Randwick student off to Cambridge University

Randwick schoolgirl Jessica Trevelyan, who was 2018 dux at International Grammar School in Ultimo, has been offered a place to study natural sciences at the prestigious Cambridge University.

Randwick resident Jessica Trevelyan has been offered a place at Trinity Hall College at Cambridge University, where she will study natural sciences. Picture: John Appleyard

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Randwick schoolgirl Jessica Trevelyan, who was 2018 dux at the International Grammar School in Ultimo, has been offered a place to study natural sciences at the prestigious Cambridge University.

Recognised on the NSW All-Rounders Achievers List for attaining top HSC results, Ms Trevelyan said she is “really excited to study in such an academic environment” when she moves to Trinity Hall College at Cambridge.

International Grammar School student Jessica Trevelyan has been offered a place at Trinity College at Cambridge University, where she will be studying natural sciences. Picture: John Appleyard

“I’m excited to be able to study with some of the best students in the UK, who will definitely stretch and challenge me,” she said.

Ranked in the top two universities in the world, international entrance into a Cambridge residential college is no mean feat, requiring a minimum ATAR score of 99. Ms Trevelyan scored 99.85.

The future Cambridge student sat a number of admissions tests as part of the rigorous application process, and was well-supported by her old chemistry teacher Claire Loh.

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“The application process was very long and challenging, culminating with two interviews at Cambridge in early December … I was really surprised when I found out I had a place, and very glad the hard work paid off,” Ms Trevelyan said.

International Grammar School student Jessica Trevelyan will be able to study science subjects from 16 departments when she attends Cambridge University. Picture: John Appleyard

Cambridge University’s natural sciences degree allows students to study science subjects from 16 departments, which will allow Ms Trevelyan to experience a broad range of sciences before she commits to specialising in just one.

Ms Trevelyan said her keen passion for chemistry, biology and maths stems from their “logical” nature, as she enjoys the challenge of problem solving where there’s “always a right answer”.

International Grammar School student Jessica Trevelyan plans to travel Nepal, Sri Lanka and Europe before starting her natural sciences degree at Cambridge. Picture: John Appleyard

Having never lived on her own, Ms Trevelyan said it “will be strange living on the other side of the world” from friends and family, but is “looking forward to meeting new people”.

The head of science at the International Grammar School, Sian Welch, said Ms Trevelyan has been a great “role model for younger students”, a sentiment echoed by the school’s principal, Shauna Colnan.

“Jessica worked hard and the world is opening up to her in very exciting ways,” Ms Colnan said.

Randwick’s Jessica Trevelyan in the science lab at International Grammar School. Picture: John Appleyard

While emphasising the importance of “working consistently through the year”, Ms Trevelyan also advises future HSC students to “maintain a balance between study and leisure, and keep up co-curricular activities”.

Ms Trevelyan plans to travel Nepal, Sri Lanka, the Balkans, Greece and Italy before commencing her exciting Cambridge adventure in October.