Brooke Weston Trust Director Mr Heneage Stevenson met Sixth Formers from Trust schools and gave them mock interviews in order to prepare them for their applications to Oxbridge.
The Year 13 students travelled to Mr Stevenson’s office in Westminster for their individual mock interviews. Some were given problem solving tasks and all were quizzed about their personal statements and motivation to do their chosen courses. Once the process was complete, Mr Stevenson, an Oxford graduate himself, gave detailed and constructive feedback to each one.
Mr Dave Clarke, Deputy Director of Sixth Form at Brooke Weston Academy accompanied the students, comprising nine from Brooke Weston Academy and one from Corby Technical School. He said: ‘They felt a mixture of apprehension and excitement before their interviews and the atmosphere was great. All were extremely grateful for the experience and the time Mr Stevenson gave for them to experience what the real interview may be like. He gave constructive feedback to all students and wished them well in their future endeavours whether successful or not in reaching an Oxbridge University. All came away buzzing for the next step in their higher education journey, more prepared for what that may hold.’
The Brooke Weston students were Levia Yee, Parasdeep Bains, Joel Wallis, Luca Milford, Tapuwa Chitiga, George Tysoe, Winston Ho, Georgia Lorentzen and Sean Tanangonan.
Brooke Weston Academy’s Head Boy, Paras Bains said: ‘I found the interview day with Mr Stevenson very useful as it placed me in a situation that was very similar, in certain aspects, to my interview at Cambridge; it was good practice for my actual interview. It allowed me to undertake a certain degree of self-reflection and enabled me to determine weak aspects of my interview technique.’
Georgia said: ‘I found the mock interviews with Mr Stevenson really helpful, it prepared me for my real interview, both in terms of how to act and also what to research in preparation. The experience enabled me to go into my real interview calm, focused and with a better idea of what kind of conversations may take place.’
Tapuwa said: 'The mock interview was very enjoyable and provided me with the necessary tools to take on my real interview. He gave me tough questions, provoking deep thought and well-reasoned responses. He gave detailed feedback on my personal statement, offering advice on how to challenge gruelling questions during the real interview. I now definitely feel more confident in approaching interviews!’