Education is….between Diversity and Chipmunk

They are just three of the inspirational leaders and thinkers whose words on the power and purpose of education inspired the “Education is…” film, one of the centrepieces of the University of Cambridge’s new Be Cambridge campaign.

The short film features state school pupils, who believed in themselves and successfully applied for a place at the University, delivering lines inspired by these, and other, philosophers, academics and leaders. The film was shown to an audience of over 14,000 state school pupils and their teachers from some of the most deprived areas of the country at the Rock Assembly event.

The Transformation Trust, which organised the concert, is a children’s charity which funds extra-curricular activities in over 400 schools in the most challenged parts of England. The Trust’s aim is for every young person to have the chance to achieve their full potential. By supporting a range of extra-curricular activities and opportunities the Trust hopes to bridge the gap between those who currently have access to opportunities and experiences and those who do not.

Rock Assembly, held at The O2 on  20 July, and headlined by Tinchy Stryder, was a free end-of-term concert for pupils and teachers from  schools across the country.

This year’s event also included the launch of the University Village, where a team from the University of Cambridge was on hand, offering young people and their teachers the opportunity to find out more about studying at Cambridge.

Jon Beard, Director of Undergraduate Recruitment, said: “Rock Assembly is a fantastic event which celebrates the achievements of students from state schools from across the UK. We were delighted that Cambridge could be part of that celebration and encourage the best and brightest state school students to continue to stretch themselves academically.”

"Over the last year the University has developed a series of short films to inspire prospective students and support them through the application process. Rock Assembly was a fantastic opportunity to show some of this material on the big screen to thousands of students all in one go.

“Hopefully the films, and the chance to talk to Cambridge representatives, will have encouraged those attending to think about their higher education options and the opportunities available at the University of Cambridge.’ 

One pupil who attended Rock Assembly this year said: “I got to learn about education, it’s taught me to start believing in myself and to follow my dreams. I now know that I want to attend university in the future, thanks to Rock Assembly. It really opened my eyes and showed me that there are loads of doors that will be opening for me”.

Another said: “The University Village really helped me to think about what I would like to do when I leave school.”