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11 February 2019
St. Francis’ College is so proud that two of our Year 13 A Level students, Wenjun and Shona, have been offered places at the University of Cambridge for Engineering and Anglo-Saxon, Norse and Celtic studies respectively. Both students worked hard to achieve this fantastic result and our teachers who supported them with their work are extremely happy for them. Here are their stories:
Wenjun – a St. Francis’ student and boarder from Year 12 (previously studied in a school in China)
I have been attracted to science ever since prep school, and I chose to read Engineering for the chance to put textbook theories into practice. At St. Francis’ I was given many opportunities to explore my interest even further. I joined the engineering club in Year 12 and helped to build a Raspberry Pi controlled robot. I also worked with the Year 10 girls to run some activities for the Science Club, including air-powered rockets and completed the Advanced STEM Leaders Award with distinction. I was given so much help and advice from my teachers to prepare for the interview at Cambridge. Being away from parents and friends can be a challenge so I am very grateful to my boarding friends and boarding staff for making me feel welcome and at home. Our meals at school are always really tasty!
Shona – a St. Francis’ student from Year 5
I started at St. Francis’ College in Year 5 and have remained all the way through to Sixth Form. For most of my time here I have been more inclined to study the humanities, particularly history, and so it is no surprise that I applied for Anglo-Saxon, Norse and Celtic; a unique blend of history, literature and language all put into one degree. This is an incredibly niche course that few people study. My subject teachers and Head of Sixth Form dedicated time to learning about the course I was aiming for and how to prepare for my personal statement, admissions test and interviews. In addition to my A Level course, the Classics/Latin department allowed me to begin Latin GCSE in Year 12. Having the flexibility to begin a subject unconventionally was a great opportunity for me. At the end of Year 12 I had decided on my course and started to write my personal statement. My Latin GCSE and the opportunity to take an EPQ (original research project) alongside my A Levels, both helped my personal statement to stand out.
