QPHS magazine - Spring Term 2026 - Magazine - Page 39
CHESTER TO CAMBRIDGE
Exploring life at one of the world9s top universities
A group of Sixth Form students,
accompanied by Ms MJ, recently
took part in the Chester Schools
Together trip to Fitzwilliam College,
University of Cambridge. The
invitation was warmly received,
even if it meant meeting at 5:45am!
Our students were joined by fellow
peers from King9s, Chester Catholic
High, Christleton and Upton High
schools as they travelled together
by coach, ready for a packed day
of discovery.
While Cambridge is often pictured
as a collection of Hogwarts-style
buildings, Fitzwilliam College offers
a refreshing contrast. Built in the
1960s, the college is modern, bright
and welcoming, showcasing the
variety of architecture found across
the university.
During the visit, students were
introduced to some of Cambridge9s
unique traditions and terminology.
They learned about Matriculation the formal ceremony that marks a
student9s official entry into university
life; the 8plodge9 (Porters9 Lodge) where students collect keys, parcels
and find support and Bumps - the
lively rowing races on the River
Cam, a tradition some of our own
rowers already knew. The group
also visited the Formal Hall, where
students dine in gowns, and the
Buttery, the college9s social hub and
canteen.
A current undergraduate led a tour
of the college and gardens giving
honest insight into student life.
This was followed by workshops
focused on writing strong personal
statements and standing out in the
university application process.
Students were encouraged to
explore books, podcasts, articles
and documentaries related to their
chosen subjects and to record their
enrichment activities on Unifrog.
Group discussion tasks gave
students a chance to experience
interview-style conversations similar
to those used by universities.
The day concluded with a Q&A
session, where current Cambridge
students shared their experiences
of academic life, settling in and
managing the challenges of
university.
It was a long day, but an incredibly
worthwhile one, offering students
valuable insight into university life
and new confidence in their
future ambitions.
Ms MJ
Independent Study Coordinator
