Leigh Academy Wilmington

12 months on for Harry

I went to Exeter University last September and have been studying English Literature – every second of which has been what I could have hoped for.  In my second term I took a module in Classics looking at Ancient Literature as that was something new I had discovered I loved.  Due to the current situation, all end of year exams have been moved online and so we are needing to revise and adapt on the fly.  However, the most striking aspect about revision is how similar my exams are to the format of the IB English ones.  I mentioned to Miss Sanders after a couple of weeks in Term One how far ahead the IB places you in comparison with A-Level students when it comes to exam preparation and academic writing and research.  Despite all the disruption – and as a result – I will definitely be extending my study with a year abroad between years two and three and then hopefully a masters (at least) after my undergrad.  Not sure if we discussed future plans last time, but for me it will be in the route of masters and either further academia or somewhere in the world of publishing.

Aside from the studying, I have been writing for Exeposé (the Exeter Student newspaper) and have been featured in print and online (https://exepose.com/2019/10/07/mercury-prize-2019/) discussing music primarily. I have joined the Touch Rugby club and am involved with both sporting and social aspects of that. After a recent English Society election, I was elected Publicity Secretary so next year will see me responsible for the marketing and online engagement of the English society. I really look forward to joining the committee and delving deeper into the university lifestyle (presuming and praying we are back in September). 

12 months on for Jessica

Thank you to former student, Jessica Birch, for answering our questions on her journey since leaving Wilmington Academy last year.

● Where did you go after leaving Wilmington Academy?

After leaving Wilmington Academy I began an Undergraduate Degree in Psychology with Counselling at the University of Greenwich which I have been loving so far!

● What qualifications and grades did you need to qualify for this?

In order to qualify for the course, I needed 120 UCAS points, which is the equivalent of two A’s and a C grade, which I was delighted to achieve.

● What personal attributes do you need for this?

I’ve found that the subject requires an ability to think abstractly, empathise and dedicate yourself to its topics; skills that I feel Wilmington helped me to build upon.

● It's been an unexpected year for everyone, what has the effect of the pandemic been on your forward route? What has been different from what you had expected?

With the pandemic hitting in the middle of my first year, a lot has changed in such little time. All work has been moved online for the foreseeable; exams were replaced with coursework; it was all a little strange at first but things soon become the new normal.

● What positive things have you learnt? How have you dealt with challenges?

Although this has brought new challenges, it’s taught me to adapt and be more organised and driven as structures that were previously there were no longer able to provide support. I feel I’ve been able to make the best of a bad situation, if this was to happen at any point, I’m glad it was in my first year. I now feel prepared for anything and am enjoying a VERY long summer!

● What are your hopes and aspirations for the coming 12 months?

In the next twelve months I hope to gain some experience in the psychology field. I have applied for volunteering roles such as working on phone lines to support those need with someone to listen to, and shadowing professionals in their work in various settings. I’m so excited to take the next step towards my dream career, becoming a Counselling Psychologist and being able to make a difference by providing support and help those in need.