The KAN APP cohort travelled to London on Thursday for a walking tour of Whitechapel, examining the way in which the culture and identity of the area has changed over time. Former mentor Rosalie also provided a tour of Queen Mary University – making use of the contacts and networks we have! The students very much enjoyed the trip to London, if taken aback by the hectic nature of a working day in the City, and some great pictures emerged.

Friday morning saw the final Brilliant Club tutorials of this residential, and the opportunity to engage with PhD students in the field they specialise in has once again been enjoyed by all involved. We love the partnership we have established with the Brilliant Club and we look forward to reading the work our students produce over the course of the summer, as well as (all being well) their graduation from the Brilliant Club Scholars’ Programme in the Autumn. The students were given time to explore the Fitzwilliam Museum and the city centre on Friday afternoon, and, after dinner, went to see Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra in Robinson College Gardens – a wonderful way to spend a summer evening! With a punting trip in store for Saturday morning it has been another excellent week in Cambridge, and we are indebted to all those who have helped to make it such a success – particularly our amazing students and their equally brilliant mentors!

One of the benefits of hosting our residentials at the independent schools in which we do is the use of the outstanding facilities, and following on from the high ropes course on Wednesday the United Access cohort have enjoyed Lacrosse, Orienteering and (importantly to retain the academic focus) full use of the state of the art science facilities! All the feedback so far has been positive, and the timetable has been engaging and varied; there was even a talent show this evening, led by one of the mentors. Exposing our students to novel experiences is a core element of what we do, and long may it continue. It has been an excellent first week for United Access, and we are immensely proud to see a second AAF programme now in full swing.

Students, teaching staff and mentors are all looking forward to a well deserved summer break, with much to look forward to in 2017/18!