Homerton College hosts myth-busting mission for pupils from Aldershot

Connaught School says "Cambridge University are on a myth-busting mission to find the brightest stars in the state sector, and we’re delighted to be on their hit-list".

A group of specially selected year 11 pupils from the Connaught School , a state comprehensive in Aldershot, took a day trip to Cambridge University recently to visit Homerton College.

They experienced a taster lecture, a tour of the city, and a myth-busting session, which completely turned their pre-conceptions about Cambridge around.

Many of the pupils came away feeling inspired to aim high knowing that Cambridge wants pupils exactly like them, and relieved to know that many of the ’myths’ still circulating about the Cambridge admissions process are entirely untrue.

The taster lecture was led by Homerton Admissions Tutor and University lecturer in English, Steve Watts.

The pupils learned how to peel away the layers of a simple poem to reveal the meanings and symbols behind the language.

This activity provided a wonderful supplement for all the pupils taking their English Literature GCSEs this year.

Year 11 pupil Elle Gaskin is now considering applying for Veterinary Medicine at Cambridge, an option she hadn’t considered before. “I really want to come here now! I’ve always wanted to be a vet, but didn’t think I could go to Cambridge to study. I’m a bit embarrassed [to say that] I thought only ‘posh people’ came here. Now I know that as long as my GCSE and AS grades are really high I’ve got as good a chance as anybody.”

Teacher Mark Coates was thrilled that the University were keen to forge links with the school: “Our relationship with Cambridge University is another keystone in the school’s rapid improvement," he said.

"We’re pointing our most gifted and able pupils in the right direction and saying ‘look, you can do this!’

"Cambridge University and Homerton College are taking access seriously and have gone out of their way to inspire and motivate the students of Aldershot. They’re on a myth-busting mission to find the brightest stars in the state sector, and we’re delighted to be on their hit-list.”

Laura Carter, the Schools Liaison Officer at Homerton College, organised the visit and laid a heavy focus on myth-busting. She commented, "Homerton are keen to receive applications from bright and motivated students from across the UK. These visits allow us to show them the University for what it really is, rather than the elitist caricatures of Cambridge that we know can put people off applying."