Marthe de Ferrer - Education

I chose to study Education with English because it is such a wonderfully broad course, and I loved that I could study Renaissance literature and the psychology of child development within the same week. It has allowed me to really develop and pursue my academic interests, under the guidance and support of a truly fantastic faculty. I’ve written dissertations on New Zealand literature, and my own research on women’s experiences of gender at the University of Cambridge. I think this is one of the only courses where two people can be on the same tripos, yet study almost entirely different degrees. There is true freedom to pursue what you find fascinating, which has been something I will always be grateful for. 

What is so wonderful about the Education BA is the range of students it attracts. My year group (across the university) were some of the most interesting and diverse people I met during my time at Cambridge – individuals who are interested in everything and anything. If you want to be a teacher, this course is ideal, but equally if you do not want to work in teaching, this course is equally ideal. I am going on to pursue further research in gender, and hope to one day work in gender and international development – an area of interest that was opened up to me through this course. My peers are going on to do all manner of wonderful things, some as teachers, but many following careers in law, theatre, media, international development, peace education, policy, politics, and more. 

Beyond the course itself, St John’s has been the perfect college to study at. It is far closer to the faculty than I first thought (a 15min cycle - which is particularly lovely by the river), with a small but ever-growing number of Education students. There’s a real sense of community amongst the Education students at John’s, and it’s been so wonderful watching the numbers grow. It’s a really supportive college to be at (particularly my Director of Studies and tutor), with opportunities aplenty. The college has helped me fund all sorts of amazing travels abroad, as well as supporting me financially and emotionally in times of difficulty. I’m so pleased that I made the decision to apply to St John’s to read Education with English, and I can honestly say if I were 18 again, I would make exactly the same decision again.

Marthe de Ferrer – July 2016