From 4-7 July, 31 KAN students from the 2019, 2020, and 2021 Core and Aspire cohorts travelled to Cambridge to attend a four-day residential based at Fitzwiliam College, Cambridge.
These 4 days provided a fantastic opportunity for students to meet with their mentors, socialise with peers, and explore a broad range of higher education opportunities. Students enjoyed activities including:
- Talks and seminars on academic subjects and higher education
- Rounders, punting, and escape rooms
- The National Gallery’s Articulation Discovery Day
- College tours and The University of Cambridge open day
We were delighted to collaborate with Fitzwilliam College, University of Cambridge; Anglia Ruskin University; Kettle’s Yard, and The National Gallery who all facilitated insightful and inspiring sessions for the KAN pupils.
The students, as ever, made the most of the residential and all the opportunities it provided. Huge thanks go to the excellent mentor team who worked tirelessly to make the week a success.
KAN allows me to meet so many new and inspiring people year after year. Whether it’s mentors, teachers or cohort members I hadn’t met before, this part of KAN continually reminds me why I find it so rewarding to attend these events. This network of people has not only helped me to become a better student, but also a better person, and I’m really grateful that the programme has helped me to change for the better so much over the years.
Students who completed the feedback form were asked what the best thing about the week was, most answers related to the wide range of new experiences on offer; opportunities to socialise with their KAN peers and explore the city; and the range and quality of higher education information and advice available.
83% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that the residential exposed them to new ideas and 89% agreed or strongly agreed that they feel part of a KAN network of students and mentors. One student from the 2019 cohort described KAN as “a place to network and gain opportunities.” He went on to write about how during his time with KAN he has been “able to make friends with other aspiring students,” who he is “happy to see at every residential.”
Feedback from contributors (including external providers) were overwhelmingly positive. Most focused on how courteous, mature, ambitious, engaged, and intelligent they found the KAN students.
