Opening Doors to Oxbridge: Students Visit Cambridge University
Sixth Form students from across Chester gained a valuable insight into life at one of the world's leading universities during a visit to Cambridge University as part of the Chester Schools Together partnership.
The visit was designed to help students considering applications to Cambridge better understand the opportunities available to them and the realities of studying at a highly selective institution. By engaging directly with admissions staff and current undergraduates, students were able to gain first-hand knowledge of the application process and student experience.
Throughout the day, students met with admissions tutors, who offered valuable guidance on applying to Cambridge and explained what colleges look for in prospective applicants. The group also took part in a question-and-answer session with current students, giving them an honest insight into university life, academic expectations and the wider opportunities available at Cambridge.
As part of the programme, students participated in a Personal Statement Workshop, where they explored how to present their academic interests, achievements and ambitions effectively. They also took part in a Big Questions Workshop, designed to encourage critical thinking and discussion around challenging academic ideas.
A tour of Fitzwilliam College gave students the chance to experience the college environment first-hand and gain a better understanding of the collegiate system, accommodation, facilities and student life.
Students returned to Chester with a clearer understanding of the Cambridge application process and greater confidence about considering highly competitive university courses. The trip was a valuable opportunity to raise aspirations, broaden horizons and support students as they begin planning their next steps after Sixth Form
Vets. Medics and Dentist University Application Evening
Students from schools across Chester gathered at The King's School on 14 January for a highly informative Vets, Medics and Dentists Preparation Evening, organised as part of the Chester Schools Together partnership programme.
The event welcomed Lower Sixth students interested in pursuing careers in Veterinary Science, Medicine and Dentistry, providing valuable insight into the competitive application process for these sought-after university courses.
During the evening, attendees heard a detailed presentation covering key aspects of the admissions process, including university entry requirements, UCAS applications, admissions tests and interviews. Students were also given practical advice on how to strengthen their applications through relevant work experience, wider reading and extracurricular activities.
A particular highlight of the event was the opportunity for students to meet and speak directly with professionals currently working in veterinary practice, medicine and dentistry. Through informal discussions and question-and-answer sessions, students gained first-hand insight into the realities of each profession, helping them to make informed decisions about their future studies and careers.
The event formed part of the ongoing Chester Schools Together initiative, which aims to bring together students from different schools across the city to share opportunities, knowledge and expertise. By working collaboratively, the partnership seeks to support young people in achieving their academic and professional ambitions.
Students left the evening with a clearer understanding of the pathways into their chosen professions and a greater appreciation of the preparation required for successful applications. Many commented on the value of hearing directly from experienced practitioners and learning about the challenges and rewards of careers in healthcare and veterinary science.
The King's School was delighted to host the event and would like to thank the guest speakers and professionals who generously gave their time and expertise to support the next generation of vets, doctors and dentists.
Laura Bates and Clarke Carlisle - EDI Conference
More than 100 CST pupils gathered at The University of Chester Queen's Park Campus in September to explore topics surrounding Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
The group heard from Everyday Sexism activist Laura Bates and former Premier League footballer and mental health campaigner Clarke Carlisle.
Podcast Masterclass
Through our partnership with Storyhouse, more than 20 CST pupils were give the opportunity to take part in a two-day Podcast Masterclass which saw the pupils produce a podcast with the history and culture of the City of Chester at its heart. Students delved into well-known locations, such as the Cathedral and Roman Amphitheatre, in preparation for recording the story of their city.
After an initial focus group session in each school, students came together for two recording days around the city, where they took on the role of a Presenter or a Historian.
You can hear highlights from the podcast here: Chester Schools Together Podcast Project | Storyhouse
Creative Careers Day
CST students took part in The Storyhouse Experience: Careers and focussed on what it takes to plan and deliver an event.
As part of the experience, the young people visited the Storyhouse building and embarked on a backstage tour whilst having the task that was to follow in the back of their minds.
The students were tasked with proposing a launch event centred around Storyhouse's upcoming production of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz at The Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre. They met members of staff from various departments across Storyhouse, including finance, HR and Front of House, with a view to tapping into their expertise before arranging all the logistics surrounding the event, including elements such as:
o Health and safety
o Budgeting
o Commissioning artists/freelance staff
o Marketing the event
o Catering the event
After drafting their plan and working with peers from a different school to their own, the day culminated with the young people pitching their ideas to a panel of experts, who offered feedback and shared ideas for potential improvement.
Trip to University of Oxford Campus
A group of 60 Sixth Form students from CST schools took part in a trip to The University of Oxford to discover more about its colleges and admissions process, to help them to make an informed decision about applying.
Throughout the day, students were shown around the University, met with an admissions tutor, took part in a Q&A with current students and were given the opportunity for academic taster sessions. There also had free time to look around any other colleges and departments in which they might be interested in applying.
Northern Chamber Orchestra Masterclass
Talented musicians from Blacon and King's had the incredible opportunity to take part in a Masterclass with members of the Northern Chamber Orchestra at Storyhouse on January 15.
The composition and performance workshop took place in the studio space at the city centre theatre, and was part of a new collaboration for 2024 between Chester Schools Together and Storyhouse which will see partnership schools take part in a diverse range of creative events and projects.
The students, who play a mixture of brass and wind instruments, warmed up with some fun games based on percussion and rhythm, before hearing from members of the orchestra and playing alongside them in smaller ensembles.
The group then reconvened and had the opportunity to perform for each other.
Students make a splash with lifeguard qualification
Ten students from partnership schools came together at Cambrian Aquatics to complete their Royal Life Saving Society, National Pool Lifeguard Qualification, over the October half-term.
Students from Bishop’s Blue Coat C of E High School, Catholic High School Chester, Queens Park High School and Upton High School successfully completed the six day, physically demanding course which included swimming to set times, lifting casualties and diving to the deepest part of the pool.
Students then worked in groups to demonstrate pool rescue techniques, first aid and CPR skills, along with completing a lifeguard theory test paper, in order to pass the course and gain their qualification.
His Grace meets CST pupils and headteachers
His Grace The Duke of Westminster DL met pupils and headteachers from the Chester School Together partnership, which is a unique Independent State School Partnership (ISSP) between King’s, Bishops’ Blue Coat School and Blacon High School, Catholic High School Chester and Upton High School.
Originally established in 2018 with two partnership schools, the partnership identifies areas of mutual need or challenge across all five schools and creates a programme of events, projects and initiatives to improve outcomes and broaden the cultural and education horizons of pupils and staff.
The partnership receives generous funding from The Westminster Foundation and The Duke was delighted to speak to pupils who had directly benefitted from recent Chester School Together events.
Members are passionate about removing barriers to an enriched educational experience through an ambitious 5-year-development plan, which will eventually see all state secondary schools in Chester joining Chester Schools Together.
The partnership was delighted to be awarded the title of Highly Commended at The Independent School of the Year Awards for Outstanding Educational Partnerships in recognition of our innovative programme.
Black History Month Talk - Dr Charlie Easmon
As part of Black History Month, we welcomed Dr Charlie Easmon to King’s to lead an assembly about the History of Prejudice.
Dr Easmon is a healthcare professional who developed his thought-provoking talk on prejudice in light of the Black Lives Matter movement. The talk aims to give pupils an opportunity to reflect, think and question their beliefs on the topic and arising issues.
After the engaging assembly, Dr Easmon met with invited students from a number of partnership schools for a Q&A session. Students from King’s, Christleton High School, Catholic High and Upton High School spent an hour discussing what they had heard in the assembly, asking challenging questions and considering the points that Dr Easmon had made.