Cymoedd A Level learners enjoy ‘Brilliant’ experience

A group of learners from the A level Centre at Coleg y Cymoedd have taken part in an initiative designed to increase the number of learners from under-represented backgrounds progressing to top universities.

The Brilliant Club is an award-winning access charity that works with learners aged 10 – 18 from schools and colleges across the U.K. The Club has two Core programmes, the Scholars Programme and Researchers in School.

The A Level learners from Coleg y Cymoedd signed up to the Scholars Programme, which recruits, trains and places doctoral and postdoctoral researchers in colleges and schools.

The researchers deliver university-style tutorials, supported by two field trips to emulate the learning that students experience at highly selective universities.

The A Level learners began their six-week programme with a visit to Wadham College at Oxford University, which stood them in good stead for the work that followed.

The Programme continued with weekly sessions at the Nantgarw campus, facilitated by Amanda Courtright-Lim, a PhD student from Cardiff University. The group looked at ‘Moral Philosophy in the Modern Era’ and had to write a report, which was marked in line with degree grading, with all Cymoedd learners obtaining a 2:1 for their reports.

Evie Wood said: “I thoroughly enjoyed the Scholars Programme. I’d never really thought of applying to universities such as Oxford but the programme has given me an insight into university life and also the level of work that is expected. We were fortunate to have had the opportunity to meet some of the students and hear first- hand what it is like to study there – when it comes to applying for universities, I will be keeping all my options open”.

Four of the Cymoedd ‘Brilliant Club’ graduates attended a Graduation Ceremony at Cardiff University to mark successful completion of the programme.

Commenting on the success of the learners, Holly Richards, tutor for the Stretch and Challenge Group within the A Level Centre, added, “I’m delighted that our learners enjoyed the whole experience provided through the Scholars Programme and that it has inspired them to consider applying for universities such as Oxford and Cambridge. It’s so important for us to create the opportunities for our learners to aspire to top universities. On behalf of the college, I would like to thank Amanda who was such an inspiration to the learners”.

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