Connecting a new Macbook Pro to an older iMac

Hi,
I've got a Macbook Pro 15" (early 2011) and I want to connect it to an older iMac at school so I've got a bigger screen for photoshop.
But the problem is that my MBP has a Thunderbolt port, but the iMac doesn't.
The iMac does have a Mini Displayport
At my local apple store they sold me an Mini Display -> Minidisplay cable and said it should work from the moment I connect it.
I've tried it, doesn't work.
Trough google I've found that you've got to press CMD + F2, But that doesn't work either.
Is there a way to do this? Or did the store just ripped me of?

The news is not good based on what I have been able to find:
https://discussions.apple.com/message/2914651#2914651
This may not be definitive. This may be a fools errand, but connect them and see if on SYSTEM PREFERENCES>DISPLAYS the iMac is recognized as a monitor.
Perhaps a post in the iMac forum might prove useful.
Ciao.

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