The first of our 2022 Kusuma Trust University Talks took place on 8 and 9 March. Over 200 Year 12 students from Westside and Bayside Schools and the Gibraltar College attended the Talks which are held twice a year in the Spring and Autumn terms. Guest speaker Jane Marshall from Optimising Futures spoke to the students about how to choose a university and course, write an excellent personal statement and how to perform well in interviews. There were additional sessions for Oxbridge and Early Entrant applicants, the majority of whom will also be required to sit entrance exams as part of their application process.

Jane commented: “This week, I spent a thoroughly enjoyable couple of days working with the smashing students and staff from Bayside and Westside schools. The talks focused on university applications: the importance of careful choices, university life, writing an excellent Personal Statement, and preparing for effective interviews. I then ran a session for the students who need some help deciding what to apply for – always remembering that a degree doesn’t have to have a job in the title to make it worthwhile! This was followed later in the day and on the Wednesday morning by workshops for the Oxbridge applicants and the medics/ dentists/ vets – all the students who attended worked extremely hard and gave brilliant presentations, clearly demonstrating their transferable skills. Feedback has been exceptionally positive and students will also be able to access additional videos and resources via the Optimising Futures website to support their application journey. Huge thanks to The Kusuma Trust Gibraltar for once again sponsoring the event!”