Psychology students plumbed the depths of social constructs yesterday as they discussed theories of difference between male and female brains. Despite growing scientific consensus that brains cannot be categorised or identified by sex or gender, the so-called ‘maternal instinct’ remains a topic of psychological interest and debate ―and it arose again in class yesterday, with students particularly careful to point out that the mere fact that women are able to be mothers does not make it their sole purpose in life and society.

In the afternoon, students engaged in the hottest topics of global political and economic affairs ―Brexit (what else), automation, and income inequality. They also hashed out the main points of contention between free markets and regulation. When lessons were done for the day, students let off steam, playing rounders, badminton and tennis in the college grounds. Counsellor Jake took the opportunity to learn a few words of Norwegian from a couple of our students, who attempted Jake’s “classic English accent” in return. Students had visited Oxford’s covered market earlier in the day, and, aside from Moo Moo’s milkshakes and Ben’s cookies, had picked up some fresh flowers which they used to fashion summery crowns.

All in all, an exercising day for both mind and body!