Social Sciences
Former Social Sciences students share their experiences at Callywith, what they are up to now and what they are planning on doing next.
From the course
Becca
Progression: Psychology and Education - Cambridge University
Courses studied: A Level Psychology, Sociology and Biology
Extra activities: Student Ambassador, Academic Academy
Previous school: Bodmin College
How did Callywith support you in your application to university?
My tutor at Callywith played a huge part in encouraging and supporting me throughout the university application process. She regularly met with me, reassured me and helped me to create an application and personal statement I was really pleased with. The College also offered me the opportunity to have a mock Oxbridge interview which was hugely helpful in giving me a good idea about what the real interviews would be like and what to expect when I got there.
What did you enjoy in particular about studying A Level Psychology?
I really enjoyed the diversity of topics and learning about behaviour from a range of perspectives. I also really enjoyed the balance of being able to practice my essay writing skills, whilst also learning about more scientific topics such as biopsychology.
How are you finding your course / experience at university?
University has been a real whirlwind experience. The terms at Cambridge are incredibly short and very intense, but overall I have loved studying my course and have (nearly!) come out the other side feeling confident in my subject. I have had some incredible opportunities, such as an internship in Westminster, and have met some amazing people (including Stephen Fry!). I am currently completing two dissertations and revising for my final exams, in preparation for graduation in July.
How have your A Level studies helped you in your degree?
It's been so encouraging to find that all of my A Level subjects have been really useful in studying both education and psychology at university level. The content in all three of the A Levels I studied at Callywith have provided me with a solid foundation to build on and have undoubtably come in handy whether it be in a lecture or a last-minute essay!
Why did you chose to study your uni course?
At the age of 15 I became really interested in the education system and after completing an EPQ exploring alternative schools, I knew I wanted to go on to study education at degree level. I also, though, really enjoyed studying Psychology at Callywith so when I found a course at Cambridge that combined the two subjects together, I knew it would be a course that would suit my interests well.
What are you hoping to do in the future?
Back in November, I was fortunate enough to secure a permanent contract to train and teach at Brighton College, UK, which is really exciting. However, my longer term plan is to teach in a variety of schools, both local and international, and use these experiences to explore a career in research, with a view to informing future government policy.
Alicia
Progression: Criminology and Sociology - University of Gloucestershire
Courses studied: A level English Literature, Sociology, Psychology and AS level History
Extra Activites: Netball Academy, Extended Project Qualification and Duke of Edinburgh
Previous School: Launceston College
How are you finding your course/experience at university?
I am really enjoying my course in and out of lockdown and I especially enjoy my module where we recreate crime scenes and try to solve them. The university is quick to adapt things so we still get the best experience we can. Callywith was the perfect start to step up to University. I am especially enjoying being a member of the university’s women’s hockey first team which Callywith helped encourage me to join as I was a member of the netball academy.
How did your time at Callywith influence and support your choice of/transition to university?
I had modules about crime in both my psychology and sociology a levels in which the teachers at Callywith were enthusiastic and allowed me to realise what i was really passionate about. Even my English Literature linked everything in together and helped to give background to things. My tutor Emma was really supportive also and would always be willing to answer any questions.
How have your A Level studies helped you in your degree?
Topics from all of my A levels have come up on my course. For example theories I have previously studied or important people. This has been so helpful in setting a foundation for me to work on at uni as you go into more detail at A level than uni. It also gives you an idea on what sort of books and information you should look for that will relate to your assignments.
What are you hoping to do in the future?
I would love to do something that will help people like supporting domestic abuse victims or a general victim support worker and even being a homicide detective! I definitely wouldn't have such high aspirations if it wasn't for Callywith and the wonderful support system.
Lillie
Progression: Sociology - University of Exeter
Courses studied: A Level Sociology, History and Law
Extra Activites: Academic Academy
Previous School: Fowey River Academy
How are you finding your course/experience at university?
I've loved my time at Exeter, its been so rewarding to learn in this environment, with lecturers being engaging and supportive. Not only this, I have met incredible people that have become some of my closest friends.
How did your time at Callywith influence and support your choice of/ transition to university?
Callywith provided me with the support and information I needed to make the right choice for university. They provided help with completing UCAS forms as well as organising lectures and tutor sessions that helped my understanding of financing. Lecturers also provided information on the best universities for the course I wanted to do. It made the transition to university much easier with this understanding and knowing I was at the best university for me.
What do you enjoy in particular about studying Sociology?
When I first arrived at college I was unsure as to what to study and put down sociology as the topics it covered sounded interesting. Jen's amazing teaching very quickly made sociology my favourite subject. I love the understanding it helps me gain about how the world functions and loved the prospect of being able to develop this further once I got to Exeter and could choose modules in topics I had never heard of or considered before.
What did you enjoy in particular about studying A Level Sociology?
A level sociology set me up perfectly for my degree. I loved how it offered explanations for society and the high level of teaching provided at Callywith quickly made sociology my favourite topic.
Why you chose to study your uni course?
I chose to study sociology at university as I became incredibly interested in the topic after being taught at Callywith. When I first applied to Callywith, I chose sociology as it sounded like it covered subjects I was interested in. It very quickly became my favourite subject due to the teaching I recieved at the college, which led to me choosing it as a degree.
How have your A Level studies helped you in your degree?
My A Levels have helped me in a number of ways with my degree, such as giving me previous knowledge on theories and topics that has only developed in uni. This includes my A Levels in history and law, both of which have helped me with providing examples of theories in action. These qualifications have also provided me with skills that are essential to my degree, such as essay writing or research skills.
What are you hoping to do in the future?
Although I am still considering what my future entails, I am looking into Masters programmes at Exeter University to start in September. After this, I have always enjoyed the practices of research and am intending to find a job role in research.
Hannah
Progression: Sociology and Criminology - Exeter University
Courses studied: A level Media Studies, Sociology and English Language
Previous School: Callington Community College
How are you finding your course/experience at university?
So far my experience at university has been amazing - I am really enjoying the course and I'm looking forward to second year even more after recently choosing my modules for next year where I can specialise in areas that I'm most interested so I can tailor my degree to the career I want to go into. Despite being in lockdown, I have still received plenty of support from my tutor and lecturers when needed and I've made some amazing friends too.
How did your time at Callywith influence and support your choice of/transition to university?
I had such a fun time at Callywith and all my teachers were so supportive as well. The teachers and my tutor were brilliant at helping me with my UCAS application and Callywith itself was the perfect environment for dealing with the transition from school to University.
What do you enjoy in particular about studying Sociology?
I was particularly influenced by Sociology in terms of picking my degree. Before Callywith I had never studied this subject before, but there were topics that really interested me, particularly the crime and deviance aspects which influenced me to choose to study Criminology.
How have your A Level studies helped you in your degree?
I really enjoyed each of the subjects that I studied and there are elements of my A Levels that I still find help me with my understanding and assignments at University.
What are you hoping to do in the future?
In the future I love the idea of going into the police and I'm excited to see where my degree will lead me to.