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Taste of 'uni' for Countesthorpe pupils
01 March 2008
John Denham MP, Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills.
Photo: johndenham.org.uk
A group of year nine pupils from Leysland High School, in Countesthorpe, recently had a taste of what life is like at one of the world's top universities.
The youngsters' trip to St Catharine's College co-incided with a visit to Cambridge University by John Denham, Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills.
The College works with schools in five central and east midland counties, including Leicestershire.
The Minister was in Cambridge to see demonstrations of emerging technologies in the University's research centres as well as seeing some of the work going on aimed at increasing applications from bright state-school pupils.
After lunching with some university staff who are involved in access efforts, Mr Denham was treated to a display as the Leysland pupils showed off their drama skills.
Mr Denham looked on as the pupils improvised scenes from the life of a pupil going to university - struggling to balance their social life with the hard graft of studying.
For many of the Leysland group it was their first taste of university life.
Commenting on the efforts that Cambridge is making in widening participation, John Denham said:
"Today's school visit to Cambridge is a great example of the University reaching out to students at a time when they are making decisions that will affect the rest of their lives."
The University's website quotes Leysland science teacher, Lesley Paris, as saying:
"Visits like this get pupils thinking and planning ahead. It's quite right that a day like this should be fun as well as informative as it helps them feel that they would fit in at university."
In a move to bring its admissions system in line with other universities, Cambridge has scrapped its separate application form and from now on applicants will apply to Cambridge online through UCAS. The deadline for applications remains as October 15.
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