Bury College students invited to Cambridge University – and inspired to aim high!

Date published: 18 July 2011

Six outstanding females studying AS Levels at Bury College were specially selected to attend a prestigious overnight event at one of the colleges of Cambridge University, Murray Edwards College. The ‘Pathways to Success’ event, attended by 100 students and their tutors from across the country, was designed to inspire high-achieving young women to aim high by considering their options for the future.

Aamirah Ismail and Aseema Jamadar, former pupils of Sharples School in Bolton, Catherine Burke, formerly of St James’s Church of England School and Sports College in Bolton, Gabriella Hayden, a former pupil of Harper Green School and Arts College, Rebecca Barton who previously went to The Elton High School and Vanessa McKeown Bennett who joined Bury College from Victoria College in Belfast enjoyed workshops, talks and a celebration dinner, gaining a real sense of what they could achieve in the future. The students also met final year Cambridge students who talked about their academic studies and other opportunities that have inspired them for the future.

Vanessa, who is studying AS Psychology, History, Biology and English Literature at Bury College said, “The event was really enjoyable and made me feel like it was possible for me to study at Cambridge. The staff gave us lots of information and were really friendly. It was also great to speak to current students about their experiences.”

Olivia Walker who is a fourth year student at Murray Edwards said, “Since coming to the College I have achieved more than I ever thought I could in my studies, and I have had the chance to do other amazing things - like a summer placement as assistant editor at the Royal Society and work experience in a Parliamentary Office in Westminster. I was delighted to help at the event and to encourage other girls now in the sixth form to stretch themselves and to make the most of the many exciting opportunities that exist.”

David Marrs, Director of Humanities and Communication Studies at Bury College said, “Bury College is extremely proud and delighted to be a key partner in this pioneering initiative run by Cambridge University. We make strenuous efforts to ensure our learners aim as high as possible and the many links we have now established with Cambridge will help to strengthen our flourishing partnership. This event has proved that Bury College students are supported to be highly aspirational and to understand clearly how they can apply successfully to the university.”

Dr Hilarie Bateman, the organiser at Murray Edwards College added, “The College is proud of its role in helping high-achieving young women to succeed at Cambridge and beyond. We are aware that talented students and their parents are looking for first rate educational opportunities leading to first rate career options. The College is proud to be at the forefront of these exciting developments and to offer such an enthusiastically attended and relevant event.”