Cormac's Story: from year 7 visting King's to Undergraduate

King’s Scholars, our flagship pre-16 programme, supports learners from Year 7 to Year 9 in local partner schools. The first cohort of King’s Scholars started in 2015, which means they are now old enough to go to university. We spoke with Cormac, a King’s Scholars alumni who is now in his first year at King’s. We met him when he was 11 years old, and now he’s an undergraduate studying English Literature & French.

How are you finding studying at King's?

So far, it has been great! I am enjoying my course and have gone to a few History Society meetings.

What memories do you have from being a King’s Scholar?

I remember visiting campus and working in small groups in King’s Learning Centre. We would do activities to stimulate our thinking like writing exercises and other things that help us learn and become more familiar with the uni environment. I remember having a history subject taster session which I enjoyed. This helped me confirm my choice of what subject to pick at school. I always liked meeting the student ambassadors because they were really friendly and knew what they were talking about.

Do you remember any metacognition skills?

Yes, I do. The metacognition sessions very helpful. I remember improving my notetaking. The whole point was to learn how to be more efficient with revising. It definitely helped my exam preparation.

How much of an influence did experiencing university at a young age have on your coming to King’s?

King’s Scholars helped me become more confident in my choices. Teaching us that there’s a progression plan and that it’s never too early to start preparing, especially if you’ve come from a family where you are the first to attend university. It has helped me access higher education and become more informed about it.

How did your parents feel about you being selected to be a King’s Scholar?

They were so happy! They thought it was a great idea for kids like me. I know most of my friends who were also King’s Scholars have also gone on to university. King’s Scholars helped us a lot.