Japanese Studies Access & Outreach Day Held at Pembroke College

On 4th March 2025 we welcomed a group of students and teachers from Dartford Grammar School (DGS) for a Japanese Studies Access & Outreach Day at Pembroke. 

Dartford Grammar School boasts one of the highest numbers of Japanese language learners among UK secondary schools, thanks to its unique curriculum which requires all students to study either Japanese or Mandarin from Year 7. However, relatively few students go on to pursue Japanese at university. In response, the Access & Outreach Day at Pembroke aims to promote and widen participation in higher education in general and particularly in Japanese Studies, highlighting the benefits of pursuing it at university level.

The 40 Year 10 and Year 12 students who joined for the day were welcomed by Alessia Cofone (DPhil student at Pembroke) who organised the event. Alessia's welcome was followed by presentations from her and final-year Japanese studies undergraduates which offered the students a glimpse into this field of study.

The students then participated in an Oxford-style reception where they had the opportunity to engage with both undergraduate and postgraduate students, discussing various topics including the degree programme, language learning, year abroad in Japan, and student life in Oxford.

To further enrich their experience, the visiting students enjoyed lunch in Pembroke’s historic Dining Hall before setting off on a short walking tour, exploring some of Oxford’s most iconic landmarks including the Radcliffe Camera and the Old Bodleian Library.

With heartfelt thanks to:

Organiser: Alessia Cofone

Supporting Faculty Members: Dr. Chinami Oka (Tanaka Junior Research Fellow in Japanese Studies, Pembroke), Dr. Juliana Buriticá Alzate (Departmental Lecturer in Modern Japanese Literature, Pembroke)

Undergraduate Presenters: Romaan Aftab, William Powell

Postgraduate Volunteers: Nairne Brown, Arron O’Connor, Fiona Modigell, Hannah Kilcoyne, Mizuki Yamato