Back in frosty February we invited the sixth-formers who took part in the Cambridge University Students Union shadowing scheme to send us their photos for a new competition. Entries for the first ever CUSU photo-diary competition poured in.

Our team of judges asked the three best entrants – Michaela Blackwell from Yale College in Wrexham, North Wales, Joanne Stewart from The Wallace High School in Lisburn, Northern Ireland and Alexander Titterton from Great Wyrley High School in Walsall, West Midlands – to write captions to go with five of their photos.

We were looking for individuality, enthusiasm and a set of words and pictures that told a story and would encourage future sixth formers to think about applying for the CUSU scheme and other access and outreach programmes run by the university.

Our chief judge, Sir Cam, awarded top prize to Michaela whose photo “Going Home” (above) won the accolade of best overall image in the competition. A wonderfully atmospheric shot, it shows a group of departing sixth-formers trundling their cases along Trinity Street with the winter sun casting long shadows across the paving stones.

All the sixth formers who took part in the CUSU shadowing scheme were at state schools without a strong history of Cambridge applications. Feedback received by CUSU suggests that many changed their views of Cambridge radically in the space of just two days.

Joanne wrote: “To be immersed in the history and beauty of Cambridge, while getting a taste of what student life is like, was an invaluable experience. It was a great privilege to sit in and observe various lectures and supervisions, and I’ve been inspired by the high calibre of teaching, facilities and work ethic at Cambridge.”

We’d like to thank all those students who entered the photo-diary competition and wish them best of luck.

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