The last 2 weeks have been a mix of progress and patience. We’ve been reaching out to schools for interviews, but with the end of term looming, replies have been limited. It’s a reminder of how stretched schools are right now, so we’ve shifted more focus toward developing our literature review.

We did manage our first interviews, including one with a headteacher whose insights were particularly valuable – especially their emphasis on cultural capital and how it shapes access to co-curricular opportunities. Hearing real-world perspectives alongside academic ones has been eye-opening. My reading has focused on peer bonding in sport and the impact of academic-themed clubs, and it’s been rewarding to begin weaving these ideas into our review.

A highlight of the week was visiting Blackbird Leys, where we toured local community projects and learned about grassroots initiatives making tangible impact. It was inspiring to hear how residents, local organisations, and city partners are co-creating new spaces, youth programmes, and community hubs. The visit also prompted reflection on the university’s relationship with the area. While many Blackbird Leys residents work in university roles, access to its educational opportunities (particularly for their children) remains limited. The group we met with expressed interest in building a more positive and reciprocal relationship between the university and the local community. This is something I hope to be able to contribute to. 

Another memorable moment was attending the Community Impact Lab event at Tap Social. We heard from graduate students about their research journeys, including a fascinating talk on remittances. I was also struck by Tap Social’s mission to support former prisoners with employment and reintegration –an area I’d love to explore further in future work.