Teachers get up to speed on Cambridge student life

The teachers came from a mix of independent and state schools and were keen to learn more about the applications process. For some, the event was a chance to re-visit Cambridge; for others, the symposium was their first experience of the university. The event was organised by Chris Cotton, Schools Liaison Officer at St John’s.

Several teachers came from schools in and around Blackburn – an area linked to St John’s through Cambridge’s Area Links Scheme. They included Diane Sellars and Claire Tattersall (pictured left and right) who work for the student team at St Mary’s Sixth Form College in Blackburn.

“It’s my first ever visit to Cambridge – and it’s easily as beautiful as I’d imagined,” said Claire Tattersall. “After attending the talks I’ll be able to pass on lots of information to our students and describe what it’s like to study at Cambridge. It’s great to know that we can contact Chris Cotton with any questions.”

Madeleine Pattinson (pictured centre), who teaches English at Wrekin College in Shropshire, said that the event was a chance to keep up to date with changes in the applications process. “The talks on the admissions process were really helpful – especially advice on how students should approach writing their personal statements,” she said.

Three current St John’s students talked about their Cambridge experiences and answered questions about student life openly and honestly. Questions included how students juggle academic demands and social life, how they cope with the transition from school to university, and how best to prepare for interviews.

“It was great to hear direct from the students themselves,” said Chrissy Harbuz who is head of German at Haberdashers’ Aske’s Hatcham College in south east London. “It’s also really reassuring to hear that applicants are assessed as individuals with exam grades being part, but not all, of the picture.”

Chris Cotton said: "We were delighted to welcome so many teachers to St John's. We hope the programme was equally useful for schools with a long tradition of sending pupils to Cambridge, and wishing to keep abreast of recent changes in admissions procedure, and schools for which Cambridge is unknown territory.

“Feedback has been very positive. In particular, the teachers have said how much they appreciated hearing from so many different people about what St John's can offer its undergraduates, and also what the College is now doing through its school liaison project."