Poppy’s Story

Name: Poppy

Previous School: Penryn College

Next Steps: Oxford University to study Engineering

My Story

Poppy rose to the challenge of studying four A Levels, in Chemistry, Maths, Further Maths, and Physics, achieving A, A*, A* A*.

She chose Truro College for the A Level course content and structure, a desire to be able to go further in Maths highlighting Truro College as the best option for her: “I really liked how Maths and Further Maths was structured where I would cover all of A Level Maths in the first year and then all of Further Maths in the second year. I had also come to open evenings and spoken to lecturers about the courses and the Accelerate Programme and it was the best option for me.”

The College’s Accelerate Programme is a bespoke programme of study for Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) learners who are academically minded and are aiming for highly competitive places in HE and university.

As part of the Accelerate Programme, Poppy took part in the Physics Academy as well as doing an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). The EPQ develops students’ study and research skills and allows students to tailor their projects to fit their individual needs, aspirations and choices. The sessions, and support from the students’ tutor, allow students to create a portfolio documenting their research project.

Poppy also had classes and weekly sessions with others on the Accelerate Programme. She really enjoyed this aspect, saying: “I liked being in classes with people who are all achieving high and being pushed more by the lectures. I also liked how we got notified about all the opportunities available to us and were encouraged to participate in all we could to make our applications for university even better.

“We were also encouraged by our lecturers to enter extra activities and competitions inside our subjects, such as for maths, the Senior Maths Challenge and the Maths Olympiad for Girls.”

Poppy has now secured a place to study Engineering at Oxford University. She not only met but surpassed the entry conditions: “I had to get two A*’s and an A, with A*’s in Maths, Physics or Further Maths, and I got 3 A*’s and an A. My teachers were so helpful in me getting these results.”

Her advice for new students is both reassuring and encouraging: “Don’t worry, I was quite nervous, I was worried about studying quite male dominated subjects and being the only girl, but everyone was really nice. I think just relax and don’t worry too much. And honestly, work hard, but you can have fun as well!.”