Congratulations to Gower College Swansea student Daisy Squire who has won a national book review competition organised by New College, Oxford’s Step Up Programme.
Step Up is designed to inspire and support state-school students throughout Year 11, 12 and 13. It attempts to ensure that students recognise Oxford as a realistic and achievable option for them in the future, and are fully equipped and supported to make a competitive application.
Daisy, who is studying A Levels in Biology, Chemistry and Maths, is a member of the College’s GCS Honours programme, which provides academic enrichment and support for students aged 16-18 who wish to apply to the best universities in the UK and beyond.
She was encouraged to enter the competition by the College’s GCS Honours Coordinator and Coordinator of the Swansea Seren Hub, Dr Emma Smith. The task was to write a 250-word review about one of the books on Oxford University’s reading list.
Daisy chose Y. W. Loke’s Life’s Vital Link which explores evolution and the importance of the placenta as an organ, exploring the differences across species and how the knowledge of the placenta is fundamental for furthering our understanding of cancer.
“This was an extremely interesting read and I would recommend it to anyone interested in human anatomy or healthcare,” says Daisy, who plans to study medicine and become a doctor.
“I was thrilled to find out I’d won and this feeling was magnified when I heard I was the first person to win this competition from Gower College Swansea. I’m so unbelievably grateful to have had the opportunity to read such a compelling book and to represent the College in such a prestigious competition. Over the summer, I plan to read even more books from their reading list!”
Adds Shelby Holmes, Outreach Officer at New College:
“It was a very difficult process to choose a winner as we had a remarkably good intake of submissions. Congratulations to Daisy on winning first place! Her review was of exceptionally high quality, and a joy to read.”
Thanks to Daisy critical analysis and writing talent, the College’s library will now receive 15 of the books on Oxford University’s reading list.