed, hosted by Pembroke in their dining room.
During the afternoon, there was a fascinating scientific lecture by Dr. Gos Micklem (Subject: Natural Sciences, Biology). Students remarked that the day was ‘insightful and contained plenty of information to consider in the future’. Also, the next day one student visited the Saint Martin’s LRC to borrow ‘The Oxford & Cambridge Careers Handbook’. A number of Saint Martin’s alumni have already gained places and graduated from the wealth of the nation’s top 24 universities, including Oxbridge and we will keep you updated on which ones of our charming students from this tour gain their places.

As part of the Leicestershire Widening Participation programme, Saint Martin’s Year 8 students spent a day at De Montfort University working with both staff and undergraduate students. The event is dedicated to provide comprehensive and impartial Higher Education advice and guidance. The aim is to raise the aspiration and attainment at an early age and to keep students motivated and engaged to enable them to reach their full potential. A lecture was delivered and this year was ‘sight and sound’. Student ambassadors were available all day and happy to discuss their university experience plus they conducted campus tours which allowed students to explore the expanding facilities.
After lunch, there was a budgeting activity and this year many students opted for the luxury option, en suite rooms that they had viewed. Also, there was a session of Mandarin with everyone participating well. It was encouraging to hear that students had enjoyed the day and found it to be very different than what they were expecting to find. Research does suggest that a number of students do not attend open days prior to applying to university.