As we wrap up the 2024 summer at Reach Cambridge, we are thrilled to share the highlights of what has been an extraordinary season, marking our 20th anniversary in style. This summer was a celebration of two decades of academic excellence, cultural enrichment, and personal growth. We are immensely grateful for the amazing group of students and staff who made this season truly unforgettable. From captivating lectures to unforgettable excursions, the 2024 program was a testament to everything that makes Reach Cambridge special.

Academic Excellence & Enriching Workshops

With academic excellence at the heart of Reach Cambridge, this year, students had the opportunity to immerse themselves in a diverse range of subjects, from Medicine and Engineering to Psychology and Creative Writing. Whether honing their technical skills or exploring creative passions, every student found courses that inspired and challenged them.

A standout in our academic offerings was the Cambridge Union interdisciplinary debating day. Students engaged in thought-provoking discussions across various fields, honing their public speaking and critical thinking skills in an environment that encourages intellectual exploration.

Our enriching evening lectures and workshops added another layer to the academic experience. A favourite was the lecture on Emotional Intelligence, offering students essential skills in understanding and managing their emotions—vital for success in any field. The “Rising to the Challenge” lecture was another highlight, encouraging students to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and development. Evening lectures also included captivating sessions on African drumming and the cultural impact of music, providing a blend of learning and artistic expression.

Emma, a student from 2024, shares his enriching experience:

“The Cambridge Union debating day was one of the most intellectually stimulating experiences I’ve ever had. It pushed me to think critically and articulate my thoughts clearly in a supportive environment.”

Cultural Excursions & Unforgettable Experience

No summer at Reach Cambridge is complete without our signature trips and excursions, and this year we curated some truly remarkable experiences. The visit to Warwick Castle was a journey back in time, where students witnessed a thrilling live re-enactment of the War of the Roses, the historic conflict between the houses of York and Lancaster.

Back in Cambridge, students enjoyed a quintessential local experience—punting on the River Cam. As they glided along the water, they were treated to stunning views of Cambridge’s iconic colleges, enjoying a perfect mix of relaxation and cultural immersion.

Our trip to London was another highlight, offering students the unique opportunity to watch Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing at the historic Globe Theatre. For many, this was a dream come true, experiencing a Shakespearean play in the venue where his works originally came to life. Meanwhile, others opted for a walking tour of London’s most iconic landmarks, soaking in the vibrant history and culture of the city.

One of the most memorable evenings was the Ghost Tour around Cambridge. As the sun set, students ventured through the city’s ancient lanes, listening to eerie stories and chilling legends. The tour revealed a darker, more mysterious side of Cambridge, leaving everyone with a thrill that lingered long after the tour ended.

Lucas, a student from 2024, shares his enriching experience:

“Punting on the River Cam was the highlight of my summer. It was such a relaxing way to experience the beauty of Cambridge while chatting with friends and making new memories.”

 

Cambridge Life & International Experience

Life on campus was a perfect blend of academic rigor and relaxed, sunny afternoons. Students lived in beautiful, historic colleges, enjoying the picturesque surroundings and vibrant student life. The mix of cultures, with students representing numerous nationalities, created an enriching environment where lifelong friendships were formed.

The perfect balance of structured learning and social activities ensured that students not only gained academic knowledge but also developed a deeper appreciation for diverse perspectives and global cultures.

Join Us Next Summer!

Want to be a part of the fun next summer? Applications for next year’s program are now open! Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unique experience. Whether you’re looking to deepen your academic knowledge, explore new cultures, or make lifelong friends, Reach Cambridge is the place to be. Secure your spot today and join us in making next summer as unforgettable as this one.

For more day-to-day insights into the summer experience, check out our daily blog updates here.

Thank you to everyone who made this summer so special. Here’s to many more years of learning, discovery, and unforgettable memories!

Sadly, the time has come to say goodbye to our third and final cohort of the summer. What a two weeks it has been! 

 

Students began the day with mixed emotions, excited for the final day of the program, but sad that it is coming to an end. Classes ran in the morning as usual, with students and teachers able to reflect on their time together, and discussing the key takeaways from their classes. The students were awarded certificates for their hard work and dedication over the past two weeks!

 

Everyone then had a quieter afternoon to do some packing, whilst those who missed out on punting due to Taster Courses earlier in the week, had a second chance to take a trip down the river Cam! We then all came together at the College dining hall to have dinner as a whole group for one last time before the party kicked off!

 

Following the final college dinner, the students gathered at our disco venue, for an evening of celebration, music and dancing! 

But before the music, our programme coordinators Temi and Samy awarded students with fun awards, nominated by their supervisors, including the “most enthusiastic”, “best dressed” and the “sleeping beauty”. The students were then able to see a roundup of the program on a photo slideshow, which captured the events and activities, as well as group photos of the students. It really showed the students how much they have done, and the fun that has been had over the course of the program. 

 

Whilst students were having a boogie on the dance floor, others made friendship bracelets, enjoyed some refreshments, and chilled out at the casino table. A perfect end to our final program of Summer ‘24!

 

As curfew approached, the students said their goodbyes, before making their way back to their own colleges, with many having an early start to catch Reach’s Heathrow Express! We have had such a blast with our final cohort of the summer, and we cannot wait to hear what you get up to in the future. Goodbye, Program three. We will miss you! 

 

And with that, sadly Summer 2024 is brought to a close. We hope you have enjoyed keeping up with what’s been happening here at Reach Cambridge, so thank you for reading, and until next year, goodbye!

 

It’s the penultimate day of Reach’s third and final program of the summer, and how quickly it has flown! We still have one full day tomorrow, so before we get into the emotional goodbyes, let’s tell you what today had in store for the students. 

 

After yesterday’s interdisciplinary excitement, we returned back to normal this morning, with college in breakfast as usual, before another full session of classes. As the morning of classes drew to a close, the students found out what was on offer for the rest of the day!

 

Before we get on to the evening’s showcase, students had a final chance to prepare their world fair presentations and talent show performances, coming together in their groups, or working hard alone to perfect their act. Or, by popular demand, students could once again continue with the incredibly popular language learning workshop, to share new words and phrases from their respective languages with each other.

 

Tonight saw another busy evening, with the students having dinner with their corridor and corridor supervisor, getting takeaway pizzas from Aromi! It was less than two weeks ago the corridors had their first icebreakers, but you would think the students have been friends for years! The corridor dinner really highlights how close the students become over the two weeks, and gives everyone a chance to reflect on their time together. 

 

After so much demand for the World Fair, we picked up where we left off with more insightful presentations on Belgium, Brazil and Russia! It was then time for the Program 3 Talent Show! Following days of buildup, we got to see the fruits of the students’ labour, as they put on a night of entertainment! We had a soliloquy from Hamlet, an expressive dance, and following the success of the language workshops, we had an ASL workshop put on for the full cohort, learning the alphabet and common phrases! A real highlight of the program for many, both students and staff, and a celebration of the range of talents amongst our students.

Come back tomorrow to hear all about the final day of the summer, and as always, check out our Instagram Story for more daily updates (@reachcambridge)

 

Today was no ordinary day here at Reach! Today we held the interdisciplinary day, where classes join together to have a morning of debating workshops, learning public speaking skills, before entering the debating chamber. 

 

The students then headed over to the Cambridge Union, host to a range of past speakers, including Bill Gates, Stephen Hawking and the current Dalai Lama!

Each group took part in various debates across the day, such as “do we have a duty to populate Mars?”, “should High School classes start later in the day?” and “is AI innocent or evil?”.The students had time to prepare their argument, either in favour or against the motion, before putting across their points to the chambers.

The students impressed with their effortless public speaking and ability to persuade the audience in favour of their argument. There are once again some future politicians amongst this cohort!

Due to the debating schedule, students had a more flexible afternoon in terms of activities. Arts and crafts ran in the  afternoon, so no matter the debating times, students could head over to college for some chilled out activities. Or, students could continue on from yesterday, with another ASL language learning workshop, to develop some sign language phrases, hosted by one of our talented students.

Following dinner as usual, the evening’s lecture featured the documentary ‘H is for Harry’, a coming of age story about Harry, a charismatic 11-year old boy, who arrives at secondary school in suburban London unable to read or write. The students were then treated to a Q and A with its director, in which they could find out what Harry is up to now, and learn more about the process of the filmmaking.

But the day was not over yet, with the highly anticipated World Fair taking place this evening, giving our students the chance to present to the whole cohort on their country and culture! We had presentations on a host of different countries, from Saudi Arabia to Indonesia, Australia and China! It is always a highlight of the program, celebrating the diversity and global connections that Reach represents!

Come back tomorrow to hear all about the penultimate day of the summer, and as always, check out our Instagram Story for more daily updates (@reachcambridge)

 

With week 2 back in full swing, we had another busy day here at Reach Cambridge. The day began in usual fashion, with breakfast in college as usual, before another full session of classes. As the morning of classes drew to a close, the students found out what was on offer for the rest of the day!

 

This afternoon we had a new activity on offer, with the students able to take a tour of the Fitzwilliam Museum. This famous museum offers a captivating journey through its extensive collection of art and antiquities, ranging from ancient Egyptian artefacts to masterpieces of European painting! We also had another day of Taster Courses, with History and Politics running this afternoon for the history enthusiasts of the cohort.

 

Following the excitement of the museum tour, the students all came together for another trip to the Cambridge Cricket Ground! Following the success of last week’s trip to Fenner’s, we were fortunate enough to return for another evening of sports, as well as the return of the Hot Fork Buffet, with tonight’s menu featuring cottage pie, curry and veggie lasagne!

 

With no evening lecture today, there was plenty of time to eat and enjoy some sports, with some students being taught cricket, whilst others took part in football and volleyball games against each other. Those who fancied some downtime instead were able to enjoy some board games inside the pavilion, or take part in an American Sign Language workshop co-led by one of our savvy students and supervisors!

 

Everyone then had a free evening to chill out in town or continue the sports fest, before heading back to college for some rest after another eventful day.

Come back tomorrow to hear all about our Interdisciplinary Day, and as always, check out our Instagram Story for more daily updates (@reachcambridge)

 

Hello from Cambridge! Day 8 of our summer program was a perfect blend of learning, adventure, and unexpected thrills. Here’s what made today truly special.

The morning buzzed with energy as students dived into their classes, engaging deeply with their subjects. After a hearty lunch, they chose between two fantastic afternoon activities: a Philosophy & Ethics taster course or punting on the River Cam.

The Philosophy & Ethics course, led by a brilliant tutor, sparked lively debates on thought-provoking topics. Meanwhile, another group of students enjoyed the quintessential Cambridge experience of punting, gliding along the peaceful Cam under perfect weather. Some had a go at steering, while others relaxed, taking in stunning views of colleges and bridges.

In the evening, students attended a captivating lecture on Emotional Intelligence. An expert speaker offered insights and practical tips on managing emotions and enhancing social interactions.

Post-lecture, students chose between a spooky Ghost Tour and an Olympic screening. The Ghost Tour, led by a master storyteller, took them through historic streets with eerie tales and chilling legends. For a different adrenaline rush, students gathered in a cozy setting to cheer for their favourite athletes in the Olympic screening.

Our students continue to impress with their enthusiasm and willingness to embrace all that Cambridge offers. We look forward to more adventures and discoveries in the days ahead.

Until tomorrow!

The second excursion day began with an air of excitement as students boarded the coach from Cambridge, eager to explore the vibrant capital. The itinerary was packed, starting with free time on the bustling Southbank, followed by a serene river tour cruise down the Thames, and then an exploration of the historic Greenwich.

Upon arriving in London, the students were given some free time to explore the Southbank. This dynamic area, known for its culture and scenic views, offered something for everyone. Students could stroll along the bank, with landmarks like St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Shard providing a stunning backdrop, whilst street performers and food stalls provided the vibrant atmosphere!

The highlight of the day was the River Cruise! Boarding a sleek riverboat, the students settled in for a relaxing journey down the Thames, whilst a knowledgeable guide narrated the history and significance of the landmarks we passed. From the grandeur of the Houses of Parliament to the elegance of Tower Bridge, each sight was met with awe and excitement. 

The cruise concluded in Greenwich, a district rich in maritime history and home to the Prime Meridian. Here, the students were given more free time to explore. Many were drawn to the Cutty Sark, the historic 19th-century clipper ship, where they learned about its storied past and significance in British maritime history. The nearby Royal Observatory was another highlight, with students standing on the historic Meridian Line, where they straddled the Eastern and Western Hemispheres. The National Maritime Museum also attracted some students, offering fascinating exhibits on Britain’s history on the seas!

Upon returning to Cambridge, the students had some chilled activities to choose from, including a relaxed movie night, with snacks and drinks to have a cosy evening in. And, after the enthusiasm earlier in the week, we picked up where we left off for some more Charades!

Come back tomorrow to hear all about the first day of week two, and as always, check out our Instagram Story for more daily updates (@reachcambridge)

Sports day! Students were able to have a lie in and get a later breakfast in college, before reconvening for a rather sunny day at Cambridge’s sport centre.

 

As students headed off to the sports ground, the sun followed behind, and before you know it, sports day was in full swing. We had a great turnout for volleyball, with our huge nets, whilst others enjoyed some tennis rallies, featuring some astonishingly talented students! Football was once again also in high demand, whilst the spirit of the Olympics buzzed around the athletics track! Students took each other on in the 100m, and the more long-distance minded were able to do some laps, and get some practise in for Reach’s next morning run club! 

 

Back inside, students could take it easy, with an array of board games and activities. Students transformed into detectives during a tense game of Cluedo, and tried out their poker faces on the casino table. Others made friendship bracelets and did some knitting, drawing and all sorts of arts and crafts! As those outside finally finished their game, they came back inside for a tasty BBQ! Students tucked into a feast, with Jerk Chicken, burgers and halloumi on the menu!

 

After having their fill of the BBQ (and going back for seconds!), everyone walked back to college for tonight’s activities. On the activity menu this evening we had a chilled night for the students worn out from sport, with a relaxed movie night, with snacks and drinks to have a cosy evening in. Or students could begin to prepare for the World Fair, where they get the chance to present to the whole cohort about their country and culture, which will take place next week, and is a Reach highlight for all involved. 

 

Looking ahead to Sunday, we head off to London for our second excursion of the program, a day of boat cruising and exploring, but more about that on tomorrow’s blog…

The first excursion of the program took our students to the historic city of Oxford! Known for its prestigious university and rich cultural heritage, Oxford provided the perfect setting for an educational yet exciting outing. The students had the chance to visit one of two famous museums, before having free time to explore the city. 

The first group took on the Oxford Museum of Natural History! This museum, housed in a stunning neo-Gothic building, is full of scientific wonders. As the students walked through the grand entrance, they were greeted by towering dinosaur skeletons and an array of fascinating exhibits. They marveled at the iconic Dodo remains, and the extensive collection of minerals and gemstones, which offered a glimpse into the Earth’s geological wonders.

Meanwhile, the second group ventured to the Ashmolean Museum, the world’s first university museum. This group was immersed in a different kind of history, exploring art and archaeology from across the globe. From ancient Egyptian artifacts to Renaissance masterpieces, the Ashmolean’s diverse collection provided a rich tapestry of human culture. 

After a morning of enriching museums, the groups reunited for lunch and some free time to explore the city. The students dispersed into Oxford’s quaint streets, to try out the local cuisine and soak up the atmosphere. Some students visited the iconic Radcliffe Camera, marveling at its architectural beauty, while others wandered through the bustling Covered Market, discovering unique shops and food stalls.

Upon return to Cambridge, the students had some chilled out activities to choose from. These included Werewolves, a hidden roles game whereby one team has to find out who the werewolves are, whilst the werewolves pretend to be ordinary villagers. This classic game has been a hit with the students all summer! Or, students could head over to an Olympics viewing party, with the likes of Athletics, Basketball and BMX racing on TV tonight!

Come back tomorrow to hear all about our Sports Day, and as always, check out our Instagram Story for more daily updates (@reachcambridge)

Another sunny day here at Reach Cambridge, as our students had their last day of normal classes before a weekend of excursions and sport! After their final morning of academics came to a close, students had a slightly different schedule to normal, being treated to a college lunch, with all students and staff coming together to eat inside one of Cambridge’s many beautiful dining halls.

 

Following on from the college lunch, our supervisors took a group of students on a Bookshop Tour of Cambridge! This featured the Haunted Bookshop, specialising in children’s illustrated books, new academic books from Cambridge University Press, and rare, antique finds in G.David bookshop. Running alongside that, we had Karaoke Club, giving students the chance to showcase their vocal talents, belting out various hits and sharing their favourite tunes! 

 

After grabbing dinner and having some free time to chill out in town, the students gathered for the evening’s activities. In preparation for the interdisciplinary day next week, they participated in an engaging lecture on debating skills, delivered by one of Reach’s teachers. We  look forward to seeing the students demonstrate their debating abilities next week!

The energy from the debating workshop was then transferred to Youth Theatre club, where students took part in games and activities revolving around acting, with the students displaying some impressive improv skills! Students also could spend their free evening doing some more exploring of Cambridge, or grabbing some later dinner at untried restaurants! For those who fancied some more relaxed fun, we also ran a chilled out board games/ card games night, with games such as cluedo and ‘go fish’ bringing the day’s activities to a close.

Come back tomorrow to hear all about our first excursion of the program, and as always, check out our Instagram Story for more daily updates (@reachcambridge)

 

We began the midpoint of the week bright and early with morning Run Club, kicking off at 7am before getting back in time for some breakfast in college! The students then made their own way to class and got back into their chosen subjects, having now fully settled in over the last couple days. The morning soon came to a close, and after another full-on start to the day, the students turned their attention to the afternoon’s activities. 

 

With great weather again today, the students were able to spend their afternoon chilling on the college grounds, or having lunch on King’s Parade.

If students fancied a break from the sun, they could pop down to the “Nintendo Switch Party”, where students had the chance to battle their friends (and corridor supervisors!) at Mario Kart, or play some Charades next door! Those who spent yesterday afternoon trying something new at the Taster Courses, got to enjoy the second day of their chosen subjects, including Creative Writing and Leadership. After an aftenoon of chilled activities, we took a walk across town to have a different evening to usual… 

 

All students and staff came together to have the first communal dinner of the program, for a giant Pizza Party at the Cambridge Cricket ground! But before the party got fully underway, our programme coordinators led some huge icebreaker games. The students formed into two long lines, one for team fire and one for team ice, for a game of over and under! The students then had a chance to win individual points for their teams in a giant game of splat, with every student gathered in an enormous circle across the cricket field!

 

It was then time for the pizza, as everyone helped themselves to a margarita feast, before enjoying some cricket, football and tennis. With no evening lecture today, there was plenty of time to eat and hang out with those not from their own college, before having a free evening to chill out in town or continue the sports fest. A great time had by all in the evening sun!

Come back tomorrow to hear what Thursday has in store, and check out our Instagram Story for more daily updates! (@reachcambridge)

 

Welcome back! Let’s hear about what the second full day of the program had in store- it was a hot one! After breakfast in their new homes, the students were guided to their classrooms, ready to get back into their new classes.

 

A rare UK heatwave meant that our students could enjoy some downtime post- classes in the sun, having lunch on King’s Parade or chilling back at the college outdoor spaces. Or if  students fancied hanging out in the shade, they could head over to the T-Shirt Painting club, which allowed the students to show off their creative talents and relax with some tunes playing in the background. This program’s attendance was enormous- a perfect alternative away from the heat outside! 

 

Meanwhile, in the spirit of Olympic competition, chess enthusiasts from across the globe gathered to battle it during our very own Chess Olympics. As students went head to head, they had the chance to win points for the overarching Ice versus Fire competition, to add to the tally from the Instravangza and daily trivia questions. 

 

Today also saw the start of the Taster Courses, where students have the chance to try out something new for a couple days, as a supplement to their regular morning classes. This week’s courses include Creative Writing and Young Leaders!

 

After dinner, the evening’s lecture saw a direct descendent of Charles Dickens taking us through the life of the most famous novelist of the Victorian era. What an opportunity for the students to be given an intimate glimpse into the life and works of one of the great writers, through the eyes of someone who carries his bloodline!

 

Following on from such an insightful lecture, we held a History Trivia Quiz, for the avid quizzers and history buffs of the cohort! This included a range of history questions, modern and ancient, from events all over the world, testing the students’ knowledge of the past. Students could also spend their time exploring the hidden gems of Cambridge in the evening sun, or hanging out back at their college lawns.

Come back tomorrow to hear all about the midway point of week one, and check out our Instagram Story for more daily updates! (@reachcambridge)

 

First full day of Reach Program Three! After enjoying breakfast in college with their new friends, the students were guided to their classrooms, eager to begin. Reach Cambridge offers a wide array of subjects to cater to the diverse interests of our students. From Psychology to Biotechnology, Architecture, and many more, there’s truly something for everyone!

Following their morning classes, the students had some well-deserved free time to explore Cambridge and grab lunch before regrouping for the afternoon’s activities. With a variety of restaurants, shops, and food stalls, Cambridge offers our students plenty of choices!

 

When they had finished exploring what Cambridge has to offer, and having lunch with their new classmates, the students returned to their colleges for the iconic scavenger hunt: The Instravaganza! The students were split into groups, and following a series of clues held by their supervisor, they tracked down and located various sights, and iconic Cambridge landmarks.

The students could win points for their team by taking the most creative photos at each spot, this program featuring King’s Chapel, and the Senate House (photos of which can be seen on Instagram using the hashtag #reachcambridge2024)! This was also a great chance to gain points for the respective teams of Fire and Ice, in which every student is placed into, and is a recurring competition throughout the programs (with prizes!).

 

After a busy afternoon of tracking down clues, the students had some free time to rest before dinner and the first evening lecture of the program. What better way to kick things off than with the One-Drum workshop, led by master Ghanaian drummer Abass Dodoo. Abass once again delivered a magnificent workshop for the new cohort, teaching them to drum in the traditional way it had been passed down to him through generations. It was a perfect finish to the first full day of the program!

 

We then all headed to one of the colleges’ outside spaces for some huge icebreakers. The students formed into a circle for massive games of splat and broken telephone! It was a great way for those who have not met yet to get chatting and bond with each other. The new cohort then made their way back to college to get some sleep after a busy day of exploring, socialising, and of course, drumming!

Come back tomorrow to hear all about the second day of Program Three, and check out our Instagram Story for more daily updates! (@reachcambridge)

 

Welcome to Reach Cambridge Summer 2024 Program Three! After bidding farewell to our second cohort on Saturday morning, we welcomed more students from all over the globe throughout Sunday. We are so excited for part three of the Reach adventure, and cannot wait for the new students to discover what lies ahead over the next two weeks!

 

Once again, we are lodging at the historic colleges of Cambridge. Students will be distributed amongst the colleges, each boasting its own distinctive beauty. Regardless of their location, everyone will be immersed in Cambridge’s unique charm. After settling into their rooms, the students took a city tour led by our wonderful supervisors, exploring the other colleges and classrooms, and grabbing a bite to eat at the famous Market Square!

 

There is so much to look forward to over the next two weeks, both academically and outside the classroom. After the first week of classes, we will be heading to Oxford, one of the world’s most iconic University cities, and Cambridge’s academic rival!. The second exciting excursion is to London, where students will have the opportunity to take a boat cruise down the River Thames, and explore the joys of Greenwich. As well as these trips, there will be a host of activities on offer for the students. From sports day to t-shirt painting, punting and debating, there is a lot of fun to be had over the course of the programme. 

 

After dinner at their respective colleges, and a welcome talk giving an overview of the program, the students had their first chance to bond with their corridor during ice breaker games, led by their corridor supervisors.

 

Finally, following a long day of travel and new surroundings, the students were able to get an early night and have some well earned rest, ready for a busy week of classes and activities ahead!

 

Come back tomorrow to hear all about the first day of Program Three, and check out our Instagram Story for more daily updates! (@reachcambridge)

 

Sadly, the time has come to say goodbye to our second fantastic group of the summer. What a two weeks it has been! 

 

Students began the day with mixed emotions, excited for the final day of the program, but sad that it is coming to an end. Classes ran in the morning as usual, with students and teachers able to reflect on their time together, and discussing the key takeaways from their classes. The students were awarded certificates for their hard work and dedication over the past two weeks!

 

Everyone then had a quieter afternoon to do some packing, or if they had done so the day before, they could head down to the common area for some final arts and crafts. Some students had their last day of the History and Politics taster course, following on from yesterday- the last bit of learning before wrapping up for the evening’s celebrations. 

 

Students gathered at our disco venue, for an evening of barbeques, music and dancing! Everyone tucked into some grilled chicken burgers and bean burgers, before heading onto the dance floor to throw some shapes. 

But before the music, our programme coordinators Temi and Saranka awarded students with fun awards, nominated by their supervisors, including the “inseparable duo”, “the speedsters” and the “sleeping beauties”. The students were then able to see a roundup of the program on a photo slideshow, which captured the events and activities, as well as group photos of the students. It really showed the students how much they have done, and the fun that has been had over the course of the program. 

 

Whilst students were having a boogie on the dance floor, others had a tarot reading, enjoyed some refreshments, and chilled out at the casino table. A perfect end to our second program of Summer ‘24!

As curfew approached, the students said their goodbyes, before making their way back to their own colleges, with many having an early start to catch Reach’s Heathrow Express! We have had such a blast with our second cohort of the summer, and we cannot wait to hear what you get up to in the future.

 

Goodbye, Program 2. We will miss you!

It’s the penultimate day of Reach’s second program of the summer, and how quickly it has flown! We still have one full day tomorrow, so before we get into the emotional goodbyes, let’s tell you what today had in store for the students.

 

Following their morning classes, the students had their last bit of free time to explore Cambridge and grab lunch before regrouping for the afternoon’s activities. A great time to buy any last minute gifts, mementos and try un-tasted food options before returning home on Saturday.

 

This afternoon we had the return of T Shirt Painting, which is a lot of fun and allows students to show off their creative talents. This is always such a popular activity with our students! Before we get on to the talent show, students had a final chance to prepare their performances, coming together in their groups, or working hard alone to perfect their act. The music room was buzzing with excitement for the evening’s display! 

For some, there was still lots of learning to be done, with the final batch of taster courses continuing, with courses including Study Skills and Cyber Security/ AI. 

 

Our evening lecture came from a former RAF and commercial pilot, Tony, taking us through his 40 year long career in the skies! The talk was not only inspiring for the students, but also an amazing insight into the world of aircraft and flying for your country. As the numerous thoughtful questions for Tony came to a close, it was time for the talent show!! 

 

After days of buildup, we got to see the fruits of the students’ labour, as they put on a night of music and entertainment! We had so many entries, kicked off by a supervisor performance of Coldplay to get the atmosphere going. The students followed suit, including a beautiful rendition of Clair de Lune, a stand up routine, an incredible performance of Adele’s ‘All I Ask’, a ridiculously fast rubix cuber, and a heartfelt animated short film. A real highlight of the program for many, both students and staff, and a celebration of the range of talents amongst our students.

Come back tomorrow to hear what our final day has in store, including the Departure Party, and check out our Instagram story for more daily updates! (@reachcambridge)

After morning classes as usual, this afternoon was host to more sports, with football, volleyball, basketball, and tennis taking place at the college sports field. It has once again been a sporty group! We also held a History Trivia Quiz, for the avid quizzers and history buffs of the cohort! This included a range of history questions, modern and ancient, from events all over the world, testing the students’ knowledge of the past. The students also had more time to prepare for tonight’s World Fair, and tomorrow’s Talent Show, but more on that later!

 

Today also saw the start of a new batch of Taster Courses, where students have the chance to try out something new for a couple days before their return home. These included a wide variety of subjects, including History and Politics, Study Skills and Cyber Security/ AI. Students will get to enjoy their second day of tasting tomorrow!

 

Tonight saw another busy evening, with the students having dinner with their corridor and corridor supervisor, getting takeaway pizzas, burgers and more! It was less than two weeks ago the corridors had their first icebreakers, but you would think the students have been friends for years! The corridor dinner really highlights how close the students become over the two weeks, and gives everyone a chance to reflect on their time together.

 

Afterwards, we had the long awaited World Fair, where students got the chance to present to the whole cohort about their country and culture! We had presentations on the art and culture of Naples, the immense landscapes of New Zealand, and the beauty of Switzerland. It is always a highlight of the program, celebrating the diversity and global connections that Reach represents!

Come back tomorrow to hear what Thursday has in store, and check out our Instagram story for more daily updates! (@reachcambridge)

Students rejoined their classmates to pick up where they left off in our wide variety of classes, including Medicine, Architecture, Business, and many more. As the students got back into the swing of things, they began to await their daily notices to hear what the rest of the day had in store for them.

After the success of the London walking tour, we held a tour of our own this afternoon, taking students around the Bookshops of Cambridge! This featured the Haunted Bookshop, specialising in children’s illustrated books, new academic books from Cambridge University Press, and rare, antique finds in G.David bookshop.Those who spent yesterday afternoon trying something new at the Taster Courses, got to enjoy the second day of their chosen subjects, including Leadership, Economics, and an Introduction to Medicine. 

 

Sports were also back in high demand after the weekend’s sports’ day. After a lunch break in the sun, seeing Cambridge in all its glory, the students gathered at the sports field for some volleyball, football and tennis! The students formed into teams, taking on their fellow college mates and even supervisors. The afternoon was a real hit for all involved once again!

 

After dinner, the evening’s lecture saw a direct descendent of Charles Dickens taking us through the life of the most famous novelist of the Victorian era. What an opportunity for the students to be given an intimate glimpse into the life and works of one of the great writers, through the eyes of someone who carries his bloodline!

Following on from such an insightful lecture, we had the famous ghost tour, led by our very own ‘Spooky Luke’, taking a tour of the unexplained happenings, and the eerie history of Cambridge! Another cracking day ending in high spirits…

Come back tomorrow to hear what the next day has to offer, and as always, check out our Instagram and Tiktok for more daily updates! (@reachcambridge)

Week two of programme two at Reach Cambridge started with the resumption of academic classes for all students after an action-packed weekend of sun, sports, and exploring London. 

By the time the clock struck 9:00am, all students were back in their classes for the second stint of lessons. New taster courses started in the afternoon where students had the opportunity to explore Leadership, Economics, and an Introduction to Medicine. 

We all filled the afternoon with the most classic of Camrbdige summer activities – punting on the river Cam! Our students were guided down the river past some of the oldest riverside constituent colleges of Cambridge University. From the river, they could see the library where Newton’s original manuscripts are kept, the 15th-century Gothic King’s College Chapel, and Alan Turing’s room when he was a Cambridge student!

Parts of the journey down the river weren’t so smooth, with one group’s punter losing their pole halfway down the river and being temporarily rudderless. Nevertheless, spirits were kept high with sea shanties, picking flowers from the river bank, and joking with one another. This afternoon was an example of the rare but stunning British sun and there’s no better way to enjoy it in Cambridge than relaxing in a punt! 

After dinner in their college dining halls, students and staff enjoyed a fascinating lecture by Mo Tanweer of Pembroke College entitled ‘AI: Friend or Foe’. Mo discussed the development of AI, the governance and ethical challenges it presents, and his predictions for the future of the industry. He encouraged students to learn how to use AI effectively to give themselves an advantage at the workplace and in their personal lives, while being aware of its downfalls and biases. 

The day finished with a knitting and crochet workshop for those looking for some downtime, while others prepared for our upcoming World Fair and Talent Show. Other students enjoyed the chance to spend their evening exploring town!

A well-earned rest is needed by all to prepare for another jam-packed Reach Cambridge day tomorrow!

It’s London time! A trip to the UK would not be complete without visiting the bustling capital, with students eagerly anticipating the trip down south, which for many was the first time in the ‘Big Smoke’! London offers an abundance of entertainment and culture, so we let the students decide how they want to spend their day. Students in the mood for Shakespeare got to see the live performance of Much Ado about Nothing, in the Globe theatre itself! The play is set in Messina and revolves around the romantic misunderstandings and dynamics of two couples, Beatrice and Benedick, and Claudio and Hero. Group A also took a trip to the Tate Modern, witnessing some of the world’s most exciting modern and contemporary art, featuring the work of Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse. 

Group B enjoyed a different day, with an exciting walking tour of central London, exploring the city’s most iconic landmarks. We began at Trafalgar Square, marveling at Nelson’s Column and the majestic fountains. Next, we headed to Parliament Square, featuring, of course, the grand Houses of Parliament, but also Big Ben and the statues of historic figures like Winston Churchill and Nelson Mandela.

 

We then strolled through St. James’ Park, enjoying its beautiful flower beds, serene lake, and playful wildlife. Our final stop was Buckingham Palace, which has been the London residence of the British monarch since the accession of Queen Victoria in 1837.

The tour ended with a hefty amount of free time in Covent Garden. This vibrant area, with its street performers and boutique shops, offered the perfect place to unwind and soak in the lively atmosphere. 

 

Upon return to Cambridge, we offered some chilled activities for the students, after giving them a chance to grab some dinner. They could pop down to the “Nintendo Switch Party”, where students had the chance to battle their friends (and corridor supervisors!) at Mario Kart, or play some pictionary and charades next door! A relaxing end to a full on day of exploring London!

Come back tomorrow to hear all about the first day of week two, and as always, check out our Instagram and Tiktok for more daily updates! (@reachcambridge)