Pupils from Northern Ireland sample life at Cambridge

The 45 year-12 students from 16 schools across Northern Ireland were the guests of Corpus Christi, which has been working with state schools in the province for around six years to encourage academically-able pupils from all backgrounds to consider applying to Cambridge.

The pupils, who were accompanied by teachers, enjoyed a busy programme of talks, tours and social activities. They had the chance to meet current Cambridge students, including several from Northern Ireland, to find out more about life at Cambridge.

Among them was David Thompson, a former pupil at Foyle and Londonderry College who is studying natural sciences at Corpus Christi. He attended the summer school two years ago, after taking his AS exams, and says it changed his views of Cambridge.

“The summer school at Corpus dispelled myths about Cambridge – for example that it's for privileged students or those from private schools. Meeting undergraduates made all the difference for me. That's why I was keen to be involved as a volunteer in the initiative this year,” he said.

Another Corpus Christi student, Peter Wasson, who came from the Methodist College in Belfast, said that he had decided to apply to Cambridge after attending a talk given by Corpus Christi admissions tutor, Dr Melanie Taylor, at the Friends School in Lisburn.

Peter, who is studying law, said: “I'd always presumed that I wouldn't have a chance of getting in, and that I wouldn't be good enough, but Dr Taylor made it seem possible, and my school was also encouraging.”

The pupils were divided into five groups according to subject interest: medicine, biology, physics, law and English.

Working with Cambridge academics, they took part in a series of seminars, complete with tasks, to give them an idea of Cambridge-style teaching. The English group found themselves studying the playwright Christopher Marlowe in the room where Marlowe had lived as an undergraduate in the 16th century.

Beth Wilson, 17, from Rainey Endowed School, near Londonderry, said: “The work we did at Corpus Christi was interesting and challenging. It will make what we are doing at school seem easy in comparison. Staying at Corpus gave you an idea of the college system, which gives you a sense of belonging, and makes university more personal.”

Pamela Maxwell, chemistry teacher at Carrickfergus Grammar School, said that the visit had opened pupils' eyes to the opportunities that lay ahead.

“Our pupils really appreciate the fact that Corpus is making a genuine attempt to recruit students and publicise the fact that Cambridge is open to all. They return home with a real affinity for Cambridge, and having gained an insight into student life there,” she said.

“The summer school also gives them a first-hand experience of the level they would be working at if they came to Cambridge, which helps them further develop their academic confidence.”

Dr Melanie Taylor, Admissions Tutor at Corpus Christi, said: “This is the fifth year we have run a Northern Ireland summer school and each year we have some new schools taking part. It's great to see so many enthusiastic, bright young people clearly enjoying the opportunity to experience Cambridge.”