St John's College

Raeesah Jadwat, our top 2021 A Level student in St John's Sixth Form, was just 12 when she visited Oxford University with her grandmother. "I vividly recall looking up at the tall buildings and feeling as though I was at the centre of world education. From that point, it was my dream and goal to one day study there."

Last year Raeesah was accepted to study Physics and Philosophy at Oxford University. This was the culmination of a school career focused on achieving her goal. Raeesah's decision to enrol at St John's Sixth Form was made specifically to augment her IEB certification and "catch up" to the UK's 13 years of schooling. Though the decision was pragmatic and paid off, Raeesah found the experience of attending Sixth Form fulfilling in several ways.

"My first impression when I joined St John's Sixth Form was the welcoming environment," she recalls. "I had a feeling that there was a space and opportunity for me there. It was a fulfilling and supportive space, which I really appreciated, especially the teaching staff's availability and guidance. They were always available to discuss either the most mundane or the most serious issues. Kate Byrne and Paul Emant in particular were tremendous sources of support. Another aspect of Sixth Form life that appealed to me was the diverse, energetic student body. It's an internationally centred institution, and it attracts a really interesting set of people."

"It is also a mid-phase between school and university and allows for a degree of independence and self-directed study that suited me fantastically. It created a space for me to extend beyond the boundaries of the curriculum and enjoy my work. In particular, it allowed me to prioritise time to look at areas of study in physics that interested me. I really, truly love the St John's physics department more than anything!"

"​It's an internationally centred institution, and it attracts a really interesting set of people."

Physics, in particular theoretical physics, has been another lifelong passion for Raeesah. "I've always approached life with a sense of curiosity, and physics seems like the ultimate challenge for a curious person. It seems like the edge of really interesting scientific development. Philosophy attracts me for many of the same reasons; both fields ask profound, unanswered questions. Balance is important, and a non-singular outlook is important. Physics can only take place within the boundaries of metaphysical questions, and so I feel as though the two fields naturally complement one another."

Sixth Form also assisted her directly in her application and preparation for Oxford. As a result, she explains, "I didn't feel as though I was a long-shot candidate who was doing this alone. The staff have been doing this for a long time, they're focused on helping us attend world-class institutions, and their support made me feel as though this was achievable."

Apart from her academic studies, Raeesah was involved in running the St John's Women's Forum, which created a safe, integrated space for the growing number of women in Sixth Form. Her forum work also provided an opportunity to engage more closely with St John's College, where she found welcome support from the teachers and boys.

Raeesah is a keen squash player, reader and a talented debater. As a member of the St John's Debating Club, she went all the way to the South African trials. More importantly, however, participating in the club allowed her to form some of her closest and most enduring friendships.

Raeesah's goal is to eventually work full-time in academia within cosmology or theoretical physics more generally. Before her term begins in September 2022 she will visit her chosen college, Balliol, and once more gaze up at the tall buildings, this time as the young woman she once dreamed she'd be.