Quadruple A* student Daisy Cavendish is celebrating her Results Day successes with a reflection on the support she’s received during her time at Gower College Swansea.
Achieving four A*s in Chemistry, Biology, Maths and the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales, Daisy is headed to the University of Exeter to study Medicine, following her participation in Gower College Swansea’s dedicated Medics, Dentists and Vets (MDV) Preparation Programme.
Q: What support is available at Gower College Swansea?
The most support I’ve had here at Gower College Swansea was through the GCS Honours and the Medics, Dentists and Vets (MDV) Preparation Programmes, which really helped me with interview prep and all of the exams that go into the application process for university.
I’ve felt supported both academically and personally because every lecturer I've had has been really approachable. So if I've ever had a problem, I could just go up to them and ask for their help. And on a more personal level, if ever something didn't go my way, they were really supportive and helped me to look at positive alternatives.
Q: How does attending College prepare you after GCSEs?
I think that going to a college instead of a sixth form was really helpful because it made the jump a little bit easier while encouraging you to be independent.
At college, you have more control. There's still help and support, which you can access if you need it, but it's a little bit more independent and getting to wear your own clothes is nice as well!
Q: How did Gower College Swansea support you in your path to university?
I’ve definitely been supported the most by the Biology department who run the Medics, Dentists and Vets Preparation Programme. And also by Emma Smith, who leads the Oxbridge and GCS Honours Programme as well.
Initially Cambridge University was my first choice, and I was invited to interview thanks to Gower College Swansea. But once I visited Exeter, I decided that it was better suited to me because I love the community feel, and the area around Exeter is a lot like where I live because I'm quite rural. And the course is amazing as well.
Q: Why should prospective students choose Gower College Swansea?
The quality of teaching and learning is fantastic and the lecturers ensure you’ll definitely get the best results if that's something that's really important to you.
It’s also really nice to see lots of people from different backgrounds rather than the same people at a comprehensive school.
There is a huge number of courses to choose from at College too – around 40 A Levels, and an extensive range of vocational and apprenticeship pathways.
The resources at Gower College Swansea are absolutely amazing. I love the library, I could spend every day there. The quiet space is also really good if you just want to have absolute silence, and also the access to computers and a printer is a lot easier especially for rural students like me.
If someone was thinking about Gower College Swansea, I would say just to do it because it's honestly been one of the best things I ever did. Especially because I was more scientific in my studies, the equipment and resources here are a lot better than most of the other schools in Swansea, and you get a lot more opportunities with the GCS Honours and the MDV Preparation Programme.”
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The GCS Honours Programme at Gower College Swansea provides learners with an exceptional academic support package for making competitive university applications that includes: weekly critical thinking tutorials; participation in Welsh Government’s Seren Academy (for which the College is the Hub Lead); Oxbridge preparation such as tutorials and university visits; subject specific masterclasses; mock interview and admissions tests; and help with personal statements. The College’s MDV Programme can also help facilitate work experience opportunities.
With more than 80 members of staff in dedicated student support roles, Gower College Swansea ensures all A Level and vocational learners receive help with their courses, personal needs and well-being.
All students have access to progress coaches, pastoral coaches and personal tutors, with many lecturers spending time with learners outside of regular lessons to keep them on track. Students can also access financial support and assistance.
For more information on all courses offered at Gower College Swansea, visit: https://www.gcs.ac.uk/school-leavers