Mossbourne Academy comes to Cambridge

Former Mossbourne Academy student Martha Levi Smythe was visited at Christ’s College, Cambridge by a few friends from her old school last week: thirty of them!

The whole of the Hackney comprehensive’s Year 12 were in Cambridge for a day exploring HE options. Thirty high-achieving sixth-formers were welcomed to Christ’s College and Pembroke College to learn more about the University of Cambridge and what it has to offer them.

Last year Mossbourne sent 7 students to Cambridge and the Academy is keen to build on this success.

Paula Stirling, Director of Admissions for Christ’s College, told the visitors: "It’s a real pleasure to welcome you today. It’s fantastic to have Martha here, and I’ve been looking forward to this visit.

"I really want to get across that if you work hard, get good AS level results, build on the success you had at GCSE, Cambridge, Oxford and other good universities are going to want you. It’s in your hands. If you work hard, you will have the pick of the best universities."

In a Q and A session, the Mossbourne Sixth Formers were able to quiz five current Christ’s undergraduates, including Martha, about their s, their A-level results, their hobbies and their studies.

Questions and concerns included how to handle the Cambridge ; how much support was available if a course got difficult; what should go into a personal statement, and whether Cambridge students were cliquey.

Paula provided reassurance on worries, explaining that the "weird question" is a bit of a myth. "The question might seem strange but it will always be related to the course you’re applying for."  She reminded the students that the was only one aspect of the information which Admissions Tutors use to make a decision, and exam results, school references, the personal statement, and samples of school work were all just as important.

Current Mossbourne pupil Suraiya Hussain hopes to study maths at university. "The talk was really helpful. I’ve learnt that there’s lots more to consider than just what subject you want to do. I’m going to start thinking about further reading for my personal statement.  It was good to have the rumours cleared up about random questions too - I was worried about that."

2^nd year Natural Sciences undergraduate Verity Jackson, also JCR Access Officer for Christ’s, described the range of support available. From informal networks between students to the close guidance available through Cambridge’s intensive supervision system, where students meet in small groups led by academic specialists, help is always available to crack difficult topics.

"At 6^th Form you get a lot of support," said Mossbourne pupil David Evans. "Hearing about the supervision system was reassuring. Cambridge has a reputation as the best university in the world. Today has been a great opportunity to get behind the brick walls and find out more."

Massimo Monks also appreciated the chance to find out more about the University. "The undergraduates were really happy to answer questions.  With this tour I’ve started to feel that Cambridge is within reach - I’ve seen how normal everyone is."

As the visit took place within Student Finance Week , Mrs Stirling also spoke about how student life at Cambridge can be much cheaper than other universities.  As everything is within walking or cycling distance, there’s no need to budget for fares, and Colleges can guarantee student accommodation for at least three years, saving Cambridge’s undergraduates the cost of renting houses on the private market.

She also tackled the question of diversity. "Maybe it was different thirty years ago, but today Cambridge is full of ordinary, bright kids. No-one cares where you come from. If you’re clever enough to be here, you’ll fit right in."