Hall of Fame Find out what some our past students have gone on to achieve
South Hunsley has a thriving and successful Sixth Form College. Our aim is to help all students to develop and succeed and make sure they have a bright future. Our Sixth Form is not only a popular choice for students who have attended secondary school here, but also for those coming from further afield. South Hunsley Sixth Form College believes in the limitless potential of all its students and hopes everyone feels proud to belong to South Hunsley. The past students in this booklet are just a handful of the many students who have recently studied and been successful at South Hunsley Sixth Form College. Our students have attended the best universities in the country studying and working in a range of fields such as Medicine, Engineering, Sport, Science and Journalism, as well as students who have had their work displayed in public Art Galleries, performed on the Graham Norton Show and become professional musicians and dancers. These past students all demonstrate the wide variety of opportunities studying at South Hunsley Sixth Form College can bring.
Anna Todd
PhD Student, University of Hull Biomedical Science Graduate 2011 Nottingham Trent University Anna studied Biology, Art and Psychology in the Sixth Form: “I knew by attending South Hunsley Sixth Form it would enable me to get into university and that the process would be supported throughout by the staff. The friendly attitude of the staff appealed to me, with many having known me from my time throughout the school, which created a relaxed but productive atmosphere within lessons.” When it came to applying for university, Anna decided to study Biomedical Science: “I have always been an inquisitive person and the chance to study the biology behind diseases and infections, and to find out more about the reasons for their occurrence really appealed to me. The UCAS application process was assisted throughout and was made as simple as possible by the staff within the sixth form team - there was always advice and support when required.” Anna went on to study Biomedical Science at Nottingham Trent University and whilst there decided that a career in medical research was what she wanted to pursue: “I developed a strong passion for the topic and went on to complete a Master’s degree, also in Biomedical Science, at the University of Hull. After completing my Master’s in September 2012, I have since gained a full scholarship for a PhD position at the University of Hull investigating the mechanisms behind the spread of cancer to the bone, and I am loving every minute of it.” “My time at South Hunsley Sixth Form prepared me for life beyond A Levels and gave me the skills required to achieve my dream career. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there and it opened the door to so many opportunities that have got me where I am today.”
Chloe Rotherham
Printed Textile and Surface Pattern Design Graduate 2012 Leeds College of Art Having been a secondary school student at South Hunsley, Chloe’s decision to stay on at the Sixth Form College was based on her previous experiences here: “Being a school student at South Hunsley, I knew that the facilities and teaching were to a very high standard so when it came to choosing where to do my A Levels, it was an easy decision to make.” Chloe studied Art, Textiles and Business Studies for her A Levels: “I have always been creative and have such a passion for designing, and Business Studies went hand in hand with my creative subjects as I knew it would give me the ground knowledge I would need if I ever decided to set up my own design company”. Chloe’s experience of her Business Studies lessons was that “the teaching and learning techniques really helped me remember what I had learnt and actually enjoy learning about the subject.” Chloe also praises the teachers of Art and Textiles who were “extremely supportive of your thoughts and helped push your ideas further, giving their own professional opinion on them.” A Level Art provides its Sixth Form students with their own studio space in order to complete their work either independently or with the support of the department staff: “The art department is really well equipped and the teachers are very talented and fun to be around. We got to try all sorts of techniques and styles and studied a wide range of artists which really helped to widen our knowledge and open doors to new ideas.” Textiles was another favourite subject for Chloe who says “the teachers and students got on so well, which consequently made the learning really enjoyable.” The theory aspect of the course was something Chloe thought she would struggle with but the “teachers really helped to explain everything and taught the subject brilliantly. They were very approachable, understanding and always willing to help.” After completing her A Levels, unsure of whether to continue with Art or Textiles, Chloe was encouraged to do a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design. This course then helped her find a degree at Leeds College of Art that combined both subjects together: “It involved designing prints for paper and fabric surfaces, either fashion or interior. I steered towards interior and have designed and printed soft furnishing fabrics for the home, as well as wall paper drops.” Since graduating earlier this year, Chloe has been approached by well known companies who are keen to work with her and her designs, such as Hallmark and Turner Bianca; who design for Cath Kidston, Accessorize, Dorma and many other brands. “Studying at South Hunsley Sixth Form meant I received encouragement from my teachers and they pushed me to achieve what I was capable of and helped me get to where I am today.”
Beth Gray
Project Trust Volunteer Chile, South America One of our past students has gone slightly further afield after completing her studies and is currently on a gap year before returning to university next year. Beth Gray achieved fantastic results in her A Levels in 2012 and is now two months in to a yearlong trip to South America as part of the educational volunteer charity, Project Trust. Beth flew out to Chile in August, two days after receiving her A Level results, and is now working as a volunteer Teaching Assistant at a school just outside the country’s capital of Santiago helping children with learning difficulties. Beth has been sending South Hunsley email updates of her time in Chile and we are thrilled to hear about her experience: “I’m having a great time in the project. I love my class and the teacher is really nice, but I have to talk to her through Google Translate! Pablo, who also works at the school, is trying to teach me Spanish. The work is very full on and tiring but I am loving it and picking up more and more Spanish every day. I start work at the school at 9.00am and finish at 1.00pm, then have lunch at the home at 2.00pm before going to work in Le Casa 3 between 3.00pm and 5.30pm. Casa 3 is the house for the very youngest children in the home. The children keep us very busy and have all sorts of disabilities - I need extra arms because they are always getting into mischief!” Beth became interested in the project when Project Trust delivered a presentation at South Hunsley: “I just thought, ‘wow! That looks amazing’ so I booked onto the selection course and I got selected.” The project also gives its volunteers the opportunity to travel and Beth is looking forward to exploring Chile and its surrounding countries.
Chris Rodgers
Economics and German Graduate 2012 University of Leeds Chris studied A Level German, French, Business Studies and ICT during his time at South Hunsley Sixth Form, leading to a degree in Economics and German which he completed earlier this year. On applying to university, Chris said “a great deal of importance was put on the UCAS application. The UCAS coordinator really made the process much easier and the advice and time he dedicated to each student was remarkable. The way the teachers in Sixth Form treated you like adults really made the transition to university a lot easier. The standard of teaching was high and reinforced my desire to go to university.” A keen sportsman, Chris made the most of the extra curricular opportunities available to him in the Sixth Form and was a member of various sports teams. Managing both the academic and social sides of Sixth Form is an important skill to have and one which goes beyond your school career: “There is a much more social and relaxed side of the sixth form, more so than at secondary school, and this really helps prepare you for university life where sport can play such a key part.” Studying A Level German provided Chris and his class with the opportunity to take part in a two week exchange programme with a school in Bavaria, south east Germany. Students were paired up with German students of a similar age and with similar interests, who they lived with and went to school with for the two weeks. Chris explained how useful this trip was and how his teachers inspired him to study a language at university: “The two week exchange trip to Germany provided a great opportunity to enhance my language skills and to create a link with a family which I have kept intact to this day, and after hearing many great stories of years abroad from my French and German teachers, and seeing the many advantages that studying a second language can bring, I knew I wanted to take my study of languages further.” During one of Chris’s summer breaks at university, he enjoyed a 10 week work placement in the same German town he had spent his sixth form exchange in, which he says “definitely would not have materialised had it not been for the trip organised in Year 12”. Chris also had the opportunity whilst at university to spend a year abroad in Germany where he worked for Allianz Insurance in Munich: “I spent a fantastic year living and working in Munich for my year abroad - it was just as good as my teachers said it would be”. Chris will soon be moving to Austria to work during the ski season: “The amazing choice I made whilst at Sixth Form to study German at university has given me so many opportunities to experience so many new things in life, which at the time of choosing to stay on at Sixth Form I couldn’t begin to imagine were possible. Even now, four years on from leaving, I am still in touch with some of my teachers which shows just how much I valued my time in the Sixth Form.”
Jonathan Wright
Final Year Sport Management Student Northumbria University Jonathan left South Hunsley Sixth Form in July 2010 having studied BTEC Sport and Business Studies. The BTEC Sport course is taught in collaboration with Bishop Burton College and delivered in part at their site, allowing students access to their extensive range of learning resources and excellent facilities. “The BTEC course really appealed to me because it was hands on and covered a wide range of interesting topics. It also provided me with an excellent opportunity to complete my Gym Instructor Levels 1 to 3 qualification during my two years of study”. The Business Studies course is entirely coursework based meaning there are no exams to worry about, but instead long term portfolios and projects to complete. Jonathan says that this method of assessment helped “develop many skills including time management and the self-discipline to complete independent work and research, both of which were crucial in my success in meeting coursework deadlines.” These are important skills not only in the classroom, but also during university study and beyond. Like many of our Sixth Form students, Jonathan decided that after leaving South Hunsley he would go on to higher education at university and would therefore have to complete the UCAS application process, something that can often appear daunting and unfamiliar at first: “the UCAS application I completed at South Hunsley to apply for different universities was a really smooth and problem free process. This was largely due to the extensive help and support I received from Form Tutors and the Head of Year”. Since leaving South Hunsley Sixth Form, Jonathan has gone on to study Sport Management at Northumbria University: “studying the BTEC Sport course alongside Business Studies in the sixth form really prepared me well for this degree as it uses aspects of both courses - it is essentially a marketing course in a sport context”. With one year left until graduation, Jonathan is looking into the different career options that will be available to him with the degree, experience and qualifications he has gained from his time both at university and sixth form, and is hoping to pursue a career in either Marketing or Sport Event Management.
Katie Rowland
Final Year Medical Student University of Edinburgh Katie studied Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Physical Education at South Hunsley Sixth Form and says that “although it seems like a long time ago, I have great memories of my time in the Sixth Form”. The subjects Katie studied provided both “theoretical and practical aspects” which Katie says made them “varied and interesting, and I always felt well prepared for exams. A Levels were a big step up from GCSEs in terms of the level of content and quantity of work involved, but I enjoyed having more independence, which helped me to prepare for university where you become increasingly responsible for your own learning.” University applications are an important part of many Sixth Form students’ experience: “Applying for university is a daunting process, however the process was eased by the huge amount of help and guidance available with UCAS applications. The tutor system meant that I felt well supported throughout my time in Sixth Form, and I was also grateful to the Sixth Form leadership team who were always on hand to help.” Katie took on leadership responsibilities during her time in the sixth form and was elected Head Girl by her fellow students to become part of the Student Leadership Team: “I was fortunate to be elected Head Girl which meant that I was able to work alongside students of all years, teachers and the school management team to facilitate student feedback and drive ongoing improvements in all aspects of school and Sixth Form life.” As well as being a key member of the student leadership team, Katie also took advantage of the many sporting opportunities that are available at South Hunsley: “My experience at South Hunsley Sixth Form was made most enjoyable by the wide range of extra curricular activities I was able to do. Thanks to the dedication, commitment and enthusiasm of the teachers in the sports department and the incredible facilities available, I was able to participate in a wide range of sports throughout school. I was lucky to be involved in the Hockey and Rugby tour to Australia, as well as ski trips and PGL water sports holidays.” Katie not only participated in sport, but also worked hard alongside her A Levels to gain useful qualifications: “I also had the opportunity to gain additional skills such as the Community Sports Leaders Award and Basic Expedition Leaders Award. At university I have continued to be active, particularly enjoying road cycling and running and have recently competed in the London Triathalon and completed a 1000km cycle across the French Alps.” “My experience at South Hunsley has set me up well for life; I was able to achieve highly academically whilst also gaining a well rounded experience through enjoying many extra curricular activities. I have taken this ethos onto university where I continue to have an exciting and well balanced life, and will be moving to London to continue my training when I graduate next June.”
Lesley Turner
Full time Musician in ‘The Musgraves’ Loughborough University Graduate Lesley studied Geography, Biology and Physical Education for her A Levels and as well as achieving academically, Lesley also participated in many other activities: “I did everything I could possibly do in the Sixth Form; I was on the Netball and Swimming teams, I was Sports Captain and also leader of the school orchestra.” It was Lesley’s musical ability and experience that would see her forge a career as a musician, something that was made easier to accomplish by her time at South Hunsley: “I began playing the violin at primary school and continued with lessons right up until I left South Hunsley Sixth Form. Being leader of the South Hunsley School Orchestra gave me confidence and recognition and the Music department provided me with valuable contacts with the East Riding Youth Orchestra and Hull Music Festival. Even though I hadn’t chosen to study Music at A Level, the Music department were so supportive and really pushed me to improve and go further. The support from my Sixth Form tutors meant I was able to continue my violin lessons and achieve my Grade 8 during teaching time; they were so flexible and really helped me out.” After completing her A Levels, Lesley went on to study Geography and Sports Science at Loughborough University but continued to play the violin in her spare time: “I became even more confident and my personal playing style developed. I took a risk and applied for a Music Scholarship for Outstanding Musical Performance at the recommendation of an old Sixth Form friend, and to my surprise, I won.” With the prize money, Lesley invested in an electric violin, further lessons and a portable amplifier: “This opened up more opportunities and in my final year, having no academic musical qualifications apart from my Grade 8 (and Grade 5 Theory) attained during my time at South Hunsley, I decided I wanted to pursue music as a career. I created a website and through that was approached for an audition by a Midlands based pop band. I went along and got offered a position in the band the summer I graduated.” Over a period of nine years, Lesley has continued to build on her musical experience and grown in confidence, writing and performing strings for artists such as Pete Tong and Peter Andre, achieving one month on BBC Radio 2’s playlist with the Musgraves’ debut single “Last of Me”, performing live on BBC Radio 2 in front of 9 million listeners, and her personal highlight so far; performing live with The Musgraves on BBC 1’s The Graham Norton Show in February 2012. As well as being a full time member of The Musgraves (www.themusgraves.co.uk), Lesley is also currently a junior member of the management at Cote Brasserie in Birmingham (www.cote-restaurants. co.uk). “Without the support from teachers and friends at South Hunsley, my musical passion would never have flourished. The school Music department (and my other A Level tutors and colleagues) were so supportive of my violin playing, it inspired me to continue even after I had left. Thanks to everyone’s belief in me, music is now the most important part of my life, and things are only getting better.”
Nicola Spencer
Fine Art Graduate 2012 Glasgow School of Art At South Hunsley Sixth Form College Nicola chose to study Art, Photography, English Literature and History for her A Levels and says that one of the most positive assets of South Hunsley during her time there was the recent completion of the building dedicated to Sixth Form students: “With a separate common room and space for studying, it really helped create a friendly and social environment.” Nicola’s passion for Art and Photography saw her spend many hours in the art department perfecting her work: “The dark room facilities in the Art department meant that students were able to learn film developing and processing skills which I was then able to use within my photography work. Hours spent in the dark room working under a dim red light were all worth it for that one final print! The space available in which to create art works and try out installation pieces meant that we were free to explore and push our creative ideas.” “I was unsure about which direction to go in after finishing Sixth Form and it was because of encouragement from the teachers at South Hunsley that I decided to study Art at university level. I went on to study Fine Art - Painting and Printmaking at the Glasgow School of Art which was a brilliant experience, and four years of studying culminated in the final Degree Show exhibition which opens to the public every year.” Since graduating from Art School in June, Nicola was selected to take part in a group art exhibition in York entitled ’53 Degrees’ at The New School House Gallery - a selection of works representing 53 recent Fine Art graduates. “Alongside working on several art projects, I am also currently working on creating original, handmade crafts under the brand name of Alice Blue Designs, which will specialise in original jewellery and printed accessories. I am aiming to expand within the next year and will hopefully be able to develop it into a full time creative business.”
Marco Francescon
Philosophy, Politics and Economics Graduate 2012 University of Oxford Marco studied French, Maths, History and English Literature at South Hunsley Sixth Form and went on to study at the University of Oxford, graduating earlier this year. Being a South Hunsley Sixth Form student allows for many wider academic opportunities to enrich and extend your experience and to also help demonstrate leadership qualities. During Marco’s time at the Sixth Form, before the A* grade was introduced, the Advanced Extension Award was offered to help the brightest students demonstrate their passion for a particular subject and for universities to distinguish between higher level students: “The Advanced Extension Award in History was really useful and definitely helped me in my Oxford interview – it made me stand out from the crowd and provided a good talking point with the interviewers.” South Hunsley Sixth Form also runs a very successful Early Applicant Scheme for students applying for competitive courses or high status universities: “In terms of help getting into university, the teachers were brilliant and always gave really helpful advice, particularly on what university to go to and what course to study.” There are also many extra curricular activities available to students and Marco continued playing sport into the Sixth Form: “I did a lot of sport – tennis especially, and the team always did well all thanks to the teacher’s commitment to the team.” After completing his A Levels, Marco then studied Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Oxford: “Whilst there, I studied a module on African politics which I loved, leading me to take African Studies as a Master’s last year. As part of this, I got funding to go to Liberia in West Africa for three weeks over Easter to do research which was an unbelievable experience. I am currently applying for jobs in either mergers and acquisitions or the Foreign Office, and I also plan to improve my French again and make Mr Binks proud!” “I had an incredible time at South Hunsley - I met some brilliant people and it helped me out greatly in getting me where I wanted to be.”
Dr Ross McAdam
Composite Design Engineer Engineering Science Graduate 2008 University of Oxford Ross studied at South Hunsley between 1996 and 2003. During his time in the Sixth Form, Ross studied Maths, Physics and Computer Science at A Level and then went on to study Engineering Science at Keble College, Oxford: “The support that I received from South Hunsley in preparing for my Oxford interview played a big part in my successful application, and I wouldn’t have had the confidence to even apply if it wasn’t for the encouragement of several of my teachers.” “Since completing my Undergraduate Master’s in Engineering, I continued studying at Oxford and finished my doctorate in the summer of 2011. I am now working as a composite design engineer on the Isle of Wight, while the spin-out company from my PhD project secures funding to build an offshore prototype of the tidal turbine that I developed.” “I’m still in contact with lots of the friends that I made at South Hunsley and I’m still playing rugby and badminton, which I picked up during my time at the school. I look back at my time at South Hunsley as one of the most enjoyable times of my life.”
Steph Thompson
Second Year Journalism Student University of Salford Steph left our Sixth Form in 2011 after completing A Levels in English Language, English Literature, Photography and Philosophy. Currently in the middle of studying for a Journalism degree at the University of Salford, Steph hopes to pursue a career in photojournalism or feature writing: “two things I wouldn’t have considered if it wasn’t for my A Levels!” During her time in the Sixth Form, Steph made the most of the facilities and guidance that were on offer to students: “I received a lot of support and encouragement from my teachers, tutors and the leadership team - especially during the university application process. UCAS applications were made so much easier with their support and if it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t have been pushed hard enough to achieve the grades I did.” In the Sixth Form there is also the opportunity to join our Industry Mentoring Scheme, a scheme which pairs students with a mentor who is either working in or retired from Industry. The mentors can be from various walks of life and disciplines and commit to working with our students, offering support and guidance throughout the two years. Steph took part in this innovative scheme which she says greatly helped her “prepare for ‘the outside world’, aiding the transition from school student to university student.”