A Day of Curiosity and Culture at the University of Oxford
“Last Friday, a group of Year Eleven pupils embarked on a trip to see the charming city of Oxford which more than lived up to its reputation as a place of history, learning and beautiful architecture. We first toured a handful of the University’s scenic colleges, immersing ourselves in student life as we explored the elegant libraries, traditional dining halls, stunning chapels and neatly furnished accommodation. The vast lawns at Trinity College were a sight to behold, as was the incredible cathedral at Christ Church. Walking through these spaces, we began to appreciate the University of Oxford as a collection of unique College communities, each with its own character and identity.
From there, we explored Broad Street, lunching in various, welcoming cafés. Many of us peeped into souvenir shops, coming away with mementoes to remember the day. A definite highlight was the famous Blackwells, an enormous bookstore that seemed to stretch endlessly with bookshelves. We found ourselves lost in the knowledge and curiosity that is the heart of Oxford’s reputation. We were eventually pulled away, most of us with multiple new titles under our arms. We ventured next to Corpus Christi College to experience a mock interview for History, an enlightening experience that provided us, especially the historians among us, with valuable knowledge about how interviews tend to work at Oxford. Many useful notes were taken.
After a day of inspiration and exploration, our final stop was a welcome change of pace: the Covered Market. This bustling maze of stalls offered everything from fresh food to handmade gifts, and its lively atmosphere provided a fitting end to the day. A few shops that were noted as favourites included: a chocolate shop selling fresh strawberries that were then drowned in freshly-melted milk chocolate for us to enjoy, a sock shop with many pairs of hilarious socks that had us all in fits of laughter, and a small bookshop cafe that offered a free drink after you bought a book.
When we boarded the coach to return home, it was clear that the visit had given us more than a simple tour. Oxford had revealed itself as a place where tradition and innovation coexist, where history lives side by side with modern life and where the pursuit of knowledge is both serious and inspiring. Whether it was the quiet courtyards of the colleges, or the endless shelves of Blackwell’s, each moment left an impression. Above all, the trip encouraged us to think about our own futures and about the kind of curiosity and determination that places like the University of Oxford seek to nurture.”
Erin Docherty, Year Eleven
Thank you to Erin for writing this summary of your visit.
