High-achieving Year 12 students from state schools across East Anglia, the East Midlands and London attended the 9th annual Pembroke and St. Catharine’s Summer School this July.
High-achieving Year 12 students from state schools across East Anglia, the East Midlands and London attended the 9th annual Pembroke and St. Catharine’s Summer School this July.
The 70 young people who took part in the free residential event chose lectures on topics from xenotransplantation to volcanic plumes; and from the behavioural patterns of meerkats to the media and crime.
Additional seminars and supervisions – small-group teaching sessions unique to the Cambridge Collegiate system - gave the participants an opportunity to explore their subjects of interest with each other and with University academics.
Maciek, from London, said: “These sessions really showed me the value of a Cambridge education.”
The two Colleges’ admissions tutors, Dr. Philip Oliver and Dr. Caroline Burt, gave a talk and took part in a Q and A to demystify the Cambridge application process, while workshops on UCAS personal statements and academic interviews aimed to give the participants the tools to build a really strong university application.
The Director of the University Careers Service, Gordon Chesterman, gave the students a taste of what Cambridge students go on to do after they have graduated.
Participants also had the opportunity to visit departments and faculties, as the residential summer school is timed to coincide with the University-wide Open Days.
In the evenings social activities included a formal meal in College, a scavenger hunt and ghost tour of the city, showing another side of Cambridge life.
Claire, from Leicestershire said: “I have met so many people I want to stay in touch with.”
Savio, from Leicester said: “The experience has really confirmed my desire to study at Cambridge.”
Laura, from Northampton agreed: “Everybody here seems really down-to-earth and friendly.”
The participants stayed in student accommodation in St. Catharine’s College. Maciek said: “I was surprised how good the College’s food and accommodation were!”
Laura McGarty, Schools Liaison Officer for Pembroke and St. Catharine’s Colleges said:
“The Summer School is designed as a chance for top Year 12 students to experience student life and teaching at the University of Cambridge and to equip them with additional knowledge and skills to help them to submit strong university applications and achieve highly in their Year 13 examinations.
“We hope they have seen that Cambridge could be the place for them, regardless of their background and that a degree from a top university can provide a springboard into so many different future paths.
“We have thoroughly enjoyed having a group of such bright, lively and determined young people here at Pembroke and St. Catharine’s.”
Pembroke and St. Catharine’s Colleges liaise with schools from Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Suffolk, Rutland and Southwark through the University of Cambridge's Area Links Scheme. The Schools Liaison Officer has worked with nearly 2300 secondary school students so far this academic year to raise their aspirations and encourage them to aim for university degrees.
Photo: left to right: Summer School participants Savio, Luke, Esther, Stephanie, Laura, Maciek and Claire.
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