Sixth-form students take part in English Taster Day

Students from schools and colleges around the country came together at St John's on 18 March for an English Taster Day, giving them a chance to experience work and life at Cambidge. The event was organised by the Admissions Office and designed specifically for sixth-formers interested in studying English at Cambridge when they make their university choices.

As part of their taster day, the students got to attend lectures by College academics as well as participate in discussion groups and seminars on topics including popular literature and Romantic lyric poetry. These sessions gave the students a sense of the varied teaching methods offered at Cambridge, from large lectures to more personal one-on-one supervisions. The group also got the chance to talk to current students as well as learn about the application process and the great opportunities St John's College can offer to young people of all backgrounds.

Toby Pepperell, from Kingsbridge Community College in Devon, was one of the many sixth-formers who took part in the taster day. He said: "Before visiting St John's, I thought that Cambridge would be very exclusive and elitist, but the people I met were not at all like that and were very friendly and welcoming. The taster day showed me that Cambridge really is open to everybody who has an interest in their subject, regardless of where you come from."

Victoria Hyde, another student who attended the day, decided to come along to see if Cambridge was right for her. She said that she was at first unsure, but her experiences on the day have convinced her to apply to St John's. She said: "This visit was a really interesting and inspiring chance to experience studying at Cambridge and to meet other people who are as passionate about English Lterature as I am. I thought that the academics would be intimidating, but they were really laid-back and easy to talk to."

For more information, contact Carly Walsh, Access Officer. Tel: +44 (0)1223 339361, Email: c.walsh@joh.cam.ac.uk