Sutherland students visit St John's

Students from Sutherland Co-Operative Academy got to experience life at Cambridge University on a recent two-day visit to St John's College, designed to inform them about the application process and the opportunites Cambridge can offer.

The group of year 10 students came to St John's to learn more about Cambridge and what they might expect from student life when they come to make their university choices. During the visit, the class got to experience both the academic and social sides of Cambridge life. The group were taken on a tour of various University departments, had a chance to speak to current students and academics and also stayed overnight in College accommodation.

Martin Whyatt, one of the Sutherland pupils, decided to visit St John's because he is considering applying to Cambridge to study Veterinary Medicine, but was unsure of what to expect. He said that his visit reassured him that University life could be for him. Martin said: "St John's College has a great atmosphere and is very friendly. I thought that it would just be lots of hard work being at Cambridge, but I've learned that you do get a lot of leisure time too and can get involved in all sorts of clubs, sports and societies." He continued: "I also thought that it would be difficult financially, but you can get help with bursaries and awards, so it is more manageable than I had thought it would be."

Another Sutherland student, Kimberley Rutherford, came to Cambridge to experience University life as she hopes to study Natural Science at university in future. Kimberley especially enjoyed visiting the science department and investigating the fossils in the museum as well as chatting with current science students, who she described as "very chilled-out and knowledgeable."

Kimberley said: "I thought Cambridge was going to be scary, but it was really nice and friendly. As well as being expected to work hard, you also have time for a social life, so everything in moderation. I will definitely apply to Cambridge when I make my university choices."

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