The Scholars Programme has involved 10 year 10 students working closely with a PhD Tutor, Mairenn Collins-Attwood. Students have studied a series of small group university-style tutorials on 'Friend, enemy 'or nobody? Inside the world of species interactions', A topic which is not studied in depth within the Biology school curriculum. It has been a unique opportunity for students to experience university-style teaching.  They have worked towards final 2000 word assignment where they had to analyse the impact of interactions for two or more species of animals.  This has challenged them to work above their current key stage experiencing challenge, learning resilience and essay skills.  The assignment was marked modelling the university criteria and support was given in the style of a Cambridge University 'supervision' session, unique to Oxbridge Universities.

 

The scholars programme culminated in the Graduation event at Selwyn College, Cambridge. Students had a tour of the university with current students, an Information an Advice and Guidance session, and an opportunity to celebrate their achievements in a graduation ceremony which modelled a university graduation ceremony where they received a certificate for their achievements in the programme.

 

LECA students took part in the event with good manners and maturity reflecting LECAs ethos. Of particular note are Oakleigh and Gabriel who were our spoke scholars. They were the first to make their speech on behalf of LECA and set the bar very high, completing it without a written script with confidence and clarity, in front of approximately 80 strangers- very impressive and engaging! This programme has enabled our students to set their sights high for their next steps and we are very proud of their efforts.