Last week three ex students came back to school to speak to the current year 10 and 11. Joe Stoneman and Oliver Butt joined Mr Nderitu’s tutor group 10AMN to speak about their journey since leaving THS. The tutor group enjoyed their motivating presence and hearing about their time at Italia Conti one of the leading Performing Arts institutions in the country and also about time at University studying Sport. Students had the opportunity to ask both Joe and Oliver questions about their time in Higher Education.
Former Head Girl Sophie Fallon shared her current experience of life and study at Cambridge University in assembly and provided some very good advice about how to get there and how to succeed in your goals. Sophie then went on to lead a MAT (More Able and Talented) workshop with our year 11 MAT students where she delved further into how to maximise the pathway to University.
Here is a little more about Sophie’s journey since leaving Tiverton High School.
‘I’m Sophie, I left THS in 2019 and I am now in my third year studying veterinary medicine at Cambridge University.
When I finished my GCSEs and left THS, I went on to do my A levels at the Maynard School in Exeter. I had done some research in year 11, and found out that they offered a 100% academic scholarship, which I decided to apply for. I was very lucky to be awarded this, and started at the Maynard school studying A levels in biology, chemistry and maths.
Between year 11 and my first year of A levels, I had decided that I would apply for veterinary at university, having really enjoyed work experience in vet practices including my week in year 10. I had googled some top universities for veterinary, and found the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) and Cambridge University were ranked the highest in the country. I applied to both, thinking I would never get an offer from Cambridge (they wanted several A* grades at A level!), and being hopeful about the RVC. However I was rejected from RVC the night before my Cambridge interview, which was a bit of a rollercoaster! I later found out I had gotten into Cambridge. I secured my place there when I finished my A levels that summer, and I was really excited to start my university education.
Since 2021, I have been studying veterinary medicine and I am absolutely loving it. I have nearly finished my pre-clinical studies, and I have 3 more years to go at university before I qualify as a vet. I feel very lucky to be studying at a top university for my subject, and it took a lot of hard work. I can honestly say I never would have done all of this without the unwavering support of my incredible teachers when I was at THS and particularly throughout my exams. They believed in me, encouraged me and made me believe in myself – I realised during my GCSEs that maybe I could actually achieve a lot if I kept working hard! It is lovely to have had the opportunity to come in this week and give a small something back; I owe a lot to THS and I am so grateful for all of the opportunities I was afforded during my time here.’
We would like to thank all three ex students for taking the time to come and engage with our students in such a positive way. Here is a little feedback from our MAT students and Mrs Hill our MAT coordinator on Sophie’s workshop.
The session with Sophie was very informative and gave me a good idea of what my options for uni are in the future. Sam F.
The session was good because it came from someone who was in our position only a few years ago, which helped me relate to it. Darci A.
Presented university in a positive light and made it seem approachable. Tom C.
Informative and helpful. Gave me an idea of applying to university. Ed s.
Sophie delivered an excellent session to our Year 11 Aspire students, without sounding like she was ‘lecturing’ them. She was relatable and approachable, providing really useful tips to help them prepare for their futures right now! We can’t wait to welcome Sophie back to work with more of our students in the future. Mrs Hill.
If you are an ex student and would like to come into school to share your life after THS with our students please do make contact with either Miss Pike our Marketing and Communications manager via email at epike@tiverton.devon.sch.uk or our Alumni Coordinator Miss Parker at rparker@tiverton.devon.sch.uk
