Fitzwilliam College maps the future for 6th form geographers

Sixth-formers and teachers from 70 different schools gathered this week at Fitzwilliam College for a one-day conference to promote the study of Geography at University. Fitzwilliam College was founded in 1869 as a non-collegiate body with the specific aim of widening access to the university, and continues to take this role very seriously. Fitzwilliam is also regarded as one of the leading colleges for Geography at Cambridge, and hosts this annual conference to encourage students who are enthusiastic about Geography at school level to continue with the subject as undergraduates. Bhaskar Vira, Event Organiser, explains why the conference is so valuable: - "The Progress in Geography Conference is an important part of our outreach activities. The talks provided a taster of the types of geography they will encounter at degree level, and the students seemed attentive, interested and eager for more! Informal feedback on the day suggested that everyone found the event extremely beneficial. We hope that even more schools will get involved next year by sending their aspirant geographers to this conference." Conference participants commented positively on the friendly welcome from the College and the students. During breaks and lunch, participants were able to chat with Fellows who teach Geography at Fitzwilliam, and current Geography students.