The ‘Inspire to Aspire’ programme continues to engage and encourage our students, and this time it was a group of Year 10 & 11 Sports Leaders who had the opportunity to spend a motivational day St John’s College, Cambridge University.  The visit, sponsored by the national charity ‘Sport Inspired’, was devised to inspire young people to follow their dreams and believe Cambridge University is a possibility for them. 

Last term the same group of students were invited to form a guard of honour at the start of the Women’s Oxford vs Cambridge University Varsity Rugby Match at Twickenham. This time, they had a fantastic opportunity to play and be mentored by some of the players from the men and women’s teams from that Varsity event.  

The students were enthusiastic about the day, especially the time spent on the rugby pitch with mentors from the University: “The trip to Cambridge and being able to play rugby with members of the Varsity team was a once in a lifetime experience. “I was really inspired”, said Fenita R in Year 10. Toby A, also in Year 10, adds: “the rugby players were the kindest and funniest people.” 

Students also received a tour of the University, spoke to current students and attended a presentation on university life which they found positively eye-opening. Oliver J from Year 11 explained: “Speaking to students who study there was a great opportunity to understand what university is like. I think if I had not gone on that trip I would not have considered applying to university. I now aspire to study at Cambridge and join their rugby team!” Jamie B in Year 10 also enjoyed the guided tour which was: “a great opportunity to discover what university life is like”, and Ellie H from Year 10 commented: “The tour around Cambridge uni was excellent!”

 
When it comes to answering the question of whether the visit achieved its aim, to inspire students to consider applying to universities they might not have considered, Grace G from Year 10 felt that the ‘Inspire to Aspire’ programme has given the students valuable insight about university life, and the range of backgrounds that students come from: “It was interesting to discover that when students apply they want to know you as a person and not just know about your qualifications. People from all over the world can join this university which means anyone can be accepted for ‘just being you’.”

For more information about the Sport Inspired Programme click here; https://www.sportinspired.org/