Murray Edwards College visit
CAMDEN HIGH-FLYERS CELEBRATE SUCCESS WITH CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY
Three students from Regent High School have enjoyed a 2-day stay at Cambridge University as guests of Murray Edwards College, part of the University of Cambridge.
Naimah Choudhury, Sagal Mire, and Farjana Huda (all 17) were among just 100 young women invited from schools across the UK to attend “Pathways to Success 2014.”
“Pathways to Success” is a two-day conference, organised and hosted by Murray Edwards College, one of the 29 undergraduate colleges of the University of Cambridge.
The conference aims to help the girls to focus on the opportunities and choices ahead of them, in an inspiring and supportive atmosphere.
During the conference, the students shared their ideas about what success means, taking part in workshops and socialising with other academically-successful young women from many different backgrounds and parts of the UK.
Murray Edwards alumnae Rebecca Stanley and Frances Edmonds spoke to the girls on the theme of “Hindsights and Insights.”
The girls also enjoyed a celebration dinner hosted by Murray Edwards, in recognition of the successes which they have already achieved.
Welcoming the young women to the College, Dame Barbara Stocking, President of Murray Edwards College, said “Pathways to Success is a great way for young women to focus on their opportunities and choices.
“It's good fun, thought provoking and we hope it will increase their confidence and aspirations.”
“Speaking to people who used to come here, and seeing where they are now, their journeys, was really interesting,” said Naimah.
“The advice from the speakers was the best,” said Farjana. “I could really relate to Becca. Before Pathways we all wanted to stay in London for university, but we might look elsewhere now.”
“Being able to stay overnight has given me more confidence about applying for a university away from home,” agreed Sagal.
Dr Hilarie Bateman, Admissions Tutor at Murray Edwards College and organiser of the conference, added: “It is a great pleasure to us to welcome such bright and talented young women to the College.
“The mix of backgrounds, experiences and aspirations leads to lively discussion about what matters to them and how to make it happen.
“It is a pleasure to celebrate what these students have already achieved and to share in the sense of the possibilities that lie ahead.”
Regent High School Maths Teacher, Sharmin Choudhury, said of the experience: “Before we went to Murray Edwards College, our students were not particularly confident about applying to study at Cambridge. Since participating in the workshops and interacting with students they would otherwise not necessarily meet, our students now know that they are capable of applying to Cambridge and have the confidence to do so. I also found it a very useful experience.”
Rosemary Leeke, Headteacher of Regent High School and alumna of Murray Edwards College, said: “It is wonderful to have established a link with the Cambridge college where I read English. I am delighted that Murray Edwards is offering opportunities for students to find out more about studying at Cambridge, and how to apply to the university. I know that the experience has greatly benefited our students.”
Regent Sixth Form students Sagal Mire, Farjana Huda and Naimah Choudhury at the Murray Edwards College 'Pathways to Success' event.
