HARROGATE pupils who have excelled in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics-based (STEM) subjects have received offers to study at Oxbridge and other prestigious universities.
Most of this year’s Upper Sixth cohort at Ashville College have been successful in their applications for their chosen universities, with degrees in scientific disciplines proving particularly popular this year.
Ethan Marshall has accepted an offer to study Engineering at the University of Cambridge, the alma mater of Stephen Hawking and Isaac Newton. Ethan, who has a specific interest in automotive industries, is set to join Trinity College in September.
He said: “It’s in a lovely part of the world and I thought that I would be very happy there. The course seemed to fit what I wanted out of university because it covers a large breadth of different topics in one. I want to learn as widely as possible, so I liked that there was no requirement to constrain yourself to one field of engineering.
“I can confidently say that without the incredibly kind help from the Maths, Physics and Computer Science departments at Ashville I would not have received this offer at all.”
Emilia Christensen has been successful in her application to study Midwifery at the University of York. She said: “York is one of the first universities in the UK to open up an undergraduate masters programme, allowing me to complete a four-year degree and enhance my credibility for future employment as a practising midwife and other paths I wish to take within midwifery.”
Beth Harrison joined Ashville in September. She has already achieved three A Levels at A* in Biology, Maths and History at a previous school, but changed her mind about her choice of career at the end of Lower Sixth. She is now studying A Level Chemistry in a single year at Ashville to enable her to study Veterinary Science.
She has since received multiple offers, with the University of Nottingham topping her list, and is awaiting the outcome of a further interview with the University of Edinburgh.
Beth said: “Having grown up with lots of animals and loved spending time with them, being a vet and making a big difference in animals’ lives really appeals to me. When I graduate, I’d like to be an equine vet, and specialise at an equine referral hospital as a surgeon.”
“My advice for others aiming for this degree would be to get plenty of work experience in both veterinary practices and farms, livery yards, or kennels. This will give you a good insight into what’s it like to be a vet and to work with animals.”
Other successes include Harvey Jones, who received a total of five offers to study Zoology, including one from the University of Manchester. “I have always gravitated towards a career in zoology or related field that would enable me to work in wildlife conservation,” he said.
“I’d like to work abroad at some point, somewhere I could work with endangered species or research, such as Costa Rica. Continued one-to-one support from teachers at Ashville has helped me strengthen my university application. I do feel the support we receive when making future choices about university or apprenticeships is the best part of Ashville Sixth Form.”
Laurens Pearson and Lucy Parkinson, meanwhile, are on course to study Archaeology and Ancient Civilisations at Durham University.
Marija Jovchevski has been invited to study Neuroscience at Kings College London. She is passionate about contributing towards the fight against dementia. Marija is originally from Macedonia, having joined Ashville through the HMC Projects Scholarship Programme, which gives students from Central and Eastern Europe the opportunity to study for two years in a high-quality British school.
Rhiannon Wilkinson, Head of Ashville College, said: “We are incredibly proud of all Upper Sixth pupils who have been successful in their applications, and we look forward to supporting them as they now concentrate on getting the A Level results they need to secure their university places. Last year, 94 per cent of our Upper Sixth gained access to one of their preferred universities. I am confident we will build on that success this year.
“Our young people are the epitome of the academic aspiration, character and resilience we aim to instil in all pupils and will undoubtedly provide inspiration for younger generations who have an eye on similar prestigious careers.”
Categories: Ashville College
