Queens' : A Cambridge College (1985) - Episode 1, "Getting In"

Stirring stuff.
"The first in a new ten-part series. Petrified sixth-formers are put through their paces during nerve-racking interviews for admission to Cambridge. The dons go through this process every year. For the candidates there's only one chance: careers and futures are in the balance.
The candidates:
The grammar-school boy: he seems to know more about his subject than his interviewers. Will this put them off?
The comprehensive-school girl: as the political argument gets more heated, the interviewers seem more and more impressed.
The public-school boy: as the questions get tougher his stammer gets worse. Will his questioners be sympathetic?
Photography IAN HILTON. JOHN GRAY Sound JOHN PRITCHARD Film editor ANDREW WILLSMORE Commentary ROGER MILLS Assistant producer IMOGEN SUTTON Producer MICHAEL WALDMAN"
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Further context about the origins of the series and its reception is given in the description of the tenth and final episode.

[@stevegoldin6676]

Love the look back at Cambridge 40 years after…

[@cambridgecollegevideos4192]

Yes, it is quite the picture, and quite the sobering document as to how things have changed since.

[@hungryhog1]

for a more recent view look up Jake Wright, who was also at Queens

[@brendonmcmorrow3886]

I applied to a different Cambridge college in 1985, the year after the interviews shown here were filmed. My interviews were on the same day (30 September 1985) that this programme was first broadcast by the BBC. I remember watching it with my parents, having not long got home. It was surreal at the time and still feels a little so. I also remember the envelope that followed which conveyed positive news in my case.

[@MikeFuller-ok6ok]

I dote upon the academic life.
I'd like to do a B-Phil in philosophy.

[@أفلاكالأفكار]

Absolutely shocking and scary how much the level of English has plummeted the last 3.5 decades

[@hungryhog1]

Are you comparing "like with like" - i.e. you spent 3 years at another Cambridge college recently.

[@cannibalmusic]

Here before the authorities find this.

[@WorldlyInAction]

Interesting when you search some of the names on You Tube eg Sarah Cliffe

[@Sheila02181]

18:35 - Sandals with socks alert!

[@res_gestae]

Unhinged

[@anatolegrablevsky5895]

I’m here for a good time not a long time

[@cambridgecollegevideos4192]

Good. I take it you've tried the "Alexander Method"?

[@anatolegrablevsky5895]

Gorgeous gorgeous Disinformation

[@crunkky8736]

What?

[@hungryhog1]

it's literally a documentary filmed in the college with real students and Fellows. Maybe if you studied at Cambridge you would be able to understand!