Twins from Halesworth – who have both gained places at Cambridge University – have been exploring continuing their passion for art whilst studying at Suffolk New College.
Thea and Camille Wilson, both 18, started on the Foundation Diploma in Art & Design level 3 art course in September. This one-year course is a free post 18 course that has always traditionally allowed students to develop their practice and widen their understanding of the creative industries in preparation for university.
Most recently, their work was featured in their annual external exhibition called The School of Rock, which was showcased at the University of Suffolk in Ipswich.
They have both enjoyed the creative freedom they have been given whilst at the campus based on Rope Walk.
They have also enjoyed getting to spend an extra year in education with their childhood friend Rosanna Johnson, who is on the same course.
Whilst the opportunity to study at one of the most prestigious universities in the world awaits, they are both quick to champion the educational opportunities that are available at their local college, during Colleges Week – a national campaign aimed at promoting the value these educational establishments bring to their local communities.
Camille said: “I think doing this course will massively help me at Cambridge. Before this, I was tunnel visioned into academia. Coming here, I’m finding myself a bit more before university. There are possibilities to work with the local community – and that is really exciting.”
Camille, who is off to Fitzwilliam to study History of Art was keen to thank her English teacher (Mr Goldsmith) from her previous school (Framlingham) in terms of her Cambridge aspirations, as well as her current teacher at the college, Helen Armstrong Bland, for her support. And she firmly believes that if people want to apply to study at an
Oxbridge establishment – nothing should hold them back. “I never thought in a million years that I’d get into Cambridge, so I thought I might as well just go for it. In terms of advice (to others), I’d say be calm and be really interested and enthusiastic about your subject.”
Camille’s sister, Thea, is also keen to champion local colleges. She said: “I wanted a year out, but I also wanted to do something productive and continue my creative journey. So, I study on this course alongside work. I loved being part of the exhibition and created a fictional character called Claude, inspired by the 80’s club scene. I suppose it has an element of Grayson Perry.”
In terms of the course, Thea, who is off to study English Literature at Robinson College, said: “We can do whatever we want (artistically) in a friendly and creative atmosphere.”
Camille and Thea’s childhood friend Rosanna Johnson, 18, from Charsfield, also came from Framlingham to the college to study art.
Rosanne created a dressing room as part of The School of Rock exhibition and one day hopes to work in film and theatre as a set designer. On college she said: “I’ve been able to experiment with lots of different mediums – it’s been fun.”
Helen Armstrong Bland, a teacher of art at Suffolk New College, said: “We provide the structure and framework to build upon. Seeing students from our Art & Design Foundation at Suffolk New College go to Oxbridge is truly aspirational to others. I think we create a sense of autonomy and independence for our students, that helps prepare them for university and the world of work. I am always very proud of our students, wherever they end up and whatever they end up doing. In terms of Rosanna, Camille and Thea, they are a pleasure to be around and a delight to teach.”