'Beauty is a short-lived tyranny' by Alice Alampi, Notre Dame School

The conference consisted of four lectures and a debate. It was opened by Julie Arliss, Farmington Scholar and highly accomplished teacher and author. She started by introducing the first lecture; Justice, Truth and Beauty. It talked about the general understandsing of the three and how they can be viewed and percieved. Plato and Socrates were discussed and the perception of beauty throughout society was spoken of. This first lecture was intellectually challenging but also sparked interest and genuine curiosity around the room. Then the second lecture, still delivered by Julie, was about Oxbridge Interview Questions. For those who were thinking of applying in the near future, probably most of us, this lecture was really beneficial along with being mentally engaging. The third lecture was given by psychologist Dr Christopher O’Neill and was about The Psychology of Outstanding achievement. This lecture talked about how success is achieved and how different people are able to do this. It was beautifully presented and caught the attention of many. These three lectures were exceptionally given and highly informative.

After a short but pleasant lunch within the London Streets, we were all called back into the Church. This next session consisted of a debate and a final lecture. The title of the debate, given by Julie Arliss and Dr Chris O’Neill, was; ‘This house believes that it isn’t OK to make comments about other peoples’ bodies’. Both Julie and Dr O’Neill presented their arguments convincingly and at the end of both their speeches, students were called to give their own opinions on the matter. This was a great way to engage the students and allow them to contribute. It let them express their ideas and develop the communication and thinking skills needed to deliver an opinion or argument.

The final lecture was called ‘Rock in 11 Dimensions: Where Physics and Guitars Collide’. Taken by Dr Mark Lewney, professional physicist and otherwise known as ‘the rock doctor’, it was a fanstastic way to end the conference. The lecture itself was executed with maximised enthusiasm, which was in turn mirrorred in the audience. The comedic and exceedingly talented Dr Lewney played various tunes on his guitar, helping brighten the faces of confusion brought on by the sudden talk of physics equations. The lecture based on string theory and its connection with the world of rock music and ended on a fun Bohemian Rhapsody changed to fit the physics of the lecture.

Overall, the trip was a wonderful opportunity as it allowed all the students to experience what a day at Uni would feel like and it helped to get everyone to think further than if they were answering the general maths or english question. But what had it got to do with the prestigious educational instituitions Oxford and Cambridge? Well by enabling the students to think harder and deeper into their knowledge it allowed them to unlock skills and potentials that not only are needed to enter these universities but are also the main elements needed in a ‘more able and ambitious’ student.