First Astrophoria Foundation Year students begin their studies at Oxford
The first cohort of Astrophoria Foundation Year students started their studies at the University of Oxford last week, taking part in an orientation week before the start of term. Twenty-two young people from across the UK are the first students on the fully funded programme, which is designed to help bridge the gap between A-levels and the challenging undergraduate degrees at Oxford.
Throughout the week students were introduced to key aspects of their course and University life, alongside taking part in sessions on topics such as wellbeing and financial planning. They were also officially welcomed to Oxford by the University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Irene Tracey.
The orientation week included visits to many of Oxford's colleges, museums and libraries. In the evenings there were plenty of opportunities to socialise and get to know their fellow students. Students also took part in group tasks which encouraged them to develop teamwork, communication and critical thinking skills.
Dr Jo Begbie, Astrophoria Foundation Year Director, said: 'I am delighted to welcome the first cohort of Astrophoria Foundation Year students to Oxford. It has been fantastic to meet them all in person and I hope that this orientation week has given them opportunities to make new friends and a chance to see what Oxford has to offer. I'm sure it has set them up for a great first term and I look forward to following their journeys over the coming year.'
The Astrophoria Foundation Year was launched last year for UK state school students who have experienced disadvantage or disruption during their education and is part of the University of Oxford’s efforts to increase participation from students from underrepresented and disadvantaged backgrounds.
Bassam from Milton Keynes studying Law
'I have enjoyed getting to know people, learning how the Uni works and meeting teachers. Just the experience of it all really. I am looking forward to getting involved in clubs and going to Freshers Fair.'
Riyad from London studying Materials Science
'I think orientation week was a good taster for me to experience everything before Freshers. I think I had a few preconceptions of Oxford before and I think orientation week has helped me to challenge them.'
Farbod from Newcastle studying History
'Orientation week has been different than what I expected it to be. I'm enjoying the fact that all of my expectations of Oxford, as this massive posh institution if you will, is being subverted. You wonder what people will be like and then you actually get to talk to them and everybody's really nice and friendly.'
Yan from Worthing studying History
'It’s a diverse group and I have enjoyed getting to know more about people and their backgrounds whilst making friends. I'm looking forward to the societies, like rowing, and getting to know even more people. Also to start learning, I’m very interested to see what the foundation year course has to offer.'
Aidan from London studying Philosophy and Theology
'I've enjoyed that the orientation week timetable has been full of activities so that we never feel bored or left without something to do. I'm really looking forward to reading more. I don't read as much as I would like to at home and I think all of the libraries around Oxford will encourage me to do more.'
Student photo challenge
The students were set a challenge to take photos of key landmarks around Oxford to encourage them to explore the city. The students submitted a number of great photos including the ones seen below.
Photos taken by Astrophoria Foundation Year students Victoria and Mazey.
Victoria from London studying History
‘I'm really looking forward to the tutorials. Where I came from the culture was very anti-intellectual, there was no one really to talk to about the things I'm interested in but now in this space the whole point is that I am trying to develop these skills so that I can talk about things I care about.’
Zunara from London studying PPE
'I'm looking forward to getting stuck in with the learning. With my course, it's a bit of a broad subject, so learning new and different things is one thing I'm really looking forward to. Also I’m looking forward to making new friends and experiencing new things.'
Iman from Bradford studying PPE
‘I'm looking forward to the academic side obviously. To actually learn about economics, because I love economics. I'm also enjoying meeting new people and exploring Oxford. Compared to Bradford it's a quieter city and I think I'll feel quite at home here.'
