Conference targets teachers to boost applications from state schools

The third annual ‘Target Teachers Conference' is being organised by Schools Liaison Officers at the University. The aim is to address the myths and misunderstandings about applying to the university.

“The thinking is that by reaching one teacher you reach many students,” says Hanna Weibye, Schools Liaison Officer for Pembroke and St Catharine's Colleges.

The conference, which takes place on 8th and 9th January, is organised by six Schools Liaison Officers and nine of the university's colleges are taking part this year – Homerton, Pembroke, Christ's, Jesus, St Catharine's, King's, Downing, Clare and Girton.

Up to 40 teachers, careers advisers and student mentors from state schools which do not normally apply to the university will be introduced to admissions tutors, students and lecturers in an effort to boost applications.

“Teachers can sometimes be worried about students being turned down and so don't apply,” says Selina Hawkins, Schools Liaison Officer for Homerton, Jesus and Christ's.

Overcoming such views can make for “challenging” questions at the conference, but the organisers welcome the discussions these lead to.

Teachers who attend have a dinner on the first night and they can then stay overnight at a college, although this is not compulsory.

The following day they will be given general information on admissions by admissions staff, have a tour of the university, including the University Library, the Zoology Department and King's College, and have practical sessions on issues such as how to write references, what to put in a supporting statement. The conference ends with a question and answer session.

There are lots of lecturers, admissions tutors and former undergraduates on hand throughout to give advice. The conference, which is partly funded by the Sutton Trust, is now in its third year. Some schools have sent different teachers to successive conferences.

Allan Holbrook, Deputy Head of Sixth-Form at Whitley Bay High School, attended last year and said: “The event provided a valuable insight into what information Cambridge is looking for and how we can help pupils maximise their chances. We returned to our schools with some useful tips in the knowledge that Cambridge is a friendly, helpful place.”

Dr Geoff Parks, Director of Admissions for the Cambridge Colleges said, “Teachers are key advisers and influencers of young people, and therefore vital allies in our efforts to raise aspirations and widen participation.”

“Events such as this enable teachers to learn about what we have to offer their students and to have any questions about our courses, university life and our admissions process answered by experts.”

Teachers interested in attending should contact Selina Hawkins at sh360@cam.ac.uk or Hanna Weibye at ad2@pem.cam.ac.uk