On Tuesday 3 November, our Year 6 children had an unforgettable, free trip to the University of Oxford, the Oxford
University Museum of Natural History and the Pitt Rivers Museum.
Inside the university
The children explored an Oxford college, raced around its quads on a treasure hunt, and walked into the college
chapel just as an Organ Scholar was practising. They saw a grand dining hall like the ones in the Harry Potter films,
and learnt that parts of the university are nearly 1,000 years old. In a “Curious Citizens” workshop, they worked in
teams to come up with big ideas to make our own community even better.
Hands on at the museums
At the museums, the children did something most visitors never get to do: they held real specimens. An expert let
them handle skulls, a dinosaur tooth, malachite, geodes and giant crystals. They also saw dinosaur skeletons, insects
collected by Charles Darwin and treasures from all over the world.
In their own words
“When you want to study something, you can always go in a museum and study about it.” – Augustin
“They had loads of fossils, megalodon teeth and asteroids that have been around longer than Earth.” – Riley
“People from 160 countries all over the world come to Oxford to study, even people from Bristol! Will I go to
university? Definitely. I’d probably try for Oxford.” – Diamond
“You’ve got to work really hard and finish all of your SATs and GCSEs.” – Maiya
A parent’s view
“Before the trip, my daughter couldn’t be bothered with the thought of more schooling. Visiting Oxford changed
her perspective. It’s more than just the education – it’s an experience and an opportunity to become part of a
community, something bigger than yourself. Many of the children have hardly left Bristol, and their eyes are
being opened to new possibilities.” – A Year 6 parent
Back in the classroom
The next day, the children wrote diary recounts of their visit, full of vivid detail and ambitious vocabulary:
“The chapel’s pointed roof seemed to go on forever. I thought it was touching the clouds!” – Year 6 pupil
“Butterflies flew in my tummy, but when we finished our speech, a huge round of applause filled the room.” – Year 6
pupil
Thinking big
Most importantly, our children came home believing that university could be part of their future. Thank you to the
parents who joined us, to everyone who got their children to school so early, and to our staff for making the day so
special. We will keep opening doors like this for our children.
