Students learn alternative routes to Cambridge University

Learners at Solihull Sixth Form College heard from an ex-student about an alternative route into the University of Cambridge through a foundation year program.

Malikah Khan, who came to the College from Lyndon School, is undertaking a Foundation Year course in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Cambridge. She returned to college to share her experience of this exciting, fully funded route into higher education.

Unlike traditional undergraduate courses, the foundation year has lower entry requirements – typically three B grades at A level or equivalent – and offers a broad curriculum spanning multiple disciplines.

Malikah said: "Cambridge is a great place to study.

"There is so much history and reminders of famous people who have studied there in the past. You feel like you are walking in the footsteps of inspirational people.

"The Foundation Year a really great programme to give you an idea of what to expect from studying at Cambridge and it gives you time to decide what course you might want to go onto."

There are a range of courses at undergraduate level that students can go onto if they get at least 65 per cent in their Foundation Year, but students can also apply to lots of other universities they can apply to as well.

Jane McCard, English and Modern Languages Curriculum Leader who also heads up the Stretch & Challenge programme at the College, said: "I taught Malikah and I know what a great young person she is.

"I'm delighted to see how well she is doing and grateful she agreed to come back into college to tell this year's Year 13 learners about this exciting opportunity.

"She delivered a valuable insight into the course and the application process, and I hope it has inspired some of the current students, who are still deciding what to do after their studies with us."