London’s calling! An early start and hearty breakfast prepared everyone for a big day ahead. We made our way to Trafalgar Square for our first stop at the National Portrait Gallery. Here we explored the many floors to the gallery, analysing a collection of paintings: from the ceremonial portraits of the royal family by Chris Jackson to the Black Chronicles portraits by Sarah Forbes Bonetta. The students put their analytical skills to the test by choosing their favorite painting from the BP awards room, a collection of contemporary works from amateur artists from all over the world. They studied the theme and concept of the piece and critiqued the work accordingly.
From Nelson’s Column, a walking tour lead by Tricia and John vividly encaptured the historic events of London and the prestigious royal family. The tour allowed us to make our way to the Houses of Parliament via the Mall and Buckingham Palace. Once we reached the Houses of Parliament, the students were given a guided tour explaining the intricate structure of British politics and describing how the complex architecture plays it part in this democratic system, for instance the bell in the local pub that is rung from parliament to let MPs know they need to vote.
The fun wasn’t over once we returned to Cambridge. In the evening, corridor supervisors Peter and Kate ran an interview workshop with a highlight being some example interview scenarios enacted by Reach Cambridge staff. Amy was fantastic at being a bad interviewee, turning up late, playing on her phone during the interview and generally having no idea about the position or the company, whilst Luke was professional, polite and had done plenty of research. It was great preparation for the mock interviews that many of the students have signed up for, and a good way to shift back into the academic mind-set ready for usual classes to resume tomorrow.
Written by Jack, Corridor Supervisor
The fun wasn’t over once we returned to Cambridge. In the evening, corridor supervisors Peter and Kate ran an interview workshop with a highlight being some example interview scenarios enacted by Reach Cambridge staff. Amy was fantastic at being a bad interviewee, turning up late, playing on her phone during the interview and generally having no idea about the position or the company, whilst Luke was professional, polite and had done plenty of research. It was great preparation for the mock interviews that many of the students have signed up for, and a good way to shift back into the academic mind-set ready for usual classes to resume tomorrow.
Written by Jack, Corridor Supervisor 
