Neatherd High School: Brilliant Club Scholars Programme - Graduation Trip - May 2016 Twelve Neatherd pupils started the Brilliant Club’s Scholars Programme in February with a launch trip and the first tutorial at the UEA, Norwich. The Scholars Programme aims to inspire pupils and raise their aspirations to apply for highly selective universities. Since the launch trip pupils have enjoyed five tutorials in school from their own PhD Tutor, and Oceanographer from the UEA. Our students have now completed a university style assignment of over 1500 words based on the topic “A changing Arctic Ocean: What happens when the ice is gone?” All of our pupils passed the assignment, with most achieving a 1st, or a 2:1! An absolutely exceptional achievement!! Therefore all of our pupils were able to attend the graduation trip! On Thursday 12th May we set off for the graduation enjoying a lovely drive in the sunshine through the glorious Norfolk Countryside! After a tour of Cambridge and a quick look at Jesus College to say hello to ex-Neatherd pupil Ed Penn, we parked up and walked to Gonville & Caius College, University Cambridge. Our Brilliant Club Graduation Day started with a welcome talk from the Regional Director of the Brilliant Club outlining the activities for the day, as well as congratulating all the pupils in graduating from the Scholars Programme. Neatherd pupils enjoyed a (very long) guided walk around the college and Cambridge to look at some of the university buildings. Our current student guide, Amelia, answered questions to further help our pupils understand university. Amelia recently had dinner with Stephen Hawkins, who is still studying and working at Gonville & Cauis College. Before lunch the Gonville & Caius liaison officer talked through university life and also why pupils should aim to apply for the top, selective universities. Lunch was a lovely waiter served Chicken and vegetables dinner, followed by lemon cheesecake on long tables in the grand hall, Hogwarts style! In the afternoon a study skills session looked at the importance of SMART targets before the graduation ceremony began. Neatherd were up first and all received their certificates, Emma and Sarah received an extra Distinction certificate which was awarded by Max Thomas our PhD tutor, to two pupils who have gone 'above and beyond'. Lots of official photos outside in the sunshine before the driving back to Dereham. Hopefully the trip, as well as the entire Scholars Programme run by the Brilliant Club has inspired our pupils to believe that admission to the very top selective universities is not only possible, but desirable.