Students give pupils insight to university life

Laidlaw student interns at the University of St Andrews have given S6 pupils from Madras College a behind-the-scenes insight to studying and research.

Around 180 senior school pupils were greeted by dozens of undergraduate students at the Students’ Association for an Academic Fayre, with the aim of providing an opportunity to learn about academic disciplines and life as a student.

The Laidlaw Undergraduate Internship Programme in Research and Leadership, generously sponsored by Lord Laidlaw of Rothiemay, is a programme that aims to equip students with the skills and values to become leaders in their chosen occupations beyond university.

The event is the first of its kind and aims to break down barriers and encourage pupils to explore different subjects.

International Relations student Chris Walker, who helped organise the event, said: “It has been a great outreach event for sixth year pupils who might not think to pick up a prospectus and it might be easier for them to talk to a student rather than an admissions officer, and to talk to someone who is studying what they might like to study.

“It is also great for us to put into practice our research and to talk about what we are passionate about at St Andrews.”

Kenneth Wishart, Deputy Head for S5 and S6 at Madras College in St Andrews, said: “Madras College is very proud of its links to the University of St Andrews. This event is great as it gives our pupils an opportunity to find out more about university life while also informing them of some of the exciting research going on through their discussions with current undergraduates.”

Catriona Wilson, Deputy Director of CAPOD and Head of Student Development, who helps run the scheme at the University said: “This event has allowed the students to put into practice everything they have learned about leadership by creating an event to cement town-gown relations and to share their love of research with the Madras pupils.”

Notes to news editors 

Issued by the University of St Andrews Communications Office, contactable on 01334 462530 or [email protected].