From Callywith to Cambridge

Madeleine Rose Hunter left Callywith in 2021 after studying A Levels in Biology, English Literature and History, and completing an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). She went on to read History at the University of Cambridge, as a student at Newnham College, before completing her Master’s at the university and graduating with a Distinction.

Madeleine Rose, who previously attended Fowey River Academy, reflected on her academic journey and the experiences that shaped her time at university: “Cambridge was an incredibly formative experience. Having the opportunity to discuss my ideas with some of the world’s foremost academics was an incredible opportunity for me. Alongside my studies, I competed in the First VIII in Bumps rowing, founded the Cambridge University Cornwall Society, and served on the executive committee for the Legacies of Enslavement project, which gave me the opportunity to speak in a range of academic settings.

“The academic passions I first discovered at Callywith - particularly my love of History and English Literature - shaped my studies all the way through my degrees. This culminated in my undergraduate dissertation, which brought together literary and historical analysis to explore how national identity is forged. I focused on poetry as a cultural meeting point between Catholic and Protestant communities in Northern Ireland between 1939 and 1962 and was awarded first class honours and the Creighton Memorial Prize for this work.

“During my Master’s, I continued to build on my interest in colonial history I discovered during my A level History. My research focused on the lives of enslaved women in colonial Antigua, highlighting their role in preserving and transporting West African cultural practices such as dance, medicine, and labour traditions, while exploring the intersections of disability, gender, and race in shaping colonial mindsets. This work was recognised with the Sarah Norton Prize and the Anne Felicity Goddard Prize.

“I owe so much of this journey to the staff at Callywith College, whose support was invaluable. In particular, I’d like to thank my history lecturers who helped me with my application. I never thought in a million years that I’d get into Cambridge, and the support of the college completely changed what I believed was possible.

“I’ve recently started working in advertising at Condé Nast, the publishing house behind titles such as Vogue and The New Yorker.

“My advice for current Callywith students: be audacious - you never know where you’ll end up if you take a chance and submit the application! Trust your ability and don’t forget to enjoy Cornwall while you’re there!”

We are very proud of Madeleine Rose and wish her all the best as she takes the next steps in her journey.