Where are they now?

WHEN WERE YOU AT GORDON’S?

2008–2015

FONDEST MEMORIES:

One of my fondest memories at Gordon’s would definitely be D of E. We had so many expeditions and trips to Dartmoor with Mr and Mrs Fox. Ten Tors was also good fun and a great team challenge.

AFTER GORDON’S:

After Gordon’s I took a year off and worked and travelled to Thailand. I then completed a Geography BSc degree at the University of Bristol before starting on the Commercial Downstream Graduate scheme at BP in 2019. During 2020 I have also set up my own Baking business (www.barnesybakes.com) which has been a great opportunity to build up my own brand, be creative and do something I love on the side.

PLANS FOR THE FUTURE:

I plan to make the most of my remaining rotations on the BP Graduate scheme and then hopefully secure a permanent position within the BP marketing and strategy teams for renewable energy. I also want to grow my baking business on the side as much as I can, experimenting and building up my client base.

ADVICE TO 16 YEAR OLD ME:

I would just say to enjoy the time at Gordon’s and make the most of the opportunities provided as there are a lot! Go to early morning training more too as even though it didn’t feel like it when you arrived in the dark at 6:30am it definitely was worth it!

KIRK CORNWALL (1983) CHINA

WHEN WERE YOU AT GORDON’S?

1978–1983 My fondest memories of Gordon’s was just how much sport I was able to be involved with. I also loved General Gordon’s statue – as my bunk, during my final year, overlooked the statue as did China House. My Fire Service nickname became ‘The General’ and I have only recently finished reading the memoirs of my namesake... General Sir James Marshall Cornwall so, ‘generally speaking’, the General has been quite a figure head in my life in one way or another.

AFTER GORDON’S:

I joined the Royal Air Force at 18 years of age which was followed by a transfer to Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service some four years later. I worked as an emergency responder, at various levels of command, until my retirement in 2017. After a 12 month period at the Fire Service College, I became involved in Apprenticeships which is something I continue to do to date. Personally, I recently married my best friend (Mandy Cornwall) in 2018 and she just happens to be a… Head Teacher.

PLANS FOR THE FUTURE:

My future plans include supporting careers education, in schools and further education establishments, as a volunteer Enterprise Advisor for the Greater Manchester Combined Authority as well as go into partnership with a business acquaintance of mine in respect of Apprenticeships and Vocational Assessments. Having retired once, the next time I retire... I will actually retire. Maybe then I will be able to finish writing my books. Some started but none as yet finished but they keep me entertained.

ADVICE TO 16 YEAR OLD ME:

I would simply say ‘having an idea of what you want to do when you leave school is a good thing but don’t be surprised if your professional life ventures along a different path’. I, for one, wanted to be a professional footballer or a graphic designer. I never thought I would leave school to join Her Majesty’s Armed Forces and then the Fire Brigade. No regrets whatsoever though. I did visit the school again towards the end of 2019 it was nice to see The General again I must admit.