A group of 15 Year 12 students from Gordano School Sixth Form were proud to take part in the highly regarded HE+ Conference held at Kings of Wessex Academy, which brought together students from across the South-West for an inspiring academic experience.

HE+ is an enriching academic programme that aims to ignite a passion for super-curricular research, while also equipping students with the essential analytical and evaluative skills required for success at world-class, research-intensive universities, including Oxford and Cambridge.

The journey began in January when students gathered for the launch of the programme. During this initial meeting, they engaged in collaborative activities, including answering critical thinking questions, discussing their academic passions, and attending an insightful talk on university applications. Each student was then given a blank board as a tool to foster their intellectual curiosity and research skills.

They returned to the conference in March with their boards filled with detailed, impressive research projects, demonstrating their dedication and newfound knowledge.

Lucy Pope, Teacher of Sixth Form at Gordano School, shared her thoughts on the programme: “The HE+ Conference provided our students with a deeper understanding of the academic rigour expected at top-tier universities. Their hard work and commitment have been clear to see, and this prestigious experience has not only equipped them with valuable knowledge but also inspired them to pursue academic excellence and a lifelong passion for learning."

The HE+ Conference continues to offer exceptional opportunities for students to explore the academic challenges that await them at university, while preparing them for future academic success.