Aedan writes about his visit to Gonville & Caius College at the University of Cambridge to participate in Caius Explore.
Gonville & Caius College at the University of Cambridge last week hosted 65 students who had participated in Caius Explore, an outreach programme aimed at helping Year 12 state school students develop their super-curricular interests. The chosen 65 were all the authors of entries which particularly impressed Directors of Studies.
The essay competition, open to Year 12 students from UK schools, aims to recognise the achievements of gifted young critics from a diverse range of academic backgrounds and with a wide range of interests, and to encourage talented students with an interest in any of the subjects studied on the Cambridge English course to explore these interests further.
Students could select from tasks and questions across 15 different subjects, aimed at helping them to develop their academic interests beyond the school curriculum.
The students from across the country, some from as far as Belfast, Pembroke and Dorset, visited Caius, had the opportunity to meet the Director of Studies who set their task and other winning entrants to Caius Explore. They enjoyed lunch in Hall and a tour of the College from current students.
They are now beginning Year 13 and finalising their UCAS applications and their visit coincided with the University of Cambridge undergraduate open days.
Top GCSE student Aedan Bullen wrote of his experience,
"It was a fantastic experience! I was able to lunch with other like-minded individuals, including an academic who was finishing his PhD in Quantum Materials. This gave me insight into what it is like to work as a Scientific Researcher, a career that I am leaning towards pursuing. As we discussed Science and careers, I was sitting directly opposite a portrait of Stephen Hawking, someone who I admire deeply; which rendered my day both inspiring and humbling, being surrounded by people who have made such profound discoveries about the world around us. I was given a three-course meal in Hall, which was absolutely delicious - a day to remember!It was a fantastic experience! I was able to lunch with other like-minded individuals, including an academic who was finishing his PhD in Quantum Materials. This gave me insight into what it is like to work as a Scientific Researcher, a career that I am leaning towards pursuing. As we discussed Science and careers, I was sitting directly opposite a portrait of Stephen Hawking, someone who I admire deeply; which rendered my day both inspiring and humbling, being surrounded by people who have made such profound discoveries about the world around us. I was given a three-course meal in Hall, which was absolutely delicious - a day to remember!"
Congratulations Adean!