Dulwich Scholars – Enrichment Through Online Learning

On Tuesday 9 May our DHSZ Scholars Programme hosted a talk on Oxford University admissions from Dr. Arhat Virdi from the Said Business School, who is also an admissions interviewer for Economics courses at Oriel and St. Catherines Colleges. Dr. Virdi spoke about how students can find the beauty in studying Economics and about what sort of ‘soft skills’ and personal qualities that are needed by aspiring Oxbridge economists: creative thinking, mathematical skills, fluent use of arguments on the TSA essays and confidence at interview. These are, in fact, the same skills which our Scholars mentors are aiming to develop and polish in our programme.

This week we also hosted a talk from Nira Chamberlain, President of the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications. This talk focused on Nira’s personal journey, reflections of the personal qualities are needed as a professional mathematician and a reflection on the next steps for our students that might have an interest in STEM- related studies at university.

All of this goes to show the opportunities for online curriculum enrichment available at DHSZ as a part of the Scholars Programme. Despite Covid restrictions, our students have every opportunity to graduate ‘worldwise’!

Comments from Scholars Programme students:

“The most useful part of the Scholars Programme is that I got the chance to communicate with people more and practice my English speaking.”

“The most useful part is the interview skills and how to communicate formally and professionally. I learned not only the skills mentioned above but also many aspects of university life thanks to the alumni talks.”

“The most useful parts are the presentations and the (mock) interviews. Now I become more confident. And I also improve my speech skills, and learn a lot of interesting maths topics.”