Oxbridge destination for students

A trio of West Norfolk students are heading to Oxbridge later this year, and they are all set to take up their places at two of the most famous universities in the world.

Reading music, computer science and chemical engineering, their subjects may be diverse but the Springwood High School students all have one thing in common as they are all grateful for the support they have received.

Sean Senevirante didn’t think he was Oxbridge material, but he is heading to Cambridge University’s Fitzwilliam College for computer science and it is the culmination of a lifelong fascination with how computers work.

“Having attended multiple schools in both the UK and Sri Lanka, I can confidently say that the most outstanding aspect of Springwood High School is the exceptionally supportive and friendly teachers,” he said.

“I’m excited to specialise in computer science and develop a deeper understanding that will help me choose my eventual field. Currently, I’m drawn to robotics, computer vision and artificial intelligence.”

Charlotte Norman has been awarded a place at Oxford University to read her chosen subject from the autumn, and is hoping to work in music therapy - although she says her career aspirations change regularly.

“I was completely in shock and couldn’t believe it,” she said, “After my GCSE results, I didn’t believe that I could receive an offer. It wasn’t until I got my December mock results that my brother said I should look at Oxbridge courses.”

“I had an overwhelming amount of support in boosting my personal statement, especially pinpointing my extra and super curriculars. The school also provided information on how to approach interviews, and gave me a mock interview which reflected the real thing well,” she said.

There is a musical gene in the Norman family as her father, Robin, is the director of music for Springwood and the Trust, and has worked extensively in the industry. He spent time as a professional tuba player and is also a former student at Springwood.

With both parents working in the field of chemical engineering, West Norfolk student Juan Camilo Cervantes-Torres was destined to be drawn to the subject.

He has been accepted into Cambridge’s Trinity College and has ambitions within the field where both parents have senior roles with international organisations, but neither have been to an Oxbridge university.

“The first thing I did was hug my step dad and brother. I then called my mother who was on a work trip and then called my dad who woke up at 5am to get my call. I was extremely happy,” he said.

Being a student at Springwood since Year 7 has played an important role in his university choice and he said his chances of being accepted would have been much lower without the help and support he received.

“I have made friends for life at Springwood and have been exposed to new experiences I wouldn’t have discovered on my own,” he said.

He advises all students coming into sixth form to make the most of all the free resources on the internet, particularly YouTube footage from Oxbridge students on specific courses.

“They can help you make a more educated decision on your future. You’re better off learning about Oxbridge and the process, and then choosing not to apply rather than not try in the first place.”