Two Days at Cambridge: Insights from a Year 12 Residential Programme
Published: Tue 17 June 2025Attending the World of Words residential – a 2-day residential at Cambridge King’s College, I had the opportunity to attend taster sessions led by academics, surrounded by other students who are also passionate about subjects like language, literature and Social sciences.
The first session I attended, “Language and the Brain” by Professor Bert Vaux, was an exploration of the relationship between our cognitive functions and language. It was fascinating to see how the brain processes and produces speech, and how different languages can shape the way we think. It definitely challenged my interdisciplinary thinking, drawing links to my Psychology A-Level.
Dr. Mary Franklin-Brown led us through “Writing Every Which Way,” a session that explored the possibilities of writing as both a craft and a form of communication. We examined Medieval tombstones and grave inscriptions which was an unexpected but fascinating topic.
The World of words residential allowed me to go beyond the curriculum at A-level, and showed me how language and literature was relevant 2000 years ago but also today.
Arissa
Year 12 Student
