Young women explore pathways to success

ta385 — Thu, 09 Jul 2015 10:00:00 +0000

Pathways to Success, a two-day aspiration-raising conference, introduces high-achieving students from schools across the UK to students, graduates and staff at Murray Edwards. ̽��ֱ��event encourages young women to expand their horizons and feel confident about aiming high.

Students representing 25 schools from Derbyshire, Greater Manchester, Lincoln, Coventry, Sheffield, Bournemouth, London and elsewhere were selected to take part in recognition of their impressive academic achievements.

Now in its fifth year, the event includes seminars on the meaning of success and a practical advice session on applying to the ̽��ֱ�� of Cambridge.

A highlight of the conference was a speech given by alumna Kate Stephens, CEO of Smart Works, a pioneering UK charity which helps women on low incomes to secure jobs and become financially independent by providing interview training and smart clothes. Kate’s down-to-earth advice included

“Know yourself, believe in yourself, take your time, be persistent and have fun!”

Further inspiration came from high-flying educationalist Misbah Arif, a Professional Development Leader at the STEM Education Centre in London and a Professional Tutor on the Teach First programme. Misbah recalled the challenges that she has overcome in her career and "the amazing feeling of discovering what you want to do for the rest of your life."

Misbah advised her audience not to pander to stereotypes and to “make opportunities for yourself.”

Both speakers explained how their university experience had opened up new opportunities as well as discussing the choices and challenges which they have faced in their careers. Murray Edwards College was founded as New Hall in 1954 to bring more women of outstanding potential to Cambridge. Kate joined the College in 1993 to read history and Misbah arrived in 1999 to study Biological Natural Sciences.

Elizabeth Ashcroft, a student at ̽��ֱ��Priory Academy LSST in Lincoln said “I loved staying in the college with the other girls. ̽��ֱ��workshops helped me to know that I can aim high and choose what’s best for me in the future.”

Georgina Botham, a student at Lady Manners School in Bakewell (Derbyshire) said “ ̽��ֱ��speakers were inspirational. It was great to hear that career paths are not linear and you can make opportunities for yourself.”

Jake Byers, Deputy Director of Post 16 at High Storrs School in Sheffield added “ ̽��ֱ��programme had a good balance of inspiration and practical life tips which everyone found useful. These experiences will serve our students well when they begin making the life-changing decisions about the next stage of their careers.”

Dr Hilarie Bateman, Admissions Tutor at Murray Edwards College said: “Murray Edwards has a proud history of providing education to outstanding young women from all backgrounds and it is a privilege to have these discussions with so many talented sixth formers.”

Schools interested in applying for Pathways to Success 2016 should contact slo@murrayedwards.cam.ac.uk

̽��ֱ�� ̽��ֱ�� of Cambridge is committed to widening participation both at the ̽��ֱ�� itself and in higher education more generally. In 2013-14, the collegiate ̽��ֱ�� organised 4,000 access events which led to almost 200,000 interactions with school learners and teachers. For more information, visit www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk

One hundred Year 12 students from across the UK have attended a potentially life-changing event at Murray Edwards College, where they heard from inspiring alumnae and explored their options for the future.

Know yourself, believe in yourself, take your time, be persistent and have fun!

Kate Stephens, Murray Edwards College alumna

Murray Edwards College

Pathways to Success 2015 at Murray Edwards College

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Insight Day shares best practice on supporting children in care into university

sjr90 — Tue, 14 Oct 2014 13:31:47 +0000

Organised by the ̽��ֱ�� of Cambridge’s Realise project for young people in care, and hosted by Newnham College, the Insight Day included an update on student finance, a session on careers, and a tour of the College’s accommodation and study facilities.

Realise aims to support young people in care to access Higher Education by providing taster days at the ̽��ֱ�� of Cambridge, packed with advice, inspiration and support.

A typical Realise event includes academic-led sessions focusing on a particular subject area, an opportunity to explore the ̽��ֱ��, and age-appropriate talks about support for care leavers at university, student finance and careers. Student ambassadors– and if possible a care leaver - are also on hand throughout the day to discuss student life.

̽��ֱ��Insight Day was created in recognition of the important role foster carers and other professionals play in providing advice and support to young people considering whether to stay in education.

“ ̽��ֱ��adults in our lives can have a huge impact on us as we grow up,” explains Claire Gardner, who co-ordinates the Realise project at the ̽��ֱ�� of Cambridge.

“Ensuring that professionals and carers have accurate, up-to-date information about higher education and the support available for care leavers, is crucial to young people in care considering university as a realistic option for them.”

Irene Smith attended as one of a group of foster carers from Essex. “We need to find out ourselves, because it’s changed so much recently,” Irene said. “ ̽��ֱ��information about financial support was especially helpful.

“It’s also been interesting to see the steps you take to apply through UCAS.

“These days are really good. Each time you come to one you learn a little bit more,” Irene added.

“ ̽��ֱ��Insight Day gave participants the opportunity to shared their experiences of supporting children in care in their education, and the challenges that they faced,” Claire commented.

“Everyone worked together to suggest ways forward, and I feel really positive knowing that these professionals left the event feeling equipped with the information and skills necessary to support the young people in their care to succeed in their education, and aspire to attend university.”

For more about Realise, and the support available for children in care who are thinking about apply to university, visit: www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/events/care

Foster carers, social workers and education professionals working with children in care enjoyed an opportunity to share best practice and find out more about supporting young people into university at the 2014 Realise Insight Day.

“These days are really good. Each time you come to one you learn a little bit more."

Irene Smith, Foster Carer

̽��ֱ��text in this work is licensed under a Creative Commons Licence. If you use this content on your site please link back to this page. For image rights, please see the credits associated with each individual image.

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̽��ֱ�� of Cambridge - Raising Aspirations

Young women explore pathways to success

Insight Day shares best practice on supporting children in care into university