On Thursday 23rd January, Graham Waton, the Widening Access Outreach Manager at the University of Bath visited Park House School to deliver a series of assemblies to different year groups.

Graham’s first session was with Year 12 & Year 13 students in the 6th form centre. The students were shown a presentation on why they should consider attending the University of Bath and had a wider discussion about all aspects of University life with Graham. All students found this talk to be very beneficial and informative as it provided them with an opportunity to ask questions about what University would look like for them.

Later on in the day Graham delivered a series of sessions in the Main Hall to Year 9, Year 10 and Year 11 students all about the benefits of University, why they should all consider University as part of their future and busted some myths about the finances of gaining a degree. Our aim was for these sessions to inspire our students and to have them think aspirationally about their futures.

With our Year 9 students making their GCSE choices in the coming months and our Year 11 students approaching a mock exam window this assembly was an opportunity for students to recognise where all their hard work can take them.

Finally, during Y12 parents evening at school that day Graham delivered a series of talks to Y12 students and parents about University life, the finances of University and was able to answer any questions both students and parents may have about the upcoming UCAS application process.

A very worthwhile visit that has resulted in many students having follow up conversations with teachers about University courses, the University of Bath and their hopes for the future.