An Access to Higher Education student from Solihull College & University Centre is celebrating after receiving an offer from the University of Oxford.
Petra Sidhu, 21, has been offered a place on a degree in Chinese Studies at the prestigious university on completion of her Access to Higher Education Social Sciences course. Having achieved distinctions throughout her course, Petra just has a few modules to go.
Access to Higher Education (HE) courses have no formal entry requirements and are designed to equip adult learners with the skills necessary to progress on to university level courses.
Petra says the course was perfect for her situation. She comments: “I finished my GCSEs and was then diagnosed with mental health issues which meant I couldn’t continue my studies. I then spent 2 years in recovery, working in retail, but I was desperate to get back into education. Then I found out about the Access course.”
Petra says the tutors have been so supportive: “The Access course is a great stepping stone – I found it really interesting and there are many aspects which relate to the course at Oxford. The teachers have been incredibly supportive and helpful, and I am confident I will get the grades required.”
Lecturer, Kerri McGinn, says the whole teaching team is delighted. She comments: “We are extremely proud of Petra for receiving her offer from the University of Oxford. She is an exceptional student who always tries her best. Her grasp of complicated legal and sociological concepts is outstanding. Perhaps more importantly, however, she is very personable and is willing to support her fellow students. She very much embodies the values we try to instil in the College’s students”.
Petra is looking forward to getting started on her degree which involves a year living abroad, with the hope of ultimately working at the Foreign Office.
Everyone at the College wishes Petra all the best!
