Target Thchoolth
SIXTH FORMERS AT Claremont High School in London were excited to have Chris Eubank visit them last week. Claremont is one of the 500 schools targeted by the Oxford Access Scheme as an inner city school with students from non-traditional backgrounds, who are encouraged to apply to university in general and Oxford in particular.
Chris Eubank encouraged the students to aim high and his charisma soon inspired them. He said "it's all about drive, don't feel inferior, take a risk." He applied the lessons of life he has learnt through his boxing career to applying to Oxford, admitting that he was an ordinary man with an extraordinary life: "if I can succeed, then anyone can." Speaking philosophically he encouraged them with Rudyard Kipling's poem 'If.' He summed up his overall message: "don't let your concerns get in the way of trying to succeed."
The group discussions with Oxford undergraduates revealed the sixth formers' concerns about applying to Oxford and what they thought life would be like. The majority were worried about fitting in with students of high social class, wealthy background and public school education. One even said that she imagined a typical student to get up at 7am, put on a suit and play croquet all day. A more serious concern was how to stand out among thousands of straight-A applicants. Despite their preconceptions they were eager to learn the reality of studying at Oxford.
The Oxford undergraduates listened to the sixth formers' ideas of Oxford and then told them their own experiences of Oxford. Raph Mokades, co-chief executive of the Oxford Revolution, encouraged them: "everyone is worried about fitting in at first, but most people are friendly towards others of all backgrounds." Jules Ratcliffe, also co-chief executive, admitted "the work is hard," but he told them "be confident and enthusiastic about your subject and you'll be fine in the interview." By the end of the afternoon, the Oxford Revolution team succeeded in shattering many adverse preconceptions of the sixth formers.
They promoted the Oxford Access Scheme, which offers a shadowing programme, summer schools, advice on the personal statement and interview training days. They also encouraged them to enter the competition for the Young Achiever Awards offered by the Oxford Revolution. A prize of £300 will be given to sixth formers who produce the best written or art work on the theme of revolution. In addition 100 sixth formers will be invited to spend the weekend in Oxford and attend the event free of charge in the hope that they will see that the life of a typical Oxford undergraduate is not all work.
The Oxford Revolution, an event to be held in 9th week of Trinity term, is marketed at thousands of Oxford students as "a ball with a difference." It is open to students from all colleges, not restricted to a black-tie dress code, but rather "revolutionary, sharp and slinky," and will provide the best in entertainment while empowering talented inner city youth. The Oxford Revolution marks the tenth anniversary of the Access Scheme's success in attracting young people from state schools. The first 500 people to buy tickets will be entered into a draw to win £1000 in cash - over 200 tickets have been sold already, so people eager to have a chance of winning the money should apply soon. For more details see www.oxfordrevolution.com and www.oxford-access.org.
23rd Nov 2000