Graduates Edition. Walton Special Newsletter. Introduction from the Director of Sixth Form. Director of Sixth Form and Applied Learning

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1 Walton Special Newsletter Graduates Edition Introduction from the Director of Sixth Form January 2015 Welcome to this year s special edition of the Walton Sixth Form Newsletter. I am always delighted to hear back from our students who volunteer as returning Ambassadors in their first year after leaving Sixth Form, whether they are starting university courses or embarking on their careers. Please look out for their newsletter being published this term. What is even more pleasing is that so many of our alumni have kept in regular contact over the past six years. Their stories are inspiring for our students and this special graduation newsletter brings us up to date with our 2010/11 alumni. It is wonderful to hear that all their hard work at university has been rewarded with fantastic degrees and lovely to see all the graduation pictures! I hope these alumni will inspire you to look at the opportunities available to you in Higher Education. Whether you are in Year 11 and facing GCSE examinations or in Sixth Form and trying to decide which career path to choose, these stories offer inspiration and encouragement that there is a whole world of opportunity waiting for you at the end of your school life. In the meantime, maintain your focus to ensure your results day in August is a celebration of your best efforts and gives you the grades you need for your next step. Mrs Etherington Inside this issue: Director of Sixth Form and Applied Learning Elle Clark 1 Vicky Gadsby 2 Rachel Kettle 3 Kayleigh Brewster 4 Jessica Jarvis 5 Millie Woods & Louise Jones 6 Brittany Cutts 7

2 Elle Clark University: Teesside University Subject Studied: Forensic Science At the end of November I finally graduated with a 2:1 BSc Honours in Forensic Science from Teesside University. I always knew that I wanted to go to university and it was the best 3 years of my life, but university isn t for everyone. I had to work hard to achieve my degree and at times I thought I wasn t going to make it as university involves a lot of self-directed learning. Of course university isn t all about work. I managed to find healthy balance of socialising, playing netball and sleeping and still managed to achieve a degree that I am proud of. In order to finance a post-degree trip to Australia in March 2015 I am working as an assistant manager in a hotel/restaurant gaining skills to add to my CV. Although I am not currently using my recent degree for career purposes, I am using life skills that I learnt while at university on a day to day basis. I intend on pursuing my career as a Forensic Scientist when I return from my travels in a years time. My advice to anyone thinking about going to university would be to seriously think about whether it is for you as there are other options available. University isn t for everyone. It s expensive and you are not guaranteed a job just because you have a degree. On the other hand if you know that university is for you make sure you go to the university that suits you; don t just follow your friends. When I moved to Middlesbrough I knew no one but it was the best decision I made and I have made friends for life. My advice when choosing a university would be to go and have a look around. I knew instantly that Teesside was the place for me, I would also advise going and talking to the lecturers on open days, after all they are the ones that will be teaching you for the next three years of your life! I hope this helps anyone who is considering going to university. I would also like to say a big thank you to the staff at Walton for their support and guidance as without them I wouldn t have achieved my degree!

3 Vicky Gadsby University: Lincoln University Subject Studied: Sport. For anyone who is looking into going to university I would always recommend that you research the courses that you are interested in, you can do this by attending Open days, speaking to the lecturers and most importantly I would recommend that you speak to the students who are currently there. They are the ones that are going through university life and will be the most honest with you. This will help you prepare and know what to expect. As well as researching the course I would highly recommend that you get to know the city your chosen university is in. Just because people say the course is good at a certain university doesn t mean you will enjoy the city. You to love the city because you have to live there for three years. You may want a city with a good night life and plenty of things to do with your new friends. While I was looking at which university to attend, I was given offers at Sheffield, Hull and Lincoln. The reason I chose Lincoln was because everything in Lincoln is within walking distance. I was able to walk to University, walk to my friends houses and flats, walk to my sports clubs and walk into town without wasting money on a taxi for a night out. Once you are at University, I would recommend you attend the fresher week clubs and society fayres. I joined the badminton society as soon as I got there; it helps you make friends and the match days on Wednesdays are amazing especially the nights out. You will be able to mix with all the other societies around the university as well as your team, course friends and flat mates. When I look back at my three years at Lincoln University I have lots of different emotions. I did enjoy university and I am glad I went. However I did find it hard while I was there and I was struggling with the work load at times. Although there is always help, you just have to ask for it. Your lecturers are there for you but unlike school and sixth form you have to approach them. The lecturers will always provide support but be prepared to do a lot of research and reading On finishing my University degree I have just started my career working for a company that is based on the RAF base at Waddington that supplies Britain's defence systems to the RAF. I do think that without a degree I wouldn t have had this opportunity. While you are at university try and get as much experience as you can, participate in any placements that are offered to you and in any volunteering or get a part time job in the holidays.

4 Rachel Kettle University: East Anglia Subject Studied: Physical Education As a University of East Anglia graduate, I studied Physical Education for three years. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at university and have missed it since I have left. Looking back over these years, I have learnt so much about myself, how to live independently and have made great lifelong friends. Going to university was the best decision I have made and I highly recommend it to anyone thinking about going, as it is truly an experience of a lifetime. For myself, my degree was worth taking as it has directed me towards my chosen profession for becoming a PE teacher. Reflecting on my degree, I feel lucky to have had exciting and adventurous modules that I was able to enjoy with the people on my course. Examples include Outdoor and Adventurous Activities and Aquatics. Before University, I was unsure where to study and what I wanted to study as a degree. My mind kept changing and it wasn t until my final year at sixth form that I decided I wanted to study Physical Education and not Psychology. This was mainly due to the experiences offered to me throughout sixth form in PE which furthered my interest in wanting to become a PE teacher. Originally, I was going to apply for Sport Development and Coaching as a degree but through talking to PE teachers and gaining an insight into their educational path, I realised that I would benefit more from a Physical Education degree as the modules were more suited to my chosen profession. Having an idea about what I wanted to do after university definitely helped choose my university path as it directed me towards where I am now. This does not mean to say that you have to choose what you want to do as a career as your mind may change. However, I strongly advise that you take a subject that interests you greatly and you enjoy, as there is nothing worse than dreading a seminar in a subject that you have chosen to study. Additionally, when choosing your degree it is worth looking around universities and talk to others who have been there. Personally, after researching my chosen university, course and the modules, I visited the University of East Anglia and after a day spent there, I knew that was where I wanted to study. Since graduating, I have been accepted on an Initial Teacher Training course for Secondary Physical Education. Without my degree I would not be where I am now.

5 Kayleigh Brewster University: Lincoln Subject Studied: Drama I am finding it hard to believe that I have now finished my undergraduate degree; it seems as if hardly any time has passed since the day I moved into my first year accommodation and now. Yet, that much time has passed, and I m now faced with the terrifying prospect of entering the adult world. Looking back at my time over the last three years I can honestly say that I have absolutely no regrets about going to university. There s no denying that it is extremely hard work, and the university path isn t for everyone, but for me it was without a doubt the right choice. If you re considering university the advice that I would give to you is to make sure you research the courses that you are applying for. The University of Warwick and the University of Glasgow may both offer degrees in English Literature but they will both have different content. At university I watched some people struggle with their chosen courses. For some, the reasons were beyond their control however, for others, I feel that had they done some more research they would have chosen a different course. Had they carefully read through the modules for each year they may have had a better understanding of the course they were choosing to take, and would have understood that it didn t cover, or suit, their needs. When you first get to university I would also suggest that you give yourself time to adjust. University is a completely different environment than the one that you ve experienced at school and it may take you a little bit of time to settle. At the beginning of my university experience there were quite a few people who were thinking about leaving, only to find after a month or so that they were enjoying it immensely. It s going to take a little time to settle into the new environment, to understand the different relationship that you ll have with lecturers, just make sure you give yourself that time to assimilate. Now that I ve finished university I ve come to understand that I put too much pressure on myself to know exactly what I wanted to do after I d finished my degree. When I first started studying for my degree I was so sure I knew what I was going to do with it, and what career I was going to have. I was going to finish my degree, and then I was going to start the process that would get me the job I d been thinking I would do since I was thirteen. Therefore, it was disconcerting to realise, halfway through my second year, that what I thought I would do, isn t something that I wanted anymore. I started to panic, because in my mind I was supposed to finish A-levels, go to university and then get a job. But what was I going to do now that I didn t know exactly what I wanted to do? It took me a while to realise that I was putting myself under too much pressure, especially considering that by that point I had started my final year, which was hard enough without me making it worse for myself. Thankfully, at some point amidst the panic I realised that I don t have to have it all figured out just yet, and neither do you. In fact, I owe it to myself to take the time that I need to decide what I truly want to do with my degree. I ve worked too hard to give myself anything less. In light of this realisation, I made the decision to take a working holiday and for the last three months I have been living and working in Australia, and shall stay here until September I may not have the job I want for my career, I may not even know what that job will be yet, but I am having an amazing experience here. My experience at university was a fantastic one, one that I would not change, although in hindsight I may have done some things slightly differently. I may not know exactly what I want to do with my degree, but I know I made the right choice on the degree I studied, and the university I chose. During my three years I have grown in ways I wouldn t have expected, and I couldn t be happier for it. I don t know when I ll decide what my chosen career path will be, but I know that I owe so much more than just gaining skills on a resume to my time at university. Without it, without becoming who I am through my experiences there, I doubt I would have had the courage to fly, alone, to the other side of the world and start a life here. That I would have missed this adventure, is a terrifying thought.

6 Jessica Jarvis University: Lincoln Subject Studied: Drama The last three years has been the best experience I've ever had, gaining valuable life skills and friendships that I have for the rest of my life. I would say university was definitely worth it for me, with regards to living away, meeting people and gaining contacts for the industry I wanted to be in. My original career path was drama, but I am now aware of other avenues my degree has to offers, rather than just performing arts due to the variety of modules they provide for the future so you do not have to just focus on one subject. If I was to offer advice to anyone planning on going to university: do expect to be home sick in the first few weeks, it's natural, many of us go thinking that we won't miss home but you will do! That feeling doesn't last, you have to let those first three months pass by and allow yourself to settle in. Another thing is, take every opportunity that your university offers you, the more you join in the better your cv stands out when you look for employment after university! Again, be familiar with the finances, when you are a student be prepared to live off pasta! Do be aware money is massive thing when your a student! Look what Bursaries you re entitled to when starting university! And my last advice if you are thinking about university, make sure you take every opportunity to get to know people in fresher s week! Take advantage of your first year as it does get harder in the second year and obviously the third! Obviously don't just pick a university because your friend chose it, part of the fun is visiting the unis, getting the right vibes when you go to the open days! Take advantage of those! You will get a feeling for what the university has to offer you, if it feels right for your best friend and it doesn't you, it's obviously not the right university for you! You have to feel 100% happy that you want it! It will be your home for the next three years. I graduated in June 2014 and it has been the best experience of my life not only because of the modules that were provided but the friends I have made there, and, of course some of my favourite nights out! I can also cook now... Amazing life skills! I was offered work with an acting agency straight after university but I decided I needed a secure start and I am currently working as a recruitment administrator. My degree has opened my career options and I have the best memories!

7 Millie Wood University: Lincoln Subject Studied: Sports Development and Coaching My three years at university were the best three years of my life so far. Every aspect of the university life is new, fun and exciting. From the moment I moved into my student accommodation, I knew I had made the right decision. My advice for anyone thinking about going to university would be that it is an opportunity that you will not want to miss out on, the day-to-day life you have, living with friends and of course the night life! The work load increases gradually year by year, so it will ease you in to your final year at university, which for me was my best year! Choosing the right course takes time. It is important to go to as many university open days as you can and attend any interviews, even if you are not considering going to that university it is good practice! Luckily for me I knew what I wanted to do after university, so choosing my course was easy. As I wanted to become a PE teacher I decided to take a Sports Development and Coaching course, which would allow me to take a teacher training route after. I am currently doing a teacher training year at Walton, with Educate Teacher Training. If all goes to plan I will become a qualified teacher in July, and fingers crossed have a job to start in September. Overall, university was the best decision I ever made and would love to go back and live the university lifestyle again! Believe it or not, the library is actually the place to be, you will literally see everyone you know, so it makes essays and dissertation work a lot more enjoyable! Louise Jones University: Liverpool Hope Subject Studied: Performing Arts I definitely feel it was worth doing a degree. I think at sixth form a lot of people are still unsure about what they want to do when they're older and for me I had no idea! I knew I loved drama and singing and just performing in general. I would urge anyone who is unsure about what to do at university to do something you enjoy because during your 3 years you'll realise exactly what it is you're meant to do. Now I've graduated I am having a year out to experience working in a professional environment before I do my Drama Therapy Masters, which will enable me to work in mental health and with people living with dementia. I would never have chosen this career path if I hadn't explored different modules and pathways at university. It opens up so many doors and opportunities that will allow you to find the right path for you, and you have a great time along the way!

8 Brittany Cutts University: Sheffield Hallam Subject Studied: Fashion Design How would I describe my time at Sheffield Hallam University? To be honest, it has been the most difficult three years of my life so far. However, achieving this degree is the best investment I think I will ever make. That degree certificate hanging on my wall is one of my proudest achievements. After you have reached the end of three hard years of studying, meeting deadlines and facing your tutors at seminars, you graduate and the realisation hits I am now an adult and have got to make my own way in the world. And suddenly you want to go back and do it all again. My Advice? BE 100% SURE!!! I have seen a few people have to drop out of the course as they did not like the content or could not cope with the amount of work. So, before you sign up for the next three years please think about the course you are actually signing up for. Ask yourself: Do I like the content of the modules? Will it will take me into the career I want to go into? Do I like the city? Where will I be in five years time? Really think about this last point; after everything is finished and you have graduated, where do you see your degree taking you? I know it s difficult and I would have found it hard to be objective, but it is not cheap and I d hate for anyone to get to the end of their degree and think they had made the wrong decision. Once you have done all the research and achieved the grades, you will be set for the most exciting three years of your life. The opportunities that my degree has opened up are amazing and I am extremely proud to say I am now a Junior Fashion Designer for Sports Direct International, designing for brands such as Firetrap, Kangol and Soul Cal. Please ask for a copy of our 2014/16 prospectus and if you have any further questions, please contact Mrs Etherington. Telephone : enquiries@walton.lincs.sch.uk