Trinity Church School, Radstock, took their first batch of Key Stage Two children to Bath University as part of the university’s initiative to widen participation in higher education within local schools.

The day-long event included a campus tour and interactive quiz on university life. The session was aimed at creating an early awareness in the children’s minds to the possibility of attending university in the future. Deputy Head, Andrew Dix, said: “We are gradually building up the number of experiences we offer the children, which encourages them to develop, both socially and academically. An early insight into the academic route available to them is so important, and this is where

the opportunity to visit Bath University was an offer too good to turn down. We are hoping that all children will get to experience this during their time in Key Stage Two.”

The children, who impressed the hosts with their engagement and enthusiasm, had the opportunity to interview a number of current students about where they were from and what they were studying.

The children toured the university looking out for clues to help fill in their workbooks, which helped develop an understanding of the number and range of facilities a campus university, such as Bath, has to offer.

After lunch, Andrew Ross, who is in the Guinness Book of Records for making ice-cream in the fastest time, gave the children a fascinating demonstration, which included shrinking balloons, liquid nitrogen, and trying to smash a banana with a hammer!

The day ended with a mock graduation where the children had the chance to wear gowns and mortarboards and be presented with certificates for attending the university.