Twenty Sixth Form and Year 11 students were given an inspirational series of talks, when representatives of both Oxford and Cambridge universities came to speak at Plymouth College.
The afternoon started with a wide-ranging and detailed presentation from Alice McCallam (Outreach and Admissions Officer from Exeter College Oxford). She covered topics such as the pre-university test, the tutorial system, the interview process and how to avoid the pitfalls of a clichéd and generalised personal statement.
After Alice’s talk, Hettie Burrows (OPM), studying Land Economy at Murray Edwards College Cambridge, spoke with candid eloquence in describing her personal experiences of her first two years at Cambridge. She was clear about the resilience and hard work required to succeed. She put a great emphasis on the need to be well rounded as an individual. It will come as no surprise to those who know Hettie that she has been made a Cambassador. Hettie felt that being a Senior Prefect at Plymouth College had prepared her perfectly for the role!
James Douie (OPM) was next to speak. He has just completed his first year studying Engineering at Jesus College, Cambridge. He emphasised the need to be meticulous in preparation for interview, reading around the subjects of greatest interest to your interviewing professors. A keen knowledge of the most up-to-date current information in your chosen discipline was an absolute essential. Naturally, all of our speakers emphasised the need for a demonstrable love of subject whether this is through work experience, reading journals or listening to radio shows and watching documentaries.
Oxbridge Co-ordinator, Daniel Martin, said: “This was a fantastic opportunity for our students in a week full of help and guidance for their futures. Hopefully it will inspire them to try and follow in the footsteps of some of the amazing students that have passed through our school community.”
