Session Nine - Gallery Showcase

Session Nine - Saturday 30th June 2012

The Emerging Scholars headed to Cambridge University for a day of problem solving and an introduction to life at one of the top universities in the world. Some may be daunted by the dreaming spires of Oxbridge but not our thirty one thirteen year olds from East London!

The day began with a talk and Q&A by Dr Andrew Bell, Admissions Tutor at Gonville and Caius College. Dr Bell explained what university life was about and the benefits a university education can offer.

Charlie Gilderdale of the NRICH project ran an excellent problem solving workshop which, as intended, made all our brains hurt as we battled the problems until our eureka moments finding the solutions.

Today was a long day but a very good introduction to the opportunities of University life and we hope to see some of our Emerging Scholars back as Cambridge undergraduates in just over five years time.

Session Eight - Gallery Slideshow

Session Eight - Saturday 26th May 2012

The heatwave continues in East London but that doesn't stop the Emerging Scholars arriving bright and early on Saturday morning for a day of Crafty Listening facilitated by Michael Mallows.

Michael covered a number of topics during the day. We listened and we took part in exercises.

We learned how we make meaning in the world and how we delete, distort or generalise information when we speak and listen and the impact this has on how we experience events. We learned how our belief in our capability makes us more likely to move towards something. We analysed the drama triangle (and the roles of victim, rescuer and persecutor) and the nature and use of System 1 and System 2 thinking. We used VAKOG (visual, auditory, kinaesthetic, olfactory, gustavory) to describe events.

All of us, teachers and students included, spoke freely and shared personal insights through developing metaphors, and creating anchors. The day ended with a relaxation and deep breathing exercise.

The girls have increased their awareness of listening skilfully, their clarity and articulation in communication and asking the right questions. It has helped all of us improve our ability to sift information and think first. We became very clear about the distinction between System 1 (rapid, decisive, emotive) and System 2 (effort, considered) thinking and committed to using this tool in school and life.

Session Seven - Gallery Slideshow