Year 9 Students Explore Oxford University and Bletchley Park

23 Feb 26

A group of forty Year 9 students set off from Braunton Academy bright and early at 6am on Thursday 12th February for an exciting two‑day educational visit. After a brief stop along the way, the group arrived at Oxford University’s Exeter College at 10.30am, ready to immerse themselves in one of the world’s most historic academic environments.

Exploring Oxford’s Historic Landmarks
Students were given a guided tour of the college, including the world‑famous dining hall and several buildings featured in the Harry Potter films. They also saw the iconic Radcliffe Camera, one of Oxford’s most recognisable and architecturally stunning libraries.

Following the tour, the group returned to a study hall for a maths‑focused lecture, where they worked collaboratively to solve a challenging mathematical problem. After lunch, they took part in an English debate session, exploring controversial topics and arguing viewpoints they didn’t necessarily agree with—an excellent opportunity to develop critical thinking and communication skills.

The afternoon continued with a visit to the Oxford Natural History Museum, where students explored a wide range of exhibits, from dinosaur skeletons to cultural artefacts from around the world.

An Overnight Stay and a Sweet Start to Day Two
After an evening meal—either at a local pizza restaurant or via takeaway—the group settled in for the night at the Easy Hotel in Oxford. The next morning began with a delicious pancake breakfast at a nearby restaurant, fuelling them for the day ahead.

Discovering the Secrets of Bletchley Park
The second day took the students to Bletchley Park, the historic home of Britain’s top‑secret codebreaking operations during World War II. Students toured the site, learning about wartime life, watching a film about the D‑Day landings, and even dressing up in period clothing. A highlight of the visit was taking part in a codebreaking workshop and having the rare opportunity to see—and touch—a genuine Enigma machine, one of the most famous encryption devices in history.

A Memorable Educational Experience
After two full and fascinating days, the group returned to Braunton Academy at around 8pm, ready to begin the half‑term break. The visit offered a rich blend of academic challenge, historical discovery, and cultural experience—an unforgettable trip for all involved.