Applications are still open for this year’s Seren Network and Jesus College Summer School, so to give students a better idea of what to expect during the week-long programme we spoke to Matt Williams, Access Fellow as Jesus College. 

Hi everyone, I’m Matt Williams, the Access Fellow at Jesus College, of the University of Oxford. It’s my great privilege to be organising the Third Annual Oxford-Seren Summer School from 19-23 August.

We’ve got 75 all-expenses-paid spaces for year-12 participants in the Seren Network to come and stay with us in Oxford for a week of academic taster sessions themed on ‘Earth’s Future’.

With the Extinction Rebellion and Mothers Rise Up campaigns there’s a lot of buzz about the Earth’s Future.

In fact, the UN has given us all a deadline of just eleven years (up to 2030) to tackle climate change. For me, it’s all pretty scary!

But, knowledge is power! I could bury my head in the sand and fret over what may be or I could arm myself with the knowledge and tools to do something.

That was my inspiration for this year’s Seren Summer School theme.

We will be offering an interdisciplinary set of lectures, seminars and tutorials given by our world-class academics. These will be academically stretching but also empowering.

It doesn’t matter whether you are leaning towards a degree in the natural sciences, social sciences, medicine, arts or humanities — there will be something for you.

Specifically, there’ll be lectures on (amongst other things) the meteorology and geology of climate change, the plausibility of space colonisation, future dynamics in global health, the development of ecological literature, and the politics of globalisation.

Besides lectures, there will be seminars that more will closely develop subject-related skills.

We will offer everyone a chance to experience Oxford’s famous tutorials, with very small group discussion of your ideas.

For this year, there will also be an essay prize celebrating the teachers that helped one of our former students get into Oxford.

That ex-student has very generously donated £625,000 to help us keep the Seren Summer School going for years to come!

As well as all the academic enrichment, we’ll also take you to some of our amazing local museums, and we’ll have a film night for you to relax and enjoy.

It’s a summer school for anybody in Seren who’s considering applying to universities like Oxford.

You do not need to be planning an application to Oxbridge, but, if you are, it will be a very valuable experience.

Last year we were able to substantially sharpen up the applications of those who attended, with our sessions on writing competitive applications and performing well at interview.

If you’d like more information, feel free to contact me: matthew.williams@jesus.ox.ac.uk.

And, if you’re ready to make an application, please do so online here: https://www.jesus.ox.ac.uk/form/seren-summer-school.

The deadline is 7th June.

I look forward to working with you! 

Catrin Williams, a first year Human Sciences student at Magdalen College, tells us all about how she’s enjoying Oxford so far:

“After getting my offer, I was initially terrified of the amount of work at Oxford and thought it would be too much for me to handle.

“Three essays a fortnight the same length as my GCSE history course work (which took me weeks!) seemed completely overwhelming.

“However, whilst I do spend more time working than my friends at other universities, it’s (currently) completely manageable.

“In fact, I think coming from a state school has given me a big advantage when it comes to adjusting to the workload; I’m far more used to managing my own time, and I’m more used to working things out for myself.

“My first week of lectures was quite overwhelming: lectures are much faster paced than school lessons, and it feels like you’re completely left behind, until the person next to you asks if you have any idea what’s going on!

“However, I’ve found that the reading I have to do for essays really helps me understand the subject, and so far, where my essays have overlapped with lectures, I’ve found that lectures make so much more sense afterwards.

“Since the first few weeks I’ve really settled in, and even find myself getting excited when I’m set an interesting essay to research!

“Oxford is quite unique (other than Cambridge!) as it has a tutorial system, where you meet your tutors in groups of about two to discuss topics in more detail.

“You are set work before hand, submit it so they can mark it in advance, and then discuss it in the tutorial.

“I really enjoy tutorials, as you can just enjoy knowing all of the things you’ve spent hours trying to know, by discussing it with your tutor, and trialling out wacky theories you thought about but weren’t brave enough to put on paper.

“It helps that all my tutors are lovely; my genetics tutor is Australian, wears Star Wars t-shirts with shorts, even when it’s freezing, and is a huge fan of casual swearing (although in our first tutorial he said if we had an issue with it just to tell him and he’d stop).

“Oxford is also has many traditions, such as matriculation, which involves you dressing up like an idiot (some say we look like penguins, and I can see the resemblance), trekking over to the Sheldonian Theatre in the rain whilst getting soaked because of the ‘no umbrella’ rule, and having your picture taken by random tourists, only to arrive and discover other colleges all have umbrellas and therefore it’s only you with your hair plastered across your face.

“I find it easier just to go with it all, accept that it’s ridiculous, but you’re part of all the ridiculousness now and that’s pretty cool (of course there’s always some who take it all very seriously and think that the fact that everything is conducted in Latin is glorious rather than a little bit pretentious).

“I’ve joined the college orchestra (despite not playing in over a year) and the college mixed lacrosse team (despite never playing before), and they’re all so relaxed and low-key.

“No one on the lacrosse team has ever played before, so it’s more like hockey with the amount of time the ball spends on the floor, but it just makes it hilarious.

“For anyone who can actually do things, there are university level teams, which come with pretty cool perks, like kit and VIP club tickets.

“I don’t enjoy drinking, or going out clubbing, and was really worried I’d struggle to socialise, but I’ve made an amazing group of friends.

“We drink tea and eat biscuits in the evenings, whilst watching university challenge and the Great British Bake Off, and then, those who want to, go out to the club, and I just go to bed, and absolutely no one cares which you do – there’s no pressure at all either way.

“You have nothing to lose by applying, and so much to gain if you’re successful.”

If you’re interested in a taster of life at Oxford yourself, including staying in an Oxford college and being taught by Oxford professors, why not apply to our annual Jesus College Summer School?

Applications for the Seren Jesus College Summer School are now open and found here: https://www.jesus.ox.ac.uk/form/seren-summer-school

The Seren Jesus College Summer School is taking place from Monday 19th to Friday 23rd August and will give current year 12 students the chance to experience what it’s like living and studying at the University of Oxford.

Who can apply?

The summer school is exclusively for current year 12 Seren students.

If you’re interested in studying at Oxford University this is a great opportunity for you. However, we welcome all students who are interested in studying at competitive universities, and an interest in studying at Oxford is by no means essential. The summer school will give information, hints and tips that can be used in sharpening up any application – whether for a uni, or a even job.

How do I apply?

Applying is easy and can be done through the online link found here: https://www.jesus.ox.ac.uk/form/seren-summer-school

You will be taken to an application form which includes various questions about yourself, your academic achievements and asks for a personal statement and short essay.

What does the application consist of?

A main focus of the application is your personal statement.

This should include your motivations for applying, your academic interests outside of the classroom along with your future aspirations.

Writing the personal statement gives you a chance to express yourself and talk about what makes you different.

You will also be asked to write a short essay on the following question:

“In no more than 500 words, please describe what responsibility you think you have in securing the Earth’s future.”

The written pieces will provide good practise for your UCAS applications and also give the opportunity to stretch yourself academically.

Along with the written pieces, you will be asked to fill out information about yourself as well as provide a teacher reference, where a teacher is asked to write on your behalf.

If there are any delays or problems with the teacher reference, please contact Matthew Williams at Jesus College whose email is given at the end of the blog. Allowances can be made for late submission of teacher references, where necessary.

What makes a successful application?

The applications will focus on your academic abilities and interests rather than your extra-curricular activities.

We want to know what makes you passionate about learning and what you do to further explore your academic interests outside of your school work.

When carrying out the written pieces we encourage you to talk about yourself, your academic interests and what makes you unique.

Applications for the Seren Jesus College Summer School are now open and found here: https://www.jesus.ox.ac.uk/form/seren-summer-school

Deadline for applications are Friday 7th June and applicants will be notified by 5th July whether or not they have a place.

For any queries regarding the application process please contact Dr Matthew Williams, Access and Career Development Fellow at Jesus College, Oxford on matthew.williams@jesus.ox.ac.uk.

Good luck to everyone applying!

Last month, we held an event for the students who were successful in securing a place to study abroad this summer at Yale Young Global Scholars Programme (YYGS) and Harvard Summer School.

We’re pleased to announce there was a total of 53 Seren students, 30 of which are attending YYGS and 23 attending Harvard Summer School, an amazing achievement showcasing Welsh talent on a global scale.

Out of the 30 students at YYGS, 29 of these will be at the United States and one in Beijing in China.

Both the YYGS and Harvard Summer School programmes give students an insight into their further education, the subjects they want to study and the difference of learning styles across the world.

These opportunities give students a taster of life at two of the world’s most prestigious academic institutions.

Students will be challenged both intellectually and socially, while also getting the chance to meet like-minded people from across the world and gaining an experience to drawn on in future university applications.

April Spiteri, a Seren student going to YYGS, said “I’m going to Yale to study applied science and engineering. I’m so excited, I can’t actually believe this is real and that I’ll be going to America.”

Keep your eyes peeled for more updates from the students in the coming months…

Are you interested in studying at Oxford University and universities like it? But are you worried that it may not be for you? Seren and Jesus College at Oxford University have partnered to create an exclusive opportunity designed to settle any concerns and help you decide whether Oxford is right for you.

What is it?

Seren and Jesus College, Oxford, have come together to design an all-expenses-paid experience exclusive to Year 12 Seren Students. The Seren/Jesus College Summer School, now in its third year, is a week-long residential programme jam-packed with academic activities designed to give prospective students an insight into what its really like to study and live at Oxford University. It really is as close as you can get to being an Oxford student and ‘try before you buy’!

Why should I attend?

If you’re hoping to study at Oxford University, or any prestigious university, this programme is perfect for you.

Jam-packed with lectures, seminars and Oxford’s world-famous tutorials, you’ll get the opportunity to see what it takes to excel academically at a leading university, as well as experiencing first-hand what it’s like to live and eat within Oxford’s hallowed halls. Students will also have the opportunity to explore the city of Oxford, it’s 38 colleges and more than 100 libraries.

This is the perfect experience for any Seren student who might have misconceptions about what it’s like to live and study at Oxford, or those concerned that Oxford might not be the place for them.

What’s on the agenda this year?

Each year there is a different theme, which gives students an insight into the topics of the lectures, seminars and tutorials. This year the theme is the Earth’s Future and you can expect to cover topics such as:

• Climate change
• Biodiversity
• The future of global trade
• World order in the age of Trump and Putin
• Interplanetary Colonisation

Sounds great! How do I apply?

The good news is the programme has expanded to fit even more Seren students in, and there are now 75 spaces available. However, this is always a really popular opportunity, so we recommend allowing as much time as possible to make your application the best it can be.

Applications will open in mid-April and close at the end of May, so keep your eyes peeled for more announcements and information on how to apply.

What have other students said?

“I would recommend the Seren/Jesus College Summer School to all students as it is a brilliant experience.

“One of my favourite lectures was about language in law. It’s very different to my usual study and allowed me to open my mind to things I have not thought about, developing my lateral thinking skills.”

Joe Phelps

“The summer school has been one of my favourite weeks over the summer.

“Not only did I value the academic experience, but I also valued the fact that I had the opportunity to meet some excellent people and create long lasting friendships.”

Elin Roberts

“After all of this, I find it hard to not be inspired to apply to Oxbridge.

“The environment is a lot of fun and the lecturers are all top of their field experts. The students are all friendly and the tutorials are fantastic.”

Thomas Tiltman

Want to know more? Watch the video from last year here https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=443916059431499

We spoke to Joe Phelps, a year 13 student from the Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire hub, who told us about his experience from Seren/Jesus College Summer School last year.

Why did you apply for Seren/ Jesus College Summer School?

“I applied for the Seren/Jesus College Summer School in the hope of finding out more about Oxford university and if it was a university I would like to apply to.

“Being from rural west Wales, I didn’t really know what to expect and I wasn’t sure whether Oxford would be the university for me.

How did you find the application process?

“Despite being a challenge, I found the application process enjoyable because it allowed me to have a chance at writing extended pieces which I don’t usually get to do with my A levels which are maths, physics and chemistry.

“In my application, I wrote an essay on the topic of “The meaning of life” which gave me the opportunity to explore some new ideas and research topics along with gaining useful feedback to help further my writing skills.

What were your first impressions of Oxford?

“When I arrived in Oxford, I remember I found the layout of the city very interesting, with the different colleges dotted around the city.

“The architecture of the colleges and Oxford was fascinating.

“Initially, the scale of everything in Oxford overwhelmed me, but after entering the College and meeting the staff and other students, I was far more relaxed and felt very welcomed.

Tell us about your time at the Seren/Jesus College Summer School?

“During my time at the Seren/Jesus College Summer School, I experienced what life as an Oxford student would be like.

“I attended lectures and seminars on some intriguing topics such as exoplanetary life and the significance of our own existence.

“One of my favourite lectures was about language in law. It’s very different to my usual study and allowed me to open my mind to things I have not thought about, developing my lateral thinking skills.

“At the end of the week, I submitted an essay on mathematical models which was discussed and scrutinised in a tutorial environment (a small discussion group with a tutor). I found this really interesting and enjoyed being able to discuss my ideas with others who had different ideas.

What else did you get from the experience?

“Aside from learning, we were also able to explore the City, visit museums and see what student life was like outside of the colleges.

“In my free time, I visited the famous Blackwell’s bookshop and relaxed in various coffee shops around the city with the new friends I had made there.

“Overall, I found the Seren/Jesus College Summer School an amazing experience which gave me a taste of what life is like for an Oxford student.

How did the Seren/Jesus College Summer School help you?

“Attending the Seren/Jesus College Summer School encouraged me to apply for a place at the College to study physics.

“In January, I received an offer of study there. I was so excited and pleased to accept the offer and I can’t wait to hopefully start at Jesus College in October.

“I made some great friends from the experience and met many interesting and like-minded people who I have kept in touch with.

“I would recommend the Seren/Jesus College Summer School to all students as it is a brilliant experience, especially for those who are hoping to apply there and want to get a taste of what it is like.”

Applications for Seren/Jesus College Summer School are open until Friday 24^th May.

Want a sneak peak of what a Seren/Jesus College Summer School experience is really like? Watch our video from last year here: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=443916059431499

Catrin Williams, a first year Human Sciences student at Magdalen College, tells us all about the Oxford application process:

“I attended Chepstow Comprehensive school and am now in my first year at Magdalen College, Oxford, studying Human Sciences.

“I didn’t originally intend to go to Oxford, it happened more by accident than anything else!

“I spent a large proportion of year 12 feeling stressed because I didn’t have any idea what I wanted to do with my life.

“I considered various career paths, including engineering apprenticeships, before I stumbled across Human Sciences on UCAS.

“If you’re thinking “What is Human Sciences?”, you’re not alone, I think it’s the only question I’ve heard since I got my offer on the 10^th of January.

“Human Sciences is an eclectic mix of everything from genetics to sociology, with evolution and anthropology in the middle.

“It’s very broad and very interesting, although the sheer breadth of it means you’d be hard pressed to enjoy absolutely everything!

“It’s only offered at three universities: Exeter, UCL and Oxford (Durham also offer it along with health sciences).

“This is how I found myself only applying to three universities, including Oxford, and more by a process of elimination than anything else.

“I had no idea where to begin with the Oxford admissions process.

“I’m lucky enough to have had both parents and my sister before me go to university, but the Oxbridge admissions process is completely foreign.

“Most Oxford applicants have to sit an admissions test around November.

“For Human Sciences it’s the TSA (Thinking Skills Assessment) which consists of an hour and a half of multiple-choice questions designed to assess problem-solving skills, including numerical and spatial reasoning and critical thinking skills, followed by half an hour to write an essay.

“You choose from one of four unseen titles, which could be on absolutely anything, and tend to be a little bizarre, so you’re not really expected to know any detail about the question you answer.

“I chose to answer, “Can we learn about intelligence by studying how humans and other animals learn?”, which was a topic I knew (and still know) almost nothing about.

“However, the essay assesses your ability to structure an argument and communicate ideas, not how much you know about military campaigns and referendums (the other topics on my paper).

“There is so much information online for the TSA, and I’d recommend doing every single practice paper, particularly for part one, as the questions seem really strange to start with, but they’re very similar each year so you’ll begin to understand the pattern of answers.

“Somehow, I managed to get through to interview, which was a terrifying concept.

“Unlike private schools, and some larger state schools, most Welsh comprehensive schools don’t have someone allocated to Oxbridge applications, or an extensive question bank from past students’ interviews because everyone is made to fill in a full report form when they get back from Oxbridge interviews (yes, this is actually a thing).

“However, the tutors who interview you are fully aware of this and claim to be very good at spotting people who have been extensively prepped for Oxbridge interviews.

“I only read one book for my interview (Sapiens by Yuval Noah Hariri – definitely recommend), and I’d only read half of it when I wrote my personal statement.

“I instead listened to loads of podcasts, which allowed me to quickly pick up a lot of information surrounding the topic without taking up too much time, as you can have them on in the background whilst you do something else.

“My RS teacher had recommended that we listen to Melvyn Bragg’s ‘In our time’ programmes for our philosophy and ethics modules, which I never did, but I found them excellent for Human Sciences, as the discussion format means you get lots of opinions.

“I listened as far back as the 1990s, then realised that it may no longer be the most up to date research on genetics!

“Also, little tip, if you’re looking to study something biology related, such as biological sciences, biomedical sciences, or human sciences, ‘The Selfish Gene’ is the probably the most over referenced book on personal statements, so read something more original if you can!

“My Magdalen interview felt awful.

“They began by asking some pretty basic biology questions, which helped me settle.

“However, they kept pushing me until I had nothing more to give, which made me feel like I hadn’t answered their questions well.

“I remember being handed a graph of death rates in the UK and in the USA and simply being asked “why did they die?”.

“One of my interviewers is now my sociology tutor, and I’ve still not worked up the courage to ask her the answer!

“I came out of my Magdalen interview and cried down the phone to my friend, convinced it was a complete disaster.

“It wasn’t helped when I talked to another girl being interviewed for Human Sciences, who said she felt her interview had gone really well.

“She didn’t get in, so you just can’t predict the outcome!”

If you’re interested in a taster of life at Oxford yourself, including staying in an Oxford college and being taught by Oxford professors, why not apply to our annual Jesus College Summer School?

The school is running from the 19^th to the 23^rd of August and any Seren student in year 12 is welcome to apply (there are 75 funded places available).

Applications aren’t open yet, but we’ll be announcing their opening in May/June 2019.