300 pupils from South Tyneside, Gateshead and Sunderland try out university life
More than 300 pupils from South Tyneside, Gateshead and Sunderland took part in an academic and social visit designed to make university life, and the idea of Cambridge, more accessible.
After being welcomed to Jesus College, the Year 10 and Year 12 pupils toured the city with current students and had taster sessions to see what lectures and tutorials are really like. They completed the experience by trying some College social activities and staying in students’ rooms.
Several current Jesus College students from South Tyneside, Gateshead and Sunderland decided to apply to Cambridge after taking part in the access scheme. Anthony Wheeler (2013) went to Heworth Grange Comprehensive School in Gateshead. After finding out more about Jesus College through their access scheme while he was in sixth form, he successfully applied to study Modern and Medieval Languages (Spanish and Russian).
Anthony said: “I’m loving my time here at Jesus College, so being an Ambassador is my way of giving back to a great scheme. I would never have applied to Cambridge if I hadn’t met some people already here and realised that students here are really nice. Since being here I’ve become involved in so many things I never thought I would. I know the students visiting us enjoyed it, and I hope they apply."
Aiden Goulden (2012) went to St Aidan's Academy in Sunderland. After visiting Jesus College on a summer residential visit similar to this one, he applied to study Chemical Engineering. Aiden said: "I'm really enjoying university life at Jesus College. I decided to become an ambassador because of the outreach work that I experienced, I wanted to be a part of that. I wouldn't have ever considered applying to Cambridge if I hadn't visited. Since being here I've continued with football and running. I've even tried mixed netball, which is something that I'd never done before! Hopefully the students left feeling like Cambridge is both achievable and somewhere that they'd like to study."
Robert Carroll (2013), went to St Joseph's RC Comprehensive in Hebburn, South Tyneside. He successfully applied to study Physical Natural Sciences after visiting Jesus College when he was in sixth form. Robert said: "I enjoy talking to prospective students from back home. I'd like to think that I've helped encourage applications from such students and hopefully more can go on to successfully apply to Cambridge or other top universities."
