Our First Education Talk Features Prof. Cardwell from Cambridge

The Education Hub, a newly launched education project in the Greater Bay Area, is dedicated to bringing together a community of learners, educators, researchers, and industry professionals to shape the future of K-12 education. It offers an innovative educational experience that inspires, equips, and empowers the next generation of learners! We are now pleased to launch our "Education Hub Lecture Series," inviting experts, scholars, and industry leaders to share their insights with the Hub community. This initiative aims to provide students, teachers, parents, and professionals in related fields the opportunity to access up-to-date technologies, research, and creative ideas, inspiring infinite possibilities for learning.

On May 22nd, the Education Hub hosted its inaugural "Education Hub Lecture Series" talk, featuring Prof. David Cardwell, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Strategy and Planning and Professor of Superconducting Engineering at the University of Cambridge, as well as a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering. Prof. Cardwell shared his experiences and insights on applying to the University of Cambridge and other top UK universities. He also exchanged ideas with Ms. Jennifer Ma, Honorary Executive Supervisor of Benenden Schools (China), regarding the educational philosophies and pedagogies of these universities. Junior Secondary students from Benenden Bilingual School Guangzhou (BBSG), the first school in the Education Hub project, were also invited to the lecture and shared their thoughts on university pathways with Prof. Cardwell.

Practical Advice  for Applying to Top Schools Overseas

In addition to his outstanding contributions to the development of superconducting materials for engineering applications, Prof. Cardwell plays a significant role in Cambridge University's undergraduate admissions process for Chinese students. Over the past 20 years, he has made over 70 visits to schools in China, conducting numerous interviews with Chinese students and gaining a deep understanding of their characteristics and inquiries. During the lecture, Prof. Cardwell shared the unique features of UK universities with the audience, highlighting similarities and differences in student recruitment compared to universities in China and the United States. He aimed to dispel misunderstandings and support students in making well-informed choices for their future academic journeys.

Prof. Cardwell also shared some statistics, such as six out of seven students failing to receive an offer from Cambridge University. Last year, Cambridge University rejected 4,000 students who achieved three A*s in their A Levels, underscoring fierce competition.

So, what kind of students does Cambridge University prefer?

Prof. Cardwell shared an anecdote about a Chinese student who interviewed at Cambridge.

This student presented a detailed A2-size paper listing all 312 courses offered by Cambridge University, complete with a clear timeline of four academic years segmented into three terms. The student meticulously highlighted potential pathways through the course, indicating pivotal decision points with prominent asterisks, reflecting her evolving academic interests. 

She exemplified the type of student Cambridge University seeks: high academic potential, strong motivation, and the ability to master challenging courses.

Another student impressed Prof. Cardwell despite initially seeming uninterested.

“I met this guy in the interview room. I put my hand up to shake his hand, but he ignored me. I looked at his personal statements,this student appeared uninterested in everything.” However, when asked engineering-related questions, the student passionately discussed induction motors, a subject typically taught in the second and third years at university. 

His exceptional qualities and academic potential made him a perfect fit for Cambridge University.

Key Competencies for Future Success 

Following the presentation, an engaging Q&A session was held, where BBSG students were eager to receive valuable suggestions and inspiration from Prof. Cardwell.

Prof. Cardwell addressed questions such as, "How to acquire critical skills to succeed in the future world?" and "How to determine which subjects to study at university?" 

He provided comprehensive and insightful responses, emphasizing the importance of transferable skills such as communication, collaboration, and adaptability. This aligns with the core mission of the Education Hub: to inspire, equip, and empower a new generation of learners for the future.

At the end of the Lecture, Prof. Cardwell offered BBSG students an important piece of advice: "Be yourself".

“You can be very quiet. You can be quite confident. You can be thoughtful. You don't have to cartwheel into an interview room to convince people you're motivated. We want you for you, instead of trying to turn you into somebody.”

The Education Hub Lecture Series is off to a flying start! We anticipate drawing experts, scholars, and industry leaders to foster profound exchanges, establish sustainable connections, and collectively enhance the educational experience for the next generation!