Students attend month-long summer school hosted at Pembroke College

Students from across the Rochdale borough and Bury recently attended a month-long summer school hosted at Pembroke College, Oxford.

Dr Richard Michaelis, executive director of Oxbridge Academic Programs by Worldstrides, whose company specialises in providing educational experiences outside the classroom, invited a number of pupils from Hollingworth Academy, Newhouse Academy, Cardinal Langley, Holy Family and Unsworth Academy to live as undergraduates for a month.

During the programme, which took place between 2 and 29 July, students lived as undergraduates at Pembroke College, following a partnership with the Rochdale Development Agency to provide academic engagement for the most able pupils across Rochdale, Heywood and Middleton.

The programme of study included a range of academic subjects designed to challenge students to become the best versions of their academic selves. This alongside a vast selection of social activities gave students the opportunity to immerse themselves fully in an Oxbridge experience.

Parents were delighted that their children had been given this opportunity, with one saying: “What has come out of the past few weeks is a real feeling of confidence in his own abilities, reassurance that he has the academic capabilities and he has made friends with other students from all over the world.”

A second added: “The Oxbridge summer school has been an amazing opportunity. My daughter has experienced new places, new people and in such a wonderful location.

“The activities that have been arranged have been really broad ranging and it’s given her an insight into life at a leading university and a chance to grow in confidence away from home but in a safe and inspiring environment.”

Headteachers of the participating schools also saw immense benefits of the programme.

Andy Bridson, headteacher of Cardinal Langley, said: “The Oxbridge summer school is a potentially life-changing opportunity for the young people of Rochdale. This is an experience that has raised their aspirations and proved that they can thrive in such an academic environment.”

Rob McGinty, headteacher of Hollingworth Academy, said: “We were delighted to receive this very generous offer.

“The experience for our young people is a potentially life-changing experience and one that I know they will cherish forever.”

Chris Dobbs, director of OxNet youth scholars at Pembroke College and head of academic enrichment at Hollingworth Academy, added: “I am delighted that so many pupils were able to experience life at a world-class university.

“As teachers and parents, we strive to deliver the best for our children and opportunities such as this bring to life what we talk about every day.

“The students should be immensely proud of themselves for participating fully and embracing this incredible experience.”