A pupil at Monmouth School for Girls has had a wonderful insight into student life and the field of medicine during a two-week course at the University of Cambridge.

Rosa, aged 15, made friends from across the world, collected her own DNA and studied the growing problem of Superbugs, in the medicine course organised by Immerse Education.

“In the future, I would like to study a course such as medicine or maybe even natural sciences as this would allow me to specialise in an individual subject,” said Rosa, from Year 11.

“I had a fantastic insight into student life, from staying in halls of residence, to enjoying formal dinners at both Cambridge and Oxford.”

Rosa received a scholarship to attend the course at Jesus College, Cambridge, after impressing with her essay, ‘What field of medicine has the biggest impact on society?’

During the course, Rosa studied scientific disciplines, including anatomy, antibacterial resistance, genetics and microbiology.

“The academic sessions were intense yet engaging with incorporated practicals and field trips,” said Rosa, who visited Addenbrooke’s Hospital, the internationally renowned teaching hospital and research centre in Cambridge.

“We were given a guided tour by our tutor, Dr Saroj Velamakanni, and the practicals included collecting our own DNA, monitoring our blood pressure, and finding out our blood types.

“We studied the growing problem of Superbugs and, for me, this was the most challenging but also extremely interesting.

“It was a great opportunity to visit Cambridge and experience the history and culture of a famous university city.”

Rosa and her fellow students had guided tours of the famous buildings and went punting on the River Cam through King’s College.

The teenager also attended formal hall dinners at Sidney Sussex College, St Edmund Hall in Oxford, and at Jesus College, where she stayed for the two weeks.

“Even though the programme was busy with activities and academic sessions, one of the best experiences was meeting other students from around the world,” she said.

The course has encouraged Rosa to think about taking sciences for A Level and to persevere with her studies.

“Hopefully, with the help of my teachers, I can aspire to a place at a leading university, such as Cambridge,” she said.

“I’d like to thank my English teacher (Ms Susan White) for encouraging me to submit my essay and, hopefully, my experience can motivate some of the younger students to do the same.”