OW from Oxford

Westholme was delighted to welcome back Old Westholmians Harry Smith this week, who kindly returned to school to speak with our ambitious Year 12 and 13 Further Mathematicians. Harry, who is currently in his final year studying Mathematics at the University of Oxford, shared his first-hand experiences of life at one of the world’s most renowned institutions and offered valuable advice to students hoping to pursue STEM subjects at leading universities.

During his visit, Harry spoke candidly about his journey from Westholme to Oxford, reflecting on the importance of academic curiosity, self-discipline and perseverance. He explained how his time at Westholme had provided him with the solid mathematical foundation and confidence needed to tackle the rigorous Oxford admissions process, including the challenging MAT (Mathematics Admissions Test) and the demanding interview stage.

The students were fascinated to hear about the structure of the Mathematics course at Oxford, from the intense pace of term time to the unique tutorial system, where small-group discussions with leading academics push students to think deeply and critically about complex concepts. Harry’s passion for the subject was clear as he described the wide range of mathematical disciplines he has explored, from pure and applied mathematics to probability theory and mathematical modelling.

Harry joined the students for a lively problem-solving session, where he enthusiastically took on some particularly challenging questions alongside them. The room was soon buzzing with discussion as students collaborated to test their reasoning and analytical skills, with Harry offering helpful insights and sharing problem-solving techniques used by university mathematicians.

The session provided a fantastic opportunity for our aspiring STEM students to see how mathematical thinking develops beyond A Level and to gain a glimpse of the intellectual challenge and excitement that studying mathematics at university can bring.

Speaking after the visit, Westholme’s Mathematics Department expressed their appreciation for Harry’s time and generosity in supporting current students. His visit was both inspiring and practical,  showing what can be achieved through hard work and a love of learning.

We are incredibly proud of Harry’s continued success at Oxford and grateful for his willingness to give back to the Westholme community. His visit perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the Old Westholmians, using their time, talent, and experience to inspire the next generation of scholars.