High-achieving pupils from schools right across Northern Ireland will be travelling to Cookstown this week to learn more about student life at the University of Cambridge.

A total of 200 pupils from 34 schools as far afield as Belfast, Enniskillen and Newry will be spending the morning at Cookstown High School on Tuesday, March 20.

The pupils, who are in their first year of A levels, will attend a series of lectures given by Cambridge academics in a range of subjects – including English, law, medicine and engineering.

The event aims to give academically-able students a taste of what it might be like studying at Cambridge, and to raise their aspirations.

It has been organised by Corpus Christi College, which has been working with schools in Northern Ireland for five years, running a range of events and hosting pupils on subject-specific summer schools in Cambridge.

Dr Melanie Taylor, Admissions Tutor at Corpus Christi College, said: “Many high-achieving pupils from Northern Ireland may not consider Cambridge as an option. We hope that the Taster Day will encourage those who have a real interest in their subject, and the potential to succeed, to think about making an application.”

At Cookstown High School, Head of Sixth Form, Richard Balmer said: “We are delighted to be hosting this event. The fact that Cambridge is coming to us in Northern Ireland means a great deal to pupils and teachers. Since the Corpus Christi initiative began we have been regularly sending several pupils to Cambridge every year.”

Former Cookstown High School pupil, Charlotte Rutledge is studying Biological Sciences at Sidney Sussex College.

She said: “You do work hard at Cambridge but you soon get into a routine. One of the best aspects of the university is the collegiate structure which means there is so much personal support available if you are feeling anxious about anything.”

Lindsay Stronge went to Omagh Academy and is now studying English at New Hall. She has become involved in a range of student initiatives to encourage more applicants from state schools, including those from Northern Ireland, and is the student access officer for her college.

“It was through the Corpus Christi initiative in Northern Ireland that I decided to apply to Cambridge. I went to a talk about Cambridge given by Dr Melanie Taylor in a nearby school and then got a place on a Summer School at Corpus Christi,” she said.

“I am really enjoying my time at Cambridge, both the work and the opportunities to get involved in new activities. I'm planning to give talks at schools in Northern Ireland during the Easter vacation, as I know it's so important for pupils to hear about Cambridge first hand.”


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