“All the people on my courses have the same kind of interests and they were similar types of people to me.”
Name: Olivia
Former School: Redruth School
Grades Achieved: A* (Biology), A (Chemistry, Maths)
Next Steps: Biology at the University of Oxford
For Olivia, studying at Truro and Penwith College has been an important step towards achieving an ambition she has held since Year 6, studying Biology at the University of Oxford. Olivia achieved outstanding A Level results, gaining an A* in Biology alongside A grades in Chemistry and Maths, securing her place at St Hugh’s College, Oxford, where she will continue her studies in Biology.
Olivia, formerly of Redruth School, says her time at Truro and Penwith College gave her greater independence in her studies compared with school, allowing her to explore her subjects in a way that suited her. “I really enjoyed it. It was a lot better and very different to school. It was much more free. I had a lot more freedom with what I studied and how I did it.”
She also valued the resources available at the College and the practical elements of her courses, particularly in Chemistry. “I had a really good Chemistry teacher in my second year. She was very instructive and helpful. Mostly, I really enjoyed the practicals.”
A key part of Olivia’s journey was the College’s Oxbridge Academy, which provides specialist support for students aiming for Oxford or Cambridge. Olivia joined the Academy and says the interview preparation was particularly valuable. “I had a lot of help with the interviews because in my first practice interview it was terrible, and I had a number of them since then which went a lot better. So, I don’t think I would have got in without doing that practice.”
The Academy also encouraged Olivia to explore projects and wider subject interests, helping her develop her university application. “There were a lot of different projects and things that they gave you ideas to do, which I could put on my personal statement.”
While Olivia’s academic achievements have been exceptional, she says her College experience was about much more than achieving her grades. “I’ve made a lot of friends since I came here, so it wasn’t just about the grades and things.”
She found it easier to make friends because students on her courses shared similar interests. “All the people on my courses have the same kind of interests and they were similar types of people to me.”
Olivia chose Oxford because of the strength of its Biology course and the opportunities available to students. “I really like the sound of the course and the prestige is obviously Oxford. It did sound like a much better course than anywhere else and they’ve got things like the Botanic Gardens and all the facilities are really good as well.”
At St Hugh’s College, Olivia is looking forward to developing her interests in Biology further. She is particularly fascinated by cellular evolution and hopes she may eventually pursue research in the area. “I’m really interested in cellular evolution and things, so maybe study that. My interest might change.”
Olivia leaves College with an exceptional academic record, unforgettable experiences and a bright future ahead. We wish her every success as she takes her next steps and pursues her ambitions at one of the world’s most prestigious universities
