Mini Reunions

academic research. All the drug compounds Grace made during her fourth year have been patented and published, highlighting their success. After graduating, Grace will now be studying for a PhD in Chemistry at the University of Birmingham, with a scholarship from the School of Chemistry, funded by the EPSRC. The PhD will be in the area of Nanoparticles and Bioinorganic Chemistry for the selective release of antibiotics within the Pikramenou group. Isobel Birtwhistle (2010-2017) Congratulations to Isobel who has graduated from Durham University with a First Class degree in Modern Languages and Cultures. Bethany O’Donnell (2009-2016) Congratulations to Beth who has achieved a First Class Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Liverpool. In 2016, Beth left Bolton School Sixth Form with grades B,D,E in Product Design, Maths and Physics. As disheartened as she was, she didn’t let those results define her and has proven that with the correct mindset anything is possible. She went to Carmel Sixth Form College to do an Engineering Foundation Year, and then progressed onto the Mechanical Engineering Degree course at the University of Liverpool. Five years later, she has achieved her degree and, furthermore, she has been accepted onto the BAE Systems Graduate programme as a Maritime Systems Mechanical Engineer. Hester Grange (2011-2018) Congratulations to Hester who has graduated from Newcastle University with a 2:1 in Philosophy. She has now set up her own business as a nail technician which she thoroughly enjoys and she is looking forward to expanding this enterprise. Abbie Gregson (2009-2017) Abbie has reached another milestone in her progress towards becoming a commercial pilot! She has achieved her MEIR(A) Rating (Multi Engine Instrument Rating) in Belgium, which gives her the privileges to fly in any weather, from clear skies to the most adverse conditions. This was, without a doubt, the most challenging phase of her training – she was required to fly a multi engine aircraft, the PA34-220T Seneca V, as a single pilot. Abbie notes that pilots’ salaries are often questioned, especially when they achieve captaincy with the airlines. She argues that they are not paid this amount for every sector to go smoothly; rather, they are paid for when things go wrong, and are trusted to make smart decisions to save the hundreds of lives that they are carrying on board. During this part of her training, she has realised just how important it is to know every detail about the aircraft she is flying, and to be fully prepared for every threat that she may face on a particular sector. Covid-19 has impacted Abbie’s training throughout the past year. When she began in February 2019 she planned to be a fully qualified ATPL-licensed Pilot within 18 months. However, her training will only be fully completed at the end of this year, marking just under three years with CAE Aviation Academy. The aviation market has been unequivocally impacted by the coronavirus restrictions, but Abbie hopes that within the next two or three years she will achieve her dream of working for one of the major European airlines. Lucy Harper (2005-2017) Congratulations to Lucy who has graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a 3.6 GPA (2:1 UK equivalent) as a double major in History and Communications. Lucy will now be continuing her education at the University of Charleston, where she will be working towards a Masters of Science in Strategic Leadership (MSSL). Alongside this, she will be taking on the role of graduate assistant for the women’s tennis team. Imogen Joyce (Class of 2017) Congratulations to Imogen who graduated with BA Honours (First Class) in Politics and International Relations from Queen Mary University of London in July. Imogen is continuing her studies at Queen Mary’s with an MSc in Public Policy from Autumn 2021. Molly McLaughlin (2010-2017) Molly is absolutely thrilled to have received a First Class Honours degree in Law from the University of Glasgow! It’s safe to say that this degree has presented its challenges in more ways than one, but she has been extremely lucky to have had the support of her family and friends to help her along the way. For her third year Molly studied at the University of Oslo on an Erasmus exchange and would highly recommend this to anyone considering it. She is now studying for her diploma at the University of Glasgow before taking a break and doing some travelling. Hannah Shaw (2010-2017) Congratulations to Hannah who has graduated from Durham University with a 2:1 in Modern Languages and Cultures. Hannah Saad (2004-2018) Well done to Hannah who has graduated with a First Class LLB Bachelor of Law degree from Durham University. Hannah is looking forward to continuing her studies in Law, Medicine and Healthcare as she embarks on an LLM Masters at the University of Liverpool.

Atiyah Suleman (2016-2018) Congratulations to Atiyah who has gained a first-class degree in Economics from the University of Manchester. In recognition of her results, she was awarded the Dean’s Award for Achievement which is given to students who are in the top 0.5% of the undergraduate graduating year. Ruqayyah Naeem (2013-2020) Ruqayyah is studying Medicine and has recently set up a small business aimed at aiding prospective medical students with their university applications. Advice on personal statements and tutoring for interviews is offered, with the aim of making this affordable for everyone, regardless of their background. Each individual team member has had an extensive amount of personal statement and interview training to ensure the best guidance is delivered. For further details please see Ruqayyah’s Instagram page, @medschoolmentor_ or email medschoolmentor_@outlook.com.

A group of 1977 Leavers enjoyed the late Summer sunshine with a ramble around Rivington followed by lunch at Spring Cottage. They are planning further walks in the local area and slightly further afield depending on who is available to join them – anyone from the Class of 1977 is welcome to come along for an informal, leisurely stroll with plenty of chatting and a bite to eat. Please contact Laura Henthorn (née Carless, 1970-1977) or Janice Pillar (née Drake, 1970-1977) via the Development Office if you would like to join in.

L-R: Diana German (née Taylor), Janice Pillar (née Drake), Christine Morrison (née Eccles), Laura Henthorn (née Carless), Jackie Sloane-Bateson (née Sloane) and Susan Harding