Alumni Profiles
The following are a sample of how our recent Leavers are getting along at university.
Zahra Ahmad - Oxford University studying Geography
A Level choices: Geography, Biology, History
How are you getting on at uni? What are you most enjoying?
I am getting used to my College and exploring Oxford. I have joined the Geography Society and Football club. I already have a lot of reading to do!
Why did you choose your university and course?
I like Geography as it is so broad and current. I talked to students to find out more about the course and university but never expected to actually get in. The majority of students in my college are also from state schools, so it’s always worth a try if you have the grades and are interested.
What were your secrets to success at A Level?
Organisation and planning my work across the week, making sure that I made the most of external sources of information. I subscribed to Geography Review and listened to podcasts to widen my knowledge and this helped with my Oxford interview. I also went to lectures at Universities.
Why Christ’s Sixth Form?
I was at Christ’s from Year 7 so knew the teachers and had friends at Christ’s. It also meant a very easy journey to school as I live very close.
Arshia Rajaby - University of Warwick studying Physics
A Level choices: Maths, Physics, Music, Further Maths
How are you getting on at uni? What are you most enjoying?
Initially it was a bit of a shock to the system, as I had to get back into studying after a three month summer break but now I am settling in, and getting back into a routine. What I am most enjoying currently is the lab where, for example, this week we had to use a solid pendulum to measure the acceleration due to gravity.
Why did you choose your university and course?
I chose Warwick because of its reputation in the departments of Maths and Physics, and being a Russell Group uni means they have large funds for research so when I get to the 4th year, hopefully I’ll get an exciting project. The reason I chose physics was because I wanted to gain a greater understanding of the laws of the universe whilst also developing my problem solving skills and rational thinking which will be useful in everyday life.
What were your secrets to success at A Level?
- Took Cumulative assessments seriously by revising for each one
- Made sure not to give up on a question until I fully understood how to answer it.
- Used active recall rather than cramming it in. A great app to use for this is Anki, although I personally didn't know about it during A- level I think it can be very useful.
Why Christ’s Sixth Form?
At Christ’s the class sizes are small making it really easy to concentrate and ask questions when stuck; almost like 1-2-1 tutoring. Over the years (since year 7) the quality of teaching has consistently been really high so when entering the Sixth Form I knew I would end up with some fantastic teachers who are very passionate about their subjects.
Rhianna Sookhy - University of Exeter studying Mathematics
A Level choices: Maths, History, Chemistry and Further Maths
How are you getting on at uni? What are you most enjoying?
I’m really enjoying Uni and all the new experiences that have come along with it. I am most enjoying meeting new people as well as playing netball.
Why did you choose your university and course?
I chose my university due to its location near to the sea as well as its lovely campus. I’m especially enjoying my course. I chose maths as it was always my favourite subject in school and I enjoy doing it.
What were your secrets to success at A Level?
During A-levels I tried to use my time productively and prioritise my work, especially the subjects I struggled with the most.
Why Christ’s Sixth Form?
I valued the close knit community and had amazing friends. All of my teachers were always approachable and overall I enjoyed going into school each day.
Elliot Catling Powell - Swansea University studying Aerospace Engineering
A Level choices: Maths, Physics and Chemistry
How are you getting on at uni? What are you most enjoying?
I am having a wonderful time excluding the large leap in workload and knowledge of the course. I am currently enjoying the nightlife the most.
Why did you choose your university and course?
I enjoyed the atmosphere of the uni when I first visited; from the rooms to the lecture halls to the city itself. I have always had an interest in the advancements in the space industry and would like to assist in the development of new ones.
What were your secrets to success at A Level?
To make sure that when you are studying that you reflect on whether the methods you are applying are effective. Also remember to take a break every once in a while.
Why Christ's Sixth Form?
I had already spent the 5 years prior at the school, making it a comfortable environment for me to work in, allowing me to work more effectively.
