St John's and Selwyn History Residential
On the 12th and 13th of April, St John’s collaborated with Selwyn College to stage an event for Year 12 students aspiring to study history at top universities. The aim of the event was not only to give a taste of the topics on offer in a Cambridge History degree, but to encourage the participants to think and work at a university level. By focussing on the analysis of various points of view, and the formation of arguments, the participants learnt skills highly sought-after by Cambridge Admissions Tutors.
Participants attended three academic sessions led by renowned historians. Throughout, they kept in mind the statement: ‘An historian is only as good as his/her evidence.’ After a night spent in either St John’s or Selwyn College, and a visit to the Whipple Museum of the History of Science, a debate was held, in which the participants put forward coherent and detailed responses to the statement. The debate was chaired by Professor Ulinka Rublack, a Director of Studies in History at St John’s. The participants made great use of the fascinating information they had learned, and Professor Rublack was impressed by the insightfulness of the arguments put forward. As well as developing their historical skills, the event gave the participants a real taste of studying at Cambridge. They were able to experience the combination of enthralling academic challenges and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.
Participants’ testimonies:
‘I enjoyed engaging with other people in a very intellectual debate.’
‘The atmosphere is very friendly, and I feel I could come to university here comfortably.’
‘[The event] was very insightful in terms of studying History at degree level here at Cambridge. It was also very entertaining and enjoyable.’
If you are interested in finding out more about events at St John’s College, please get in touch: slo@joh.cam.ac.uk, 01223 339361.