Foundation Magazine 2021-2022 | Mount Kelly

ACADEMICS
WORK EXPERIENCE
During my work experience with Princess
Yachts, we took two of the yachts for sea
trials to make sure that the boat was ready
to be sold without any faults. With the sea
trials you test equipment to make sure it
is working correctly. We also moved one
of the boats from the sea to the factory,
where we got to work on replacing and
fixing parts. I really enjoyed my experience
at Princess Yachts and feel excited
about the prospect of choosing this as
my career path. It has spurred me into
completing apprenticeship applications
within the engineering sector.
By Niamh Taylor-May, Year 11
On Wednesday 22 June, I visited Spring
Hill Dental Practice for the day for work
experience. Throughout the day, I
observed many dental procedures and
examinations including gum disease
treatment, root canal treatment and
composite building of teeth. I thoroughly
enjoyed expanding some of my biology
and chemistry knowledge to a very basic
level of dentistry. I am extremely grateful
to have been given this opportunity and
it has solidified my decision to apply for
an undergraduate dentistry course and
further specialise in an area of interest
for a postgraduate degree (orthodontics,
endodontics, periodontics etc.). Thank
you to Spring Hill staff for allowing me to
have this fascinating opportunity.
By Laura Dickinson, Year 12
CAREERS FAIR
Pupils in Years 9 and above attended a
Careers Fair in Big School where they
were able to meet representatives from
universities in the UK and overseas, and
several employers including the Army,
St Austell Brewery and Princess Yachts.
Exhibitors also gave detailed talks to
Sixth Form pupils, ranging from university
entry requirements and gaining sports
scholarships abroad, to apprenticeships
in boat construction and hospitality, and
studying in Spain.
NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP
SHOW
A group of pupils from Year 12 and 13
visited the National Apprenticeship
Show in Exeter yesterday, where they
met employers from both the local area
and national companies. They came
away with a wealth of information about
apprenticeships in a variety of sectors
from construction and engineering to
healthcare and hospitality. Many pupils
were particularly interested in the different
pathways that lead to gaining a degree
without building up student debt and all
whilst earning a wage.
MILITARY CAREER TALK
Year 12 pupils attended a presentation
about career pathways and clearing
landmines. Mr Ainsworth gave a very
interesting and informative presentation
about his own career pathway from
university to an Officer in the Royal
Engineers to running SafeLane Global
Ltd, an international business which
clears landmines round the globe. Pupils
gained a real insight into the issues
involved in clearing landmines in difficult
environments as well as useful career
planning advice, being encouraged to
research and come up with solutions
when engaging with employers. In the
words of Mr Ainsworth, ‘It’s often better
to know the answer before asking the
question.’ We are very grateful to Mr
Ainsworth for giving up his time and
expertise
APPLYING TO UNIVERSITIES
OVERSEAS
A group of Year 12 pupils found out
more about IE University in Spain which
is based across two campuses in Madrid
and Segovia. Pupils learnt about their
degree programmes, which are taught
in English, as well as the application
process.
David Hawkins from The University Guys
inspired a group of Year 11 and 12 pupils
to think global with a whistle-stop tour of
opportunities to study around the world.
Once again David provided expert advice
and encouraged pupils to really think
about what is important to them when
planning their futures.
MEDICINE
OMK Charlotte Smith joined Year 12 pupils
considering degrees relating to Medicine,
Health and Social Care. Charlotte was
able to pass on valuable knowledge
from her recent successful application
to study Medicine at Southampton.
Pupils were impressed with the effort
and dedication that Charlotte had
demonstrated to secure her university
place. They learnt about potential pitfalls
in the application process, the challenges
of the UCAT examination, the importance
of meaningful work experience, and also
that perseverance pays off. We would like
to thank Charlotte for giving up her time
to help the group.
ROUTES INTO MEDICINE
Ben Murphy (OMK 2005-12) joined Year
12 pupils considering degrees relating
to Medicine, Health, Biology and Social
Care. Ben was able to pass on valuable
knowledge from his experience as a
medical student and as a junior doctor,
as well doing a different degree in
Human Biology. Pupils were impressed
with his approach to securing a place
to study medicine, as well as his point
of view when it comes to the practice
of medicine. They learnt about what an
average day looks like as a junior doctor
and the tasks undertaken during a shift.
Additionally, Ben spoke about the many
routes you can take to obtain a medical
degree, along with giving pupils some
interview tips to help them prepare for
university interviews in the future.
By Katie Bamborough, Year 12
PERSONAL STATEMENT
WORKSHOP
Year 12 pupils visited the University of
Plymouth on Monday 13 June where they
attended a personal statement workshop
to help them prepare for their university
applications. They also enjoyed a tour of
the campus along with talks on student
finance and student life. The personal
statement workshop along with the
resources available to them on Unifrog
have prepared them to start work on their
own personal statements ready to submit
their UCAS applications on their return to
school in September.
LOAN SHARKS
Year 12 pupils attended a talk from Dave
Monk from the Stop Loan Sharks England
Illegal Money Lending Team. Pupils
learnt about the dangers of illegal money
lenders, how they operate, the effect they
have on borrowers and communities,
current local and national trends, and
what we can do to spot the signs.
ACADEMICS
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