The 2023 Lucton Summer Camp in the UK was successfully organised. During the camp, students not only visited top universities including University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, University of Edinburgh, Imperial College London, experienced atmosphere of higher education in the UK; they also communicated with seniors, and gained advice about overseas study and life. Through visits to universities, students set up their future goals and will strive for them.
At University of Oxford, Professor Ariel Lindorff gave a lecture on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Education Psychology. In the lecture, Professor Lindorff introduced the history of AI and the current wide application of AI in education, discussed the pros and cons of AI in education, and finally guided students to think about how we should use and regulate AI.
Professor Lindorff's lecture made everyone start thinking about the role of AI in education, which can provide a more personalised and efficient learning experience, but in the process of application, it is necessary to balance the pros and cons, so that AI can become a useful tool for education, rather than a substitute for human teachers. After the lecture, Mandy, a PhD student majoring in Mathematics and a teaching assistant at University of Oxford, shared her experience of studying overseas and answered students' questions.
At University of Cambridge, the students visited Gonville & Caius College, where Professor Stephen Hawking taught. Here, Professor Lionel Paolella gave a lecture on Business Strategy. Before the lecture, Jana, a PhD student in Education at University of Cambridge, led students to play a game, which made them realise that different people have different perceptions from a different perspective. We need to pay attention to not only our own perspectives, but also the perspectives of other people.
Professor Paolella then explained what business strategy is and the factors that are important when developing a business strategy. Through a case study of Coca-Cola, students were able to gain a better understanding. In this case study, students were asked to discuss in groups and select group leaders to share their views, so that they could understand that the formulation of business strategy is a dynamic process and needs to be constantly evaluated and adjusted to adapt to the changing market environment and competitive situation.
Through the experience lectures of University of Oxford and University of Cambridge, students gained an understanding of the university teaching mode. The university lecture is not only a one-way output of knowledge from the teacher, but also leads students to do research and thinking. Meanwhile, through the communication with two PhD students, our students also learned about the study and life in the world's top universities.
During the camp, students also had wonderful activities. Strolling in London, they felt the British culture; canoeing on the River Cam, they listened to the young man in the boat to tell the story of colleges of University of Cambridge; in the British Museum, they had a look at the Egyptian sarcophagus of the pharaohs and pyramid murals; in the city centre of York, they experienced a unique British afternoon tea, etc. Students experienced the British daily life and adapted to the future university life in advance.
Founded in 1708, Lucton School UK is a British private school that has inherited 315 years of educational excellence. In this summer camp, the students also went to the campus of Lucton School UK. Led by Mr. David Bicker-Caarten, the Principal of Lucton School UK, students learnt about the history, the school motto, the origin of the logo, and the outstanding student representatives in the past.
Afterwards, students visited the dormitory, English classroom, drama classroom, physics laboratory, chemistry laboratory, etc. They also experienced the various courses offered by the Lucton School UK, including Equestrian, Hiking, Art, Drama, Sports and so on, experiencing the original British education.
Some students were afraid of talking to strangers at first, but they were gradually able to talk to others on their own to solve problems. For example, they can find the hotel receptionist to change rooms or to get some toiletries, find someone to ask for directions, and talk to the driver about the world. These small things will become an important part of their growth, because they will turn language learning into practical use of the language and have the courage to solve problems independently.
During the camp, we explained difference between China and the UK in terms of system, education, culture and other aspects, so that students can understand the different values. Hopefully, they will have more perspectives and viewpoints when they look at and think about problems in the future. In the communication with the seniors of top universities, they enriched their spiritual world and would have more self-exploration and development directions.
Students recognised that that university rankings are just a reference and not the only criteria for choosing a university. When I was talking to some students, we all recognised a concept that I have told them before, “The high or low ranking is just a reference for the school, and not the most crucial factor for you to choose the school." Overseas education systems and models are vastly different from those in China. For example, is there a lot of difference between Oxbridge and Warwick? Many students may not agree with this. The key thing is that we choose a university that suits us. The living environment, school atmosphere, architectural style and city culture may be reference factors. Some students found the university they most wanted to go to, some identified the major they wanted to study. I believe that after returning to Lucton School Chongqing, they will work harded in their future study path.
By Mr. Tom Xu, College Counsellor
In the process of travelling, students can learn knowledge and increase experience. May this trip help students to have hope for universities and work for it with determinations and efforts.
