Issue 24 | Summer 2024
Thank You Rokeby School “My journey at Rokeby began in September 2016, when I embarked on a transformative educational journey. Over the years, Rokeby provided me with a solid academic foundation, reflected in my achievement of over 11 GCSEs, ranging from grades 7 to 9. Beyond academics, Rokeby fostered an environment where students could cultivate meaningful connections with their teachers. Mr. Milki, my computer science teacher, played a pivotal role in guiding me towards the technology field, igniting a passion that would shape my future endeavours. Moreover, beyond academic excellence, Rokeby provided a nurturing and empowering environment that encouraged personal development and self-discovery. Through extracurricular activities, leadership opportunities, and community engagement initiatives, I was able to utilise essential life skills such as communication, teamwork, and resilience. These experiences not only enriched my educational journey but also contributed significantly to my personal and professional growth. Following my graduation from Rokeby, I remained in contact with my teachers, drawing on their advice and guidance as I navigated my next steps. This led me to pursue my A - Levels at the Newham Collegiate Sixth Form Centre (The NCS) and subsequently achieved AAA (3As) in Economics, Geography, and Psychology. Inspired by Mr Milki's mentorship, I researched degree apprenticeships, recognising them as a unique pathway to furthering my education and career. Choosing to embark on a gap year allowed me to gain valuable work experience, expand my network, and indulge in enriching travel experiences. During this time, I applied to numerous competitive degree apprenticeships, driven by the belief Rokeby instilled in me that anything is possible with determination. Through this rigorous process, I have successfully secured four-degree apprenticeships with leading companies: Amazon (Data Analyst), IBM (Application Engineering Services), Accenture (IT Consultancy), and Mazars (IT External Audit). After careful consideration, I have confirmed my offer for Amazon's degree apprentice program as a Data Analyst. I am eagerly looking forward to starting this role in September. My journey is one example of Rokeby's transformative impact on its students. The guidance and support provided alongside unwavering determination truly exemplify the ethos of Rokeby, empowering individuals to realise their fullest potential. I am immensely grateful for my time at Rokeby and the foundation it has provided for my future endeavours. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the teachers, staff, and mentors at Rokeby for their unwavering support, guidance, and dedication. Their commitment to excellence has been instrumental in shaping my academic achievements and personal growth. I am deeply thankful for the opportunities to participate in enriching activities, engage in meaningful learning experiences, and forge lifelong connections with fellow students and educators. Rokeby has provided me with not only a solid educational foundation but also invaluable life lessons and skills that I will carry with me into the future. I am immensely proud to be a product of Rokeby's nurturing environment and am grateful for the profound impact it has had on my journey to success. Kind Regards, Yoosuf Riyaldeen