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Called ̽��ֱ��Subject Matters, the free event was organised by Excellence East and aimed at gifted and talented pupils in years 10 and 11. Sessions led by Cambridge admissions tutors looked at two, closely related issues: university subject choice, and its relationship to career progression, and A-level subject choice – which can sometimes prevent highly able students from being strong candidates for their preferred courses at university if they have chosen inappropriate combinations.

̽��ֱ��first of its kind, the event was designed to give pupils the best possible advice at a stage when their options are open and they are beginning to think about higher education. Many of those who attended came with family members or as part of groups organised by local gifted and talented coordinators; others came independently.

Much of the three-hour event was devoted to an open discussion. Pupils and parents put a wide range of questions to Dr Geoff Parks, Director of Admissions for the Colleges, and Richard Partington, Senior Tutor at Churchill College.

Many of the questions from pupils centred on appropriate subject choices for particular courses – such as law, medicine, economics and archaeology – while topics raised by parents touched on the comparability of different exam systems (such as A level and IB) and the more established and newer qualifications.

A sigh of relief ran through the audience as Dr Parks urged pupils to remember to “have a life” rather than focus exclusively on acquiring academic qualifications. Mr Partington also sought to reassure potential applicants feeling under pressure. “There are times when it’s good to be an exam machine, but that’s certainly not all the time. We all need to have a bit of fun,” he said.

Joanna Taylor, Excellence East Gifted & Talented Coordinator at the ̽��ֱ�� of Cambridge, was delighted with the response to the event.

“ ̽��ֱ��feedback we've had so far is that the students found the event both inspiring and practical, encouraging gifted and talented pupils to focus on the importance of choosing their post-GCSE subjects wisely,” she said.

"We've also been told that students went home knowing that Cambridge is accessible to any student with the required academic potential, regardless of background."

One parent sent this thank you email:

I found it very informative and my daughter came away from the talk not only wiser regarding choosing her subject, but very excited, saying that she would like to try to meet your requirements and go to Cambridge. I think some 14-17 year-olds have a certain idea about Cambridge ̽��ֱ�� being out of reach for them, I know my daughter did, but the welcome and the presentation by Richard and Geoff was spot on getting the message across whilst being relaxed, welcoming and humorous, making Cambridge ̽��ֱ�� a very appealing place to learn. Once again thank you for an excellent day.

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