Last Thursday saw the launch of the Lower Sixth Symposium 2023. 90 students from Epsom College, City of London Freemen’s School and Blenheim High School packed into Main Hall to hear more about the event taking place on Thursday 15 June.
The symposium strives to provide students with an opportunity to take part in a university-style seminar discussion on topics related to their preferred degree course. At the launch, students had a chance to meet their seminar partner, which in most cases was someone from another school with an interest in a similar field of study, and brainstorm potential topics they could present just over a month’s time.
This experience will enable students to develop research, collaboration, communication and critical thinking skills, which will be invaluable when they enter higher education or the workplace.
Previous participants in the symposium commented on how much they enjoyed learning something new, hearing contrasting viewpoints and immersing themselves in an academic discussion outside of the typical classroom environment.
Epsom’s Assistant Head: Digital Learning, Oliver Fernie, said: “It was fantastic to see the enthusiasm in which the students have embraced the opportunity to put themselves outside of their comfort zone, work with someone they haven’t met before, and delve deeper into the subject area they wish to pursue at university. I look forward to hearing what topics the students have a real passion for when they return to Epsom on 15th June.”
Freemen’s Head of Future Pathways, Lucy Ryckaert added: “The symposium is a great initiative, and the students were buzzing after the launch.”
We look forward to hearing the presentations next month and wish the teams luck in their preparations.
