Studying at Bond University as a Year 11 Student

Earlier this year, I completed the Student for a Semester programme at Bond University. After applying in November 2019, I was thrilled to be offered a place to study 1st Year Philosophy.

Student for a Semester allows students in Year 11 and 12 to complete an undergraduate subject of their choice for a semester. Philosophy is my favourite subject at school and I was able to develop my understanding further on areas such as ethics, aesthetics and political philosophy.

I was very nervous because I knew that it is unusual for a Year 11 student to embark on a programme at university and I wondered if I would find myself out of my depth. However, I quickly found that Bond reminded me of our own Somerset community as I walked around the campus. Although I was the youngest in my class, I was accepted warmly by the students and staff. I involved myself around the campus as much as I could – attending career counselling sessions, meeting with other students and staff, spending afternoons in the library and just generally enjoying the new opportunities that were provided to me.

I would like to thank Mr Peter Singh, my Year 10 Philosophy teacher, for inspiring me to develop my knowledge further in Philosophy.

While my studies between university and school sometimes became challenging, this new opportunity allowed me to grow so much as an individual. Since completing my semester, I have found a new confidence in myself and my studies at school. I received a distinction in my chosen subject with a score of 83/100. The style of my assessment being tutorial participation and two assignments.

I would also like to thank Dr Michael Brohier and Mrs Karen Crowley for supporting me on this journey. I look forward to continuing to grow as a student as I begin to prepare for my final years of school.