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Inspiring the Next Generation
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OLD BOYS’ FEATURES
Inspiring the Next Generation
Old Boys studying and working in a variety of professions continue to offer their assistance to the current generation of Bolton School boys, sharing professional expertise and offering guidance. The Development Office and the Careers Departments have been delighted to work together to welcome these Alumni back to School for the benefit of pupils throughout the Divisions. Full features about these activities can be read at the ‘Former Pupils’ section of the School’s website.
A Career in Architecture: Would You Measure Up?
John delivered an instructive virtual presentation
Architect John Wood (Class of 2005) delivered the first of a new series of virtual World of Work talks to Year 10 pupils.
John explained the route to qualifying as an architect – typically a three-year degree followed by a practical experience year, a two-year Masters degree and then a final year of practical experience. After this – what is effectively year seven – are exams to gain professional qualifications. He gave an overview of a typical day for an architect which might involve, amongst other things, doing surveys, studying designs and plans, measuring up on site and considering building regulations. John described several different environments in which he had worked in as an architect and showed three examples of projects that he has worked on: New Cross Emergency Department at Wolverhampton, where a lot of specialist knowledge about hospitals was required; Lews Castle in the Outer Hebrides – once owned by Lord Leverhulme – where he was involved with turning the derelict Victorian castle into a five-star hotel; and Renshaw Street in Altrincham, a dwelling where much thought had to be given to people’s living spaces.
Luke Shares his Passion for Art
Luke James (Class of 2019) is in his third year of a BA in Illustration at the Cambridge School of Art. He returned to School to inspire current GCSE and A Level Art students considering pursing the subject at degree level.
Luke described how, during his schooldays, he gradually moved away from fine art and towards illustration. His ambition is to become a comic book illustrator and perhaps even to produce his own graphic novels. Luke gave plenty of advice about finding the right place to study. He also recommended using social media to show the evolution of projects through to the finished product. As well as spending a very enjoyable day in School, Luke also curated a display of his graphic art in the Boys’ Division Art corridor.
Luke James
Life as an Electrical Engineer
Richard Houghton (2007-2014) spoke to pupils from both Divisions about careers in electrical engineering.
Richard gained a degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Manchester and works as an electrical engineer working for Vital Energi at Blackburn. He described how his current role involves working with 3D models to diagnose and solve problems. He also spoke about careers in the sector and the need to be flexible, often working with other departments – such as process engineering and mechanical engineering – to deliver a solution. Richard advised those pupils interested in electrical engineering to study the subject at university, noting that he often relies on the theory he has learnt in his job.
The World of Finance
Nat Roohan (Class of 2017) gave a virtual ‘World of Work’ talk to boys in Year 8.
He shared his experiences of undertaking a degree apprenticeship with JP Morgan, a global
Interview Inspiration
School is very grateful to all those Old Boys and Old Girls who kindly volunteered their time to give mock interviews to Year 13 pupils in both Divisions in support of their university applications.
leader in financial services. Since leaving School Nat has obtained a degree in Finance from the University of Exeter through JP Morgan’s Apprenticeship Program and now works for their branch in Hong Kong as a Securities Finance Trader.
Thank you to: Waqqas Patel (Class of 2014) who conducted interviews with aspiring medics; to dentists Philip Taylor (Class of 1976) and Drew Winstanley (Class of 2013); to architect David Rossington (Class of 2009); to Hadley Stewart (Class of 2014) who interviewed pupils considering nursing; and to Sam Bruton (Class of 2019) who interviewed would-be engineers.
