Trinity Collections at Oxford

By Chloe Pomfret

At the start of every term, all Oxford students sit exams known as collections. Whilst these are marked by tutors, they do not count towards our grades. You’ll have sat mock exams in school, which are what collections are meant to be. An informal, low-stakes opportunity to test the knowledge gained in the previous term and show your tutors the progress you are making. Unfortunately for us, that means some of our vacation time (our post-term breaks) must be dedicated to revising for these.

As a Human Sciences student, I am currently preparing for my sociology collection, which is a 3-hour exam where I’ll have to write 3 essays. I’ve spent 3 weeks of my 6 week vacation watching lectures from the previous term and going over the reading list, provided by my sociology tutor, to write essays on the topics they may give me. My favourite sociology essay this term was “How does the state differ from the mafia?”. That would be a dream collection question!

If collections don’t go to plan, it isn’t the end of the world. Tutors are very understanding and offer time to sit and reflect on your collection answers, how to improve them, and any issues that may have prevented you from doing your best. If this is a potential disability or access need, Oxford has a wonderful disability advisory service that helps to arrange extra time, access arrangements, or any other support to help you do your best!

If you find yourself sitting collections one day, make sure to give them your best shot! Don’t write articles about collections in an attempt to procrastinate…