Students learn more about top universities

Students learn more about top universities
Kirsty Allison, Habibah Chowdhury, Chris Cotton, Hassan Saleem and Kurt Torson

Tutors from Cambridge University have visited Rochdale Sixth Form College to speak to students about university.

The Rev’d Dr Gregory Seach, the Dean of Clare College, Cambridge and Dr Christopher Cotton of St John’s College Cambridge were joined by current A level students and gifted and talented students from Hollingworth Business and Enterprise College and Falinge Park High School to consider the factors that are important for study at the university.

Students enjoyed sessions from Dr Seach on what Cambridge were looking for in students and highlighted that Cambridge academics were looking for students who were passionate about their subject and who loved reading and talking about it as much as they did.

During the day Dr Seach delivered a stimulating lecture to AS English Literature students studying King Lear and College students performed excerpts from the recent College musical.

Students from Hollingworth and Falinge enjoyed sessions from Dr Cotton on applying to Oxbridge and Russell Group Universities and were made aware of the opportunities available at these top universities.

Year 12 student, Kurt Torson said: “The sessions were inspiring and it has made me realise that Oxbridge may not be out of my reach. The tutor was encouraging and keen to answer all my questions and has given me more confidence to consider an application.”

Jenny Sherwin who is currently a student at Hollingworth Business and Enterprise College said: “It was a really good day and very informative”.

College Principal Julian Appleyard, said: “We are keen for our students to become inquisitive and as proactive as possible in their learning. As our students head in to

Year 13 a number of them will be undertaking an extended project which will give them a better understanding of the wider reading, independence and research skills needed at university.”

These visits from Cambridge academics are part of the intensive programme of support for all students applying to university and are an integral part of the College’s careers work.

Assistant Principal Jenny Carr said: “Since the set up phase at the College we have worked with a wide range of universities on a national and local level and the sessions from the Cambridge staff is something we aim to repeat each year.”