OG NEWS
A RELUCTANT CHOICE! I started at WGHS in Year 5. I loved the School and all it had to offer and I have certainly made friends for life. However, in Year 12, I found myself not enjoying studying and feeling quite unhappy. After much discussion and deliberation between myself, my parents and teachers, I reluctantly left WGHS and enrolled at Leeds Art University, to undertake a BTec Level 3 course in Art and Design. I was full of trepidation and wondered whether I had done the right thing. However, despite my initial reticence, I was taken completely under the wing by the staff and students there, which helped me to settle in quickly and throw myself into the work. In January 2019 I chose to specialise in fine art, (I’m sure this will have shocked Mrs Varley!!). It allowed me to create large pieces of expressive art work whilst still using my written techniques for research and analysis throughout. However, after some debate regarding my preferred subject choice for university, my tutors and I decided I would be better placed on the 3D design course. After the summer break, I joined the 3D course. The briefs were far more interesting and required much more analytical thought and brain power which I enjoyed! I am pleased to say, I have received the highest marks possible for all my work and the photos of my penultimate project were showcased in a short pop up exhibition. During the past few months I have been researching university courses and putting together my application. I narrowed down my course choices to interior architecture or just architecture and my universities to Derby and Lincoln. After visiting and falling in love with Lincoln, I didn’t visit Derby, however, I received unconditional offers from both but chose to accept a place at Lincoln to study interior architecture starting September 2020.
I am now undertaking my final major project at Leeds which is entirely self-designed and which will be in an exhibition later on year. My time at WGHS genuinely made me who I am today. Whilst I didn’t really want to leave WGHS, I now know it was the right decision. The support, understanding and advice I received from my teachers, especially Mrs Varley, Ms Doyle and Mme Djokovic (or Djoko) were second to none and also the reasons I enjoyed Art, English and French so much. Whilst it took me some time to figure out exactly what area I wanted to focus on, the belief the teachers had in my ability has given me confidence to try different things and I am now excited to be finishing my Art Foundation Course and looking forward to what Lincoln University brings. Thank you WGHS.
Francesca Mills (OG, 2018)
belief the teachers had in my ability has “ The given me confidence to try different things
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