Many congratulations to Year 13 students invited to Oxbridge interviews this term. It has been a team effort, and we are very proud of all the students who contributed to creating the culture of curiosity and intellectual endeavour that enabled the students to impress in their personal statements and aptitude tests. Mr Cox, Deputy Head Academic has been speaking to students to find out what their experiences have been in the lead up to their interviews.

 One student said ‘Since I joined Rendcomb College, all the teachers here have been so supportive of my application to Cambridge, especially my mentor who has led fortnightly meetings with me to prepare for both the interview and written assessment. Each of my subject teachers are aware of my ambition to go to Cambridge, so have been able to challenge me in different ways and really push me within my subjects.’ All the students have been supported through our Oxbridge preparation pathway that includes subject specific mentoring, our gifted and talented groups and working with other schools to provide authentic interview practice.

The journey to academic excellence starts early, and we see this an integral part of teaching and learning at the College - the Oxbridge preparation pathway is not just a bolt-on. One of the students put it well by saying, ‘The teaching I have had throughout the school had a massive impact on my decision to apply to Oxford. I have been challenged to work through the lessons at the fast pace that suited me and the teachers have made it clear where the knowledge will lead me in the future’. Similarly, a second student described that ‘I have learnt the knowledge I need in my subjects and I’ve seen how it applies in practice too. I have really enjoyed using what I have learnt to solve problems’.

Developing positive approaches to learning has been central to our philosophy of teaching. Students are encouraged to show a thirst for knowledge, be tenacious in completing challenging tasks and importantly, learn how to cope with failure - we advocate that to fail is in fact the First Attempt In Learning. It is pleasing to see this coming through in the student’s reflections on their interviews. ‘I’m happy I did it – it will be worth it whatever the outcome!’

VISIT RENDCOMB COLLEGE

Throughout the academic year, Rendcomb College holds a number of events for those looking to join our school. Our Information Evenings offer attendees the opportunity to meet our subject teachers, Heads of Department, Houseparents, pastoral team and current students. It is the ideal insight into life at Rendcomb College and we hope that you will be able to develop a better understanding of the exceptional environment that we have here.

To attend an Information Evening, please contact our Admissions Team on admissions@rendcombcollege.org.uk or 01285 832 306, and they will be delighted to put the arrangements in place for you.

If you’d like to find out more about Rendcomb College, please do not hesitate to get in touch - our team should be delighted to answer your questions. Please drop us an email at info@rendcombcollege.org.uk or give us a call on 01285 831 213. Alternatively, you can visit us on one of our open days throughout the academic year.