CSFC Cambridge 21 January 2025

Last week, our Year 12 Psychology students had the opportunity to visit the Freud Museum in London. This immersive experience took them through the home of Sigmund Freud, the Austrian neurologist and founder of psychoanalysis, whose groundbreaking work continues to shape the field of psychology. During the visit, students participated in an expert-led workshop titled “Freud on Dreams,” which complemented their classroom studies. They delved deeply into Freud’s theories of dreams and his methods of interpretation, critically analysing the ways in which dreams reveal insights into the workings of the mind. The trip provided ample time for exploration, discussion, and lively debate, enriching the students’ understanding of this influential psychological framework.

Our year 12 students recently attended a Personal Statement Masterclass at Christ’s College, Cambridge, where they gained valuable insights into crafting a standout university application. Emily Ferris, from the University of Cambridge, was particularly impressed with our students’ engagement, praising their thoughtful questions, willingness to volunteer, and their attentive listening throughout the session.
Building on this experience, Year 12 students are now being supported in drafting their first personal statements, which are due by 27th January. These drafts will be reviewed by their Heads of House and the Head of Higher Education and Careers, who will provide constructive feedback to help students refine their statements and enhance their chances of success.
Starting the university application process early is crucial for our students, giving them a distinct competitive edge. By drafting their personal statements ahead of time, they have the opportunity to carefully reflect on their achievements, aspirations, and personal strengths. This early preparation ensures they can craft well-considered, polished applications that stand out to admissions teams from universities across the globe. Additionally, the continued feedback and guidance they receive allow them to make timely adjustments, increasing their chances of securing a place at their chosen institutions.

Congratulations to Zhi Xuan Lim, Claire Lee, Eason Cheng Jin Wei, for advancing to Round Two of the Schools’ Mace! Founded in 1957, the Schools’ Mace is the oldest and largest debating competition for schools in England and Wales, involving around 300 schools each year. The competition provides students with the opportunity to engage in thought-provoking discussions on a wide range of controversial topics and current affairs. Through several rounds of passionate debate, students enhance their knowledge of the world while honing their reasoning, presentation, and oracy skills in a stimulating and competitive environment.
Reaching the second round is a remarkable achievement, and our students should be incredibly proud of their success. We look forward to seeing them continue to develop their debating abilities as they strive for a place in the Regional Finals.
Events like the Schools’ Mace and the UCL Winter Cup debate are a testament to the CSFC Cambridge’s ongoing commitment to nurturing our students’ critical thinking, verbal reasoning, and oracy. These skills will not only support them in their A-Levels but will also serve them well in their future endeavours.

Last week, we hosted our first Cake and Juice evening of the year with a fantastic session from St. George’s University, Grenada. During the event students learnt about exciting medical options beyond the UK. The event, held on January 16th, was a valuable opportunity for students to discover what life as a medical student in the West Indies is really like.
During the session, students were introduced to St. George’s University (SGU), a highly respected institution with an impressive global reputation. With campuses in the UK, US, and Caribbean, SGU offers students a diverse and unique approach to medical education. An interesting fact shared during the event was that over 50% of medical professionals in New York are SGU alumni, a testament to the university’s success in producing highly qualified professionals. Additionally, SGU’s global network means that students have the chance to expand their medical school options without the need for UCAS.
The event also gave students the chance to ask questions and learn about the application process for medical schools in this vibrant region. We look forward to hosting more informative sessions like this in the future, helping our students make informed decisions about their academic and career paths.
Thank you to everyone who attended, and we encourage more students to join us for upcoming events to explore various pathways in higher education.

Congratulations to Timur Turzhov, a Year 12 student, who has achieved a Certificate of Distinction in the British Mathematical Olympiad Round 1! This outstanding accomplishment places him in the top 100 students in the country for Mathematics. We are incredibly proud of his hard work and dedication, and we look forward to seeing what he achieves next in his mathematical journey. Well done, Timur!