A number of our Sixth Form students participated in the Oxford UNIQ Programme (Materials Science)ย last week and the school have been delighted to hear about the schedule of the week-long programme which consisted of various lectures on superconductors, solar power, batteries, and many other topics scattered throughout and how the course provided students with a personal insight into life at Oxford University.
The week involved a group project, consisting of approximately 20 students focussing on the Materials Science course. They were split into groups of four and assigned to create a poster on a randomly allocated topic followed by a presentation lasting 3-minutes which was delivered to the group and professors of the department. One Bournemouth School group presented on aluminium alloys in cars and benefited from having in attendance a recently graduated PhD student of their chosen topic.
There was also practical laboratory work experience, offering the students the opportunity to discuss theory first and then follow through with the practical, such as stretching metal until it rips apart and calculating certain properties of it from this. This was taught by some of the departments PhD students which opened the lines of communication into hearing their personal journeys into the field of material science.
In addition, students were offered a tour of the Engineering Departmentโs facilities, along with a beneficial workshop session on the process of interviewing by one of the Admissions Tutors. This workshop offered our students the opportunity to ask questions and gauge the process of admissions into the university.
Outside of academics, students were encouraged to tour the city to experience a taste of Oxford life, from visiting other colleges, to eating in the halls of Magdalen College, to seeing the college’s own 30-acre deer park.
The overall impression of the week was extremely positive, and students have fed back that they strongly recommend it to next yearโs cohort as it has reaffirmed their decision in applying to Oxford.




