Seven Ashton Sixth Form College students recently took part in OxNet’s Access Week – an academically intense, summer residential hosted at Pembroke College, Oxford. During the week, students joined a range of tutorial groups and lectures, allowing them to explore new topics outside of the curriculum in depth and with academics leading in their field.

Students from the North West, North East and London have completed one of five OxNet programmes including:

• Philosophy & World Religions
• Humanities & Social Sciences
• Languages
• English
• Science

Access Week 2023:

Day 1 - After a busy day of travelling, students were welcomed to Pembroke College by Dr Peter Claus and Morgan Lewis. In the evening, students attended a drinks reception and dinner, with opportunity to explore Oxford in their free time.

Day 2 - Students participated in their first tutorial, experiencing an Oxbridge tutorial and working closely with academics leading in their field on a variety of essay questions. They also began the week with Librarian, Laura, with an introduction to essay writing; mock-interviews; Ted-talks on Christchurch Meadows with undergraduate mentors; and a Quiz on one of Pembroke’s Quads. Students had mock interviews with their subject programmes, gaining feedback on what went well and how they can improve.

Day 3 - In the morning, students explored Oxford and went on various trips including museums such as, the Ashmolean, Pitt Rivers and Natural History. Also interactive workshops provided by Oxford Botanic Gardens (‘Conservation Preservation’) and the History of Science Museum (‘Penicillin the wonder drug’). Students continued mock interviews throughout the afternoon, gaining feedback on what went well and how they can improve.

Day 4 – A jam-packed Thursday… Essay hand-in day!! All attended an experimental psychology interactive session (‘Colour vision’), followed by a film screening and discussion on ‘Becoming Black Lawyers’. In the afternoon, students had the opportunity to sign up to workshops outside of their programme and work with academics across Oxford. In the evening, students attended the Joseph Owen Formal Dinner.

Day 5 - Everybody attended their final tutorial to discuss assignments with their tutor and receive feedback on their Access Week essay submission. All programmes supported Science students' poster presentations and finally certificates/prizes were awarded by Professor Ariel Ezrachi & Dr Peter Claus.

A huge congratulations to Teo (Philosophy & World Religions), Jess (Philosophy & World Religions), Ethan (Humanities & Social Sciences), Tia (Science), Rehanna (Science), Stella (Science) and Tilly (Languages) for completing OxNet 2022/23. Teo was awarded with an Goldsmiths’ Scholar award for Philosophy & World Religions.

OxNet 2023