Following hot on the heels of Anastasia Grant’s successful Oxbridge application for Theology, the Religious Studies department took all Lower Sixth Form students to the University of Cambridge to inspire the next generation of elite Epsom College theologians.
The day started at the Faculty of Divinity, with two special lectures put on exclusively for Epsom College: the first, on New Testament Studies, from Dr James Carleton-Paget (one of the foremost authorities on this area of study); the second, on Philosophy of Religion, from Dr James Bryson. This was followed by a talk from Dr Alanna Cant on studying at the University of Cambridge and the structure of the new BA: Theology, Religion and the Philosophy of Religion.
The visit to the Faculty concluded with a brief tour of the library, where I spent most of my time as an undergraduate.
From the Faculty, the students went to the University Pitt Club to enjoy a two-course lunch in the Club’s austere and historic clubhouse, spotting pictures of famous members (including Eddie Redmayne) on the walls of the loo. The students then enjoyed a tour of Gonville and Caius College, my alma mater, and a talk from the wonderfully authentic and authoritative Dean (Rev Dr Carolyn Hammond) on why they should consider studying Theology at university, and especially at Oxbridge. The day ended with a pit stop at the Fudge Kitchen before boarding the minibus back to Epsom.
By Mr George Greenbury
