Almost 200 high-achieving sixth form students from over 60 different state schools have been enjoying a taste of life at Cambridge as participants in Gonville and Caius College’s 6th annual Easter School.
Almost 200 high-achieving sixth form students from over 60 different state schools have been enjoying a taste of life at Cambridge as participants in Gonville and Caius College’s 6th annual Easter School.
We enjoy meeting and working with all of the young people who take part.
The two residential courses, one for students interested primarily in the humanities and the other for prospective scientists, are organised every year by the college for state school pupils who have the potential to be successful applicants to the University of Cambridge but who might be hesitant about applying.
During their time in Cambridge, the students enjoyed lectures, seminars and visits to university museums. Science students attended lectures on subjects from quantum mechanics to keyhole surgery, while humanities students took part in classes on topics such as geopolitics and family law.
One North London student said: “I really enjoyed my time and absolutely loved the well planned and intriguing lectures.”
Participants also had the opportunity to see a little of student life in Caius, staying for two nights in Caius undergraduate accommodation, as well as enjoying meals with current students in the College dining hall.
The courses, which are free to attend thanks to the generosity of Thomas Young, the father of a former Caius student, are part of Gonville and Caius's commitment to encouraging every student in every school to make the most of their abilities.
Dr Bell explains: “At Gonville and Caius we are committed to doing our part to support the University’s aim of seeking out and admitting the best and brightest students from all backgrounds. Residential events like our Easter Schools help bright state school pupils to try out life as a Cambridge student. We enjoy meeting and working with all of the young people who take part, and we want them to go home with a very real understanding that, if they are ambitious and committed to their subjects, Cambridge is serious about wanting them to apply.”
Students were nominated by their schools, who were asked to pick up to four of their most able students who would enjoy, and benefit from, an intensive course being introduced to new topics chosen to complement their A-level studies and help in the choice of a degree subject. The participating students all attended state schools in the Caius link areas of Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Norfolk, North Yorkshire and the London Boroughs of Barnet, Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich, Lewisham, Newham and Waltham Forest.
* If you would like to find out more about Gonville and Caius’ work with schools and colleges, please contact Jenny O’Hare, Schools Liaison Officer.
* For more information about the Area Links Scheme, click here.
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