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Bridging the gap between language study at school and university

29 March 2012

Bridging the Gap

Language students who attended a recent Cambridge Pre-U Bridging the Gap event said it had reinforced their decision to study languages at university.

68 language students from 12 UK schools joined teachers and language experts for the second Cambridge Pre-U Bridging the Gap event at Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, on 21 March 2012. The day was aimed at sixth form language students who may be considering studying languages at university. It was also designed to give language teachers a chance to explore some of the challenges in transitioning students from school to university.

Dr Helen Swift, fellow of St. Hilda’s College, Oxford and teacher of Medieval French advised how students could kick-start their progression to university level, including how to pick the right language course for them, and how to strengthen their UCAS application.

The students took part in seminars – conducted in French and Spanish – to explore some of the key issues facing young people in France and Spain, drawing upon news articles, film and music. The student sessions were designed to imitate the teaching style students might experience in a university setting, and encourage independent thinking and debate. 

The students commented that the day was unlike any teaching they had previously experienced. They said they had been encouraged by the opening speakers and hearing about the wealth of employment opportunities that language study can bring. A Cambridge Pre-U French student from Moreton Hall school said: "All the speakers at the event were really inspiring and it has confirmed my decision to study French at university."

The next Cambridge Pre-U Bridging the Gap event will take place in July for science students. English and history events will take place later this year. Keep an eye on our Cambridge Pre-U Events schedule for more details, or follow us on Twitter.

Photograph shows students at the event.

Related links

We have made a short film of the Bridging the Gap event - watch it now

Learn more about Cambridge Pre-U 

 

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