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Organised as part of the ̽��ֱ�� of Cambridge’s HE Partnership project, the HE Getaway encourages young people to test their limits in a safe environment.

Adrenaline and enthusiasm is running high after a day of physical and mental challenges hosted by the Cambridgeshire.�� Students from four Cambridgeshire and Peterborough schools tested themselves in blindfold navigation challenges, climbing trials and team-building games, ending in a high-energy raft race.

After an overnight stay at Wyboston Lakes, the students were welcomed to the Luton campus by Trevor Sinclair from the Access Partnership Team for a day of sample lectures, workshops and campus tours.

“We view these events as a crucial part of preparing young people for entry into higher education,” Trevor said. “Sample lectures provide an early insight into life in a lecture hall. Why is this important? Those coming to university from non-traditional backgrounds can find it a challenging transition. We hope that these events help individuals to make more informed decisions in terms of their education and future careers.”

“ ̽��ֱ��facilities are amazing,” said student Kacper, after a tour of the library, student accommodation and the cafeteria. “ ̽��ֱ��social life will be fun but it will be better to concentrate on the education part, I don’t want to screw up my exams!”

Lewis, from wants to be an architect. He was reassured by Matt’s talk about student finance “My parents want me to go to a good university,” he said. “I want to too, to do the best I can. ̽��ֱ��educational side is important but to meet new people will be great.�� ̽��ֱ�� definitely feels more affordable now.”

“During the outdoor games we challenge the students to go that little bit higher, or further, than they think they can,” HE Partnership Co-Ordinator Matt Diston explains. “We encourage them to take managed risks on the high ropes, and to learn from and support each other. It’s not a very big leap the next day for them to realise that they can go a bit further in their education too, and that people like myself and Trevor are standing by with support and advice to help them take that next step.”

• Higher Education Partnership (HE Partnership) was established in 2012 in order to continue some of the most effective work that had been previously delivered through Aimhigher. ̽��ֱ��initiative aims to raise aspirations amongst students in local schools across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. We believe that together we are able to give Year 9-11 students a strong sense of their own ability and their higher education options through impartial information and advice and a wide range of activities based in schools and university departments

• ̽��ֱ��HE Partnership Co-ordinator is based in the Cambridge Admissions Office. If you are staff or a student at one of our HE Partnership schools and would like to discuss activities, or you'd like to know more about the programme, contact details for Matt are available here.