Issue 29 on route December 2020

This Issue

Page 3 A Level results roundup

Times Like These

Welcome to the ‘Alumni Special’ edition can to keep everyone safe during these Page 9 of our termly newsletter On Route. With uncertain times. Alumni apprenticeship success less extra-curricular news to report on than With our usual programme of Christmas usual, we’ve decided to use this edition to Performing Arts Shows and Music Concerts share the brilliant achievements of some of on hold, the run up to Christmas will our former students (see pages 9 - 15). certainly feel quite different this year, I’d like to say a huge thank you to the but the spirit of Christmas is very much entire College community for the way alive at College – as seen by the everyone has come together to support expressions of help, good cheer and one another during the pandemic. understanding I witness around College every single day. It was a relief to us all to return to face-to- face lessons in September, and talking to I’d like to wish everyone a happy and students and staff around the campus, it’s healthy Christmas and New Year and look Page 10 Alumni NHS heroes rewarding to hear first-hand how much forward to things returning to normal – be they appreciate having ‘in person’ rather it a ‘new normal’, as soon as possible in than ‘virtual’ lessons. 2021. I would also like to pay tribute to the adaptability and resilience of both the staff and students. Hand sanitisation, mask Nick Clark, Principal wearing and one-way systems may now be a part of everyday life, but combined with other changes around the site and a reworked timetable, we are doing all we

Page 12 Alumni sports star, Ethan Pinnock, ALUMNI SPECIAL Brentford FC Getting yourself work-ready A Level results roundup

Sam Burnett, Work Experience- also works with local employers and Coordinator and member of the Reigate third party providers to secure a range of From left to right: Natasha Smith (Reigate: 4 A*s), Amy Bartlett (Warwick: 3 A*s), Charlotte Borman (de Stafford: 2 A*s, 2 As) and Zac Carter (Oakwood: 3 As). College Careers team, talks to On Route opportunities. These are all advertised in about the different ways students can the weekly Careers Bulletin. The College’s overall results were strong at A Level, was higher than most other Oxbridge and other Russell Group prepare themselves for the world of work, For example, over half term our students again this year (see website and BTEC school sixth forms. We’re proud to be a universities.” even during a pandemic! non-selective, inclusive sixth form College, had the opportunity to participate in story on page 5). 89 students stood out as He added, “It was obviously a difficult year being particularly outstanding at A Level, and as these results indicate, our students On Route: What advice would you virtual sessions in the following areas: for our Upper Sixth and I know some of each receiving at least three A grades, continue to achieve at the highest possible give to students trying to access work Architecture (WS Planning & Architecture), our students opted to defer their university with 17 of them receiving three or more level.” experience? Accountancy (Grant Thornton), STEM places until next year. Whatever they Why is our Alumni A*s. insight day (Thales), Investment “The vast majority of our students gained decided, I hope this year’s cohort will keep Sam Burnett: I’d make sure you have Management (Investment 20/20) and Principal Nick Clark places at their first choice universities, in touch via the Reigate Alumni, so we can a good, up-to-date CV for applying for important? Banking (HSBC). commented, “In line with previous years, including places on the most competitive follow their careers as they unfold.” face-to-face experience for next summer. The College’s network of former the number of Reigate College students courses (such as Medicine and Law) and at A guide to creating a CV (and all sorts of OR: How can I find out about local job students provides a brilliant who achieved at least three A grades the most prestigious universities including other useful resources) can be found on opportunities? resource for current students, the Reigate College portal www.reigate. SB: In ‘normal’ times students would be as it’s a pool of knowledge and ac.uk/portal/careers invited to attend a variety of lunchtime experiences that can be shared. Aspire Programme success I’d also recommend you take a look at the talks given by representatives from local For example, we’ve arranged Careers Bulletin every week. It’s emailed companies. As we aren’t currently able The Aspire Programme is designed to three A*s, said, “Being on the Aspire , who was at Oakwood three separate talks with medical Zac Carter to all students and is also available via to arrange these in person, we’ve been offer additional support to students Programme meant I benefitted from some School got three As and went professionals, aimed at supporting the College website. We list any relevant, organising virtual Zoom interviews that are applying for the most competitive really good advice and got my personal to Southampton University to do our prospective Medics, Vets and forthcoming virtual opportunities in that. then recorded and shared with students courses and universities. Four students statement done earlier. I’m looking Mechanical Engineering. He said, Dentists, a session with a frontline via the Careers pages on e-stream. share their experiences. forward to studying French and Russian “Doing the EPQ on the Aspire NHS paramedic and an interview OR: Is there anything else students at Edinburgh University, which was my Programme was good practice for We’ve recently uploaded interviews with an engineer from Laing Natasha Smith, who was previously could be doing? first choice.” uni essay writing. It was easy to make with Waterman Associates (Engineering O’Rourke. at got four A*s and SB: They should familiarise themselves Consultancy), relevant to anyone went to Bath to read Physics with Charlotte Borman, who was friends thanks to the small class sizes. I We hope all former students will with the Careers pages of e-stream, as considering a STEM or Engineering related Astrophysics. She commented, “Being previously at went to got to know everyone really well in my consider ‘giving something back’ that’s where they’ll find all the useful career and Investment 20/20 who provide part of the College’s Aspire Programme Queen Mary’s University to study English group.” by joining the College’s Alumni. recordings of talks and interviews with access to 42 partner companies in the meant I researched my universities early and European Law added, “The Extended See back cover for details about employers and alumni. investment management industry. Our and received useful, targeted advice. I Project Qualification definitely helped how to join. recent session with the latter involved enjoyed sharing the journey with like- me prepare for university and the smaller OR: How can the College help with hearing from apprentices and trainees minded people in my Aspire tutorials.” class sizes at College meant I got extra workplace experiences? help.” Charlotte did four A Levels, and at Schroders, Fidelity and Willis Towers Amy Bartlett, who was at Warwick SB: Many students are able to arrange was awarded two A*s and two A grades. Watson. School before Reigate College got 2 their own experience, but the College 3 Music videos hit the spot BTEC Level 3s help students secure top university places

Georgia Pitts did BTEC Law and A Levels in Geography and English Literature and is now doing a Degree in Law at the .

Students once again achieved outstanding BTEC Level 3 results this summer, with 88.43% of all entries being graded Distinction or Distinction*. Looking at the university destinations of this year’s Reigate College leavers presents a convincing argument for incorporating one or more BTECs into sixth form study programmes. The table below gives some specific examples of the degree courses and universities some of this year’s leavers went on to and the courses they took while at the College. For privacy reasons, the names of students have been left out.

Student A Levels + Grade BTEC + Grade University and Course DS*= Distinction* D = Distinction A cover of Stevie Wonder’s Sir Duke was released on October 12th, as part of the Black History Month celebrations 1 Sociology (A), Politics (B) Public Services (DS*) Bath University, Criminology Following the huge success of the Music Technician at the College, commented, Wonder wrote this song as a tribute to 2 Maths (B), Chemistry (B) Applied Human Biology (DS*) University of Birmingham, Accounting & Finance Department’s Times Like “We worked on Times Like music, specifically to Duke Ellington, a jazz 3 History (B) Performing Arts - Musical Theatre (DS*), Applied Human University of Bristol, Theatre & Film These music video (a cover These as an extra-curricular bandleader and composer, who’d had a Biology (DS*) of the Foo Fighter’s hit), Reigate’s Foo project during the first big influence on him.” 4 Classical Civilisation (B), English Language & Travel & Tourism (DS*) Cardiff University, Ancient History lockdown in May and June that’s had over 80,000 “It seemed fitting to celebrate Black Literature (A) views across YouTube, Fighter’s cover and didn’t dream it was History Month via another ‘virtual’ music 5 Psychology (B), Criminology (C) Applied Human Biology (DS*) Cardiff University, Radiotherapy & Oncology going to generate so much Facebook and Instagram, has already had video collaboration, since it came at a time interest.” 6 Politics (C), Psychology (C) Applied Human Biology (DS*) University of Exeter, History and Politics another collaboration, a when so many people around the country cover of Stevie Wonder’s over 80,000 7 Art - Fine Art (A), English Language & Literature (B) Performing Arts - Musical Theatre (DS*) University of Exeter, Art History & Visual Culture “We came up with the were already in lock down again. Head of Sir Duke was released on views idea of doing a cover of Music’s Kate Swan did a brilliant job on 8 Sociology (B) Health & Social Care (DS*), Applied Human Biology (DS*) Nursing, King’s College University of London October 12th. Stevie Wonder’s Sir Duke, the organisational front, and we all had a 9 Business (DS*, DS*), Law (DS*) University of Exeter, Law Professional musician in response to the College- great time putting it together.” 10 History (A*), Sociology (A*) Performing Arts - Musical Theatre (D*) University of Leeds, History and Sociology Sean Boothe, who works as a Music wide celebration of Black History Month. 11 Geography (A), Maths (B) Applied Human Biology (DS*) University of Leicester , Geography The adaptation of 12 Business (DS*), Law (D*), Sport (M) University of Liverpool, Law Dua Lipa’s hit Dont 13 English Literature (A), Psychology (B) Applied Human Biology (DS*) University of Liverpool, Psychology Start Now was released during the 14 History (C), Law (B) Business (DS*) Queen Mary University of London, History first lockdown on 16 April. It was the 15 Product Design - 3D Design (A) Applied Science (DS*), Engineering (DS*) Loughborough University, Product Design & Technology first collaboration 16 English Language & Literature (A*), Sociology (A*) Law (DS*) Loughborough University, English of current students and alumni. At the 17 Geography (A), Law (A*) Applied Human Biology (DS*) University of Manchester, Geography time of going to 18 English Language & Literature (A), Psychology (A*) Health & Social Care (DS*) University of Nottingham, Psychology print, a Christmas music video was in production. So what are the benefits of taking one or more BTEC Levels 3s as ●● UCAS points: A DS* at BTEC Level 3 carries the same number part of a Level 3 Programme? of UCAS points as an A* at A Level. The majority of universities accept BTEC Level 3s as can be seen in the table above. ●● Less pressure: BTEC courses are assessed via a combination of coursework and exams, and so you can pass them as you go ●● Practical and vocational: BTECs tend to be more vocational along, without the pressure of sitting exams for every subject in nature and so are suited to students who like to apply their at the end of the Upper Sixth. studies to the ‘real world.’ For example, the College offers BTECs in Applied Human Biology, Business, Digital Media ●● Outstanding results: The College achieves outstanding results Production, Engineering, Law, Music (Performance), Health & for BTEC Level 3s, and as long as students commit to keeping Social Care, Performing Arts, Public Services, Sport and Travel up-to-date with coursework and completing it at a high level, & Tourism. they have a really good chance of achieving a high grade 4 To watch, see @Reigate College on and . (Distinction (D) or Distinction*(DS*)). 5 Sporting elite

The College attracts a broad range of sports people from a variety of sports. Here’s an introduction to just a few of them. The pandemic may have put an end to competitive sports fixtures at the College, but all our sports people are poised to compete again, just as soon as they’re able to.

Jason Cole: Rugby. Old Emily Taylor: Hockey. Reigate Lenny Avison: Football. Nigel Reigatian RFC and Priory HC and Surrey James and Surrey

Alessio Anah: 100m, 200m, 110m Hurdles. Crawley AC and National

Drew Burridge: 400m Hurdles. Blackheath & Ellena Lobley: Taekwondo. International Bromley Harriers AC and National Aryan Patel: Cricket. Cricket Club Pippa Roessler: 3,000m. Aldershot, Farnham and District AC and International

Jamie Rodd: Football. East Grinstead Town FC Lily Cain-Jones: Javelin. Reigate Priory AC Jake Venter: Motorbike Racing. Gold in ‘Sea and Surrey to Sky’ Enduro motorcycle event

Jack Lugton: Windsurfing. Queen Mary Sailing Club

Harrison Chart: Horseriding. National

Ava Karanth: Outdoor and Reece Ramnanansingh, Indoor Bowls. Golf. Reigate Hill Golf Bowling Club Club

Charlie Hand: Motorsports. National Morgan Musgrove: Trampolining. Max Cam Cridge: Golf. Addington Palace Laila Hassan: Rugby. Old Reigatian RFC and 6 Force, 3rd in English Championship GC and Surrey Surrey 7 Upper Sixth Fine Art students hone Alumni apprenticeship success

The Government’s focus on apprenticeships has seen the creation earning a wage while you train”, says Ellen Walkinshaw, Associate of thousands of schemes across the UK in more than 1,500 job Director of Progression at Reigate College. For more information their drawing skills roles. On Route catches up with former students who’ve chosen on apprenticeships check the College’s weekly Careers Bulletin apprenticeships and discovers the benefits of taking this route. available on the College website. You may also want to take a With limited opportunities to meet and chat with friends during lock- “Apprenticeships are a great way of getting on the job ladder and look at www.apprenticeships.gov.uk down, many of us have turned towards more creative ways of expressing ourselves. Here are just a few examples of some of the inspirational work produced by Upper Sixth Fine Art students. What a talented bunch.

Adam Carmona Hannah Morey Jade Francis Antony Vundi Amber Holland Previous school: Ashcombe Previous school: Riddlesdown Previous school: Thomas More Previous school: Priory C of E Reigate College: 2018-2020 Reigate College: 2017-2019 Reigate College: 2017-2019 Reigate College: 2016-2018 Geography, Biology, Psychology Art (Fine Art), Classical Politics, Geography, History Business, Maths, Economics Apprenticeship: Chartered Civilisation, Psychology Apprenticeship: Solicitor Apprenticeship: Actuarial Manager Degree Apprentice, Apprenticeship: Broadcasting Apprentice, Charles Russell Technician Apprentice, Willis Nestlé Technology Apprentice, Sky Speechlys LLP Towers Watson “Choosing between university Broadcasting “I’m currently on a Level 7 “I chose a Level 4 apprenticeship and an apprenticeship was “I’m on a Level 3 apprenticeship Degree Apprenticeship that as I loved the idea of earning really hard. I’m very academic based at Sky Studios and my will last six years. I decided an whilst learning on the job. My and love studying, but I was two-year programme includes apprenticeship was right for role involves calculating and put off by the thought of more the main areas of broadcast me after completing a variety valuing pension funds. I’ve exams and the burden of debt. technology. I’m enjoying of work experiences that the always loved Maths and in my Naomi Webb Leah Taylor Hannah Fitch I’m really enjoying having real learning from experienced College helped me organise. The apprenticeship I work with responsibilities and seeing professionals and am getting College’s focus on independent numbers every day in lots of progress on projects I’ve been exposure to many aspects of learning helped me develop different ways. In the future I involved with is really satisfying. television and entertainment, skills that have enabled a hope to become a qualified I’m still unsure of my career experiencing the behind the smooth transition into my Actuarial Analyst.” plans, but this apprenticeship is scenes action, from live news, apprenticeship.” a great start.” to sporting events such as the Premier League.”

Jenni Stern Holly Smith Briony Webber

Adam Kerwood Eve Wilcox Mia Hardiman Elliott West Previous school: The Beacon Previous school: Warwick Previous school: Previous school: Riddlesdown Reigate College: 2015-2017 Reigate College: 2018-2020 Reigate College: 2017-2019 Reigate College: 2014-2016 Business, IT, Travel & Tourism Business, Law, Sociology Law, Psychology, Applied Science Business, IT, Media Studies Apprenticeship: KPMG360º Apprenticeship: Business Apprenticeship: Paralegal Apprenticeship: Construction “I chose an apprenticeship at Management, BBC Apprentice, Cripps Pemberton Management, Mace KPMG as I felt it provided a clear “I chose an apprenticeship Greenish Construction path into gaining a recognised as I wanted to study for a “As a Paralegal Level 3 “By taking the apprenticeship professional qualification. I’m degree but gain valuable work Apprentice, I move around route I’ve been able to get now specialising in Corporate experience at the same time. departments every three months more on the job experience and Tax which involves studying I loved the idea of working so I gain an insight into different achieve all the qualifications I towards a Level 7 qualification for this iconic institution and areas of Law. My role involves need to become a site manager, (ATT CTA) whilst gaining varied was really impressed with their supporting solicitors by doing without getting myself into practical experience from recruitment programme.” research and administration any university debt.” Lukas Mayo Emily Fry client liaison to high level tax tasks such as drafting legal 9 8 consultancy projects. documents.” Alumni NHS heroes

With the world gripped by the Annabel Richardson pandemic there has never been a more Previous School: de Stafford important time to consider a career in Jessica Pinson the health sector. As we’ve witnessed Reigate College: 2013-2015 Health & Social Care, Law Previous School: Oakwood over the last few months, working in Higher Education: Nursing, Kingston University the NHS demands skill, compassion and Reigate College: 2010-2012 Psychology, Film Studies, English commitment. Currently: Paediatric Nurse, Great Ormond Street Language & Literature Hospital The NHS is the biggest employer Higher Education: Psychology, Goldsmiths University of in Europe and the world’s largest I’m currently specialising in Oncology and London, Occupational Therapy, London South Bank University employer of highly skilled Haematology in the International and Private sector. I Currently: Mental Health Occupational Therapist professionals. 1.3 million people across love caring for patients and knowing that when I start I’m very proud of the NHS and the service it provides and the health service in England devote my shift, every day is different and I’ll learn something I love being part of it. Everyone who works in the NHS is so their working lives to caring for others. new. Each day brings a new challenge, a new highlight and some lows, but above everything the reward is Clementine Snelling caring and hardworking. I love the variety of my role and the On route speaks to some of our Alumni being able to make a connection to a sick child and their amazing colleagues I get to work with. I really wouldn’t want to work anywhere else. NHS heroes. Previous School: Reigate families and to make a difference. If you can show care, I enjoy working with my patients, meeting them at the beginning of their mental health To find out more about careers in the compassion, commitment, courage, competency and Reigate College: 2012-2014 Biology, journey and working with them collaboratively on their goals and seeing such a difference NHS visit: www.healthcareers.nhs.uk good communication skills then nursing may be for you. Economics, English Literature in the end. Higher Education: Paediatric Nursing, King’s College London Emily Verdon Ross Holcombe-Law Ella Beagley Currently: Children’s Healthcare Previous School: Reigate Previous School: de Stafford Nurse, Surrey and Borders NHS Previous School: Reigate Reigate College: 2013-2015 French, Reigate College: 2004- Partnership Reigate College: 2011-2013 Public Maths, Physics, Spanish 2006 Chemistry, Biology, I work in the community, Services, PE, Sociology Higher Education: Therapeutic Psychology, PE triaging children for services such as Higher Education: Paramedic Science, Radiography, London South Bank Higher Education: Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy St George’s Hospital University of London University Pharmacology, Southampton and the Developmental Paediatric Service. I enjoy working with both Currently: Paramedic, South East Coast Currently: Senior Radiotherapist at University. Medicine (MBBS), the children themselves, but also Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust University College London Hospitals Durham University and their families, schools and other I chose the Ambulance Service NHS Trust Newcastle Medical School health professionals, to ensure they as I have a keen interest in science I decided to study Radiotherapy Currently: Training to be a receive effective, streamlined care and medicine. I love my job, it’s really as I wanted to work in a medical area Consultant in Intensive Care for their long-term health needs. practical which suits me, and I enjoy the but not as a nurse or doctor. I studied Medicine and Anaesthetics Nursing children and families at their communication and the rapport with Physics and Maths at College and I get I always look back on most vulnerable is both extremely patients. It’s demanding but I enjoy the to use these skills every day in what I my time at Reigate College humbling and immensely rewarding. challenge of problem solving and finding do. fondly, as some of the Feeling trusted by a family to care for solutions to help deliver the best care. It’s really rewarding as I get to see the happiest years of my teens. vast with multiple specialities to choose their sick child is emotionally intense, Becoming a paramedic has definitely changed me; I’ve gained confidence and am same patients every day and follow The immensely friendly atmosphere with from to suit every personality. Whilst but knowing that you’ve made a more independent, plus it’s opened my eyes to the world and made me appreciate them through their cancer treatment lots of sociable areas and team sports the hours can be long and the work difference is very fulfilling. how important life is. pathway. allowed me to make many friends from physically and emotionally tough at other schools and areas (some of whom times, there is never a boring day. Being are still my very best friends today). a Doctor and helping people when they are at their weakest is a responsible Emma Brockwell Medicine is such a remarkable vocation James Milner but highly rewarding job. I could never Previous School: Reigate that will set you up for a lifetime of imagine doing anything else! Previous School: Ashcombe fascinating work. The scope of practice is Reigate College: 2012- Reigate College: 2014-2016 2014 Biology, Geography, Psychology, Geography, Graphics, History History Anastasia Cawkwell Higher Education: Higher Education: Occupational Paramedic Science, St Previous School: Reigate Therapy, Cardiff University George’s University Reigate College: 2014-2016 Biology, Psychology, Currently: Occupational Therapist (OT), Aneurin Bevan Currently: Paramedic, Geography University Health Board, Wales London Ambulance Higher Education: Paramedic Practice, University of I currently work in a team which supports adults with Service Surrey learning disabilities, helping them grow in independence and achieve their occupational goals, whether that be playing I love my job and Currently: Paramedic, South-East Coast Ambulance wouldn’t trade it for Service. football or washing themselves. It’s immensely rewarding, I love my job as I get to work with people which is something anything else. It’s fast- I absolutely love my job. It’s diverse, exciting and I’ve always enjoyed. Being able to help people and know I’ve paced and sometimes challenging. Every day is different. You never know what genuinely made a difference gives me real satisfaction. I love really challenging, but it’s worth it for the help we can give your shift will bring and where you’ll end up going. You the creativity of being an OT, half the job is being able to think people. I’ve made some fantastic friends and I’ve met the most can make a difference to every patient you see, but that outside the box when helping people overcome the barriers in amazing people from all over the world. It’s a brilliant feeling moment when you know you have truly saved someone’s their lives. knowing that when you go to work, you are truly making a 10 life is incomparable, it’s the best feeling in the world. difference to other people’s lives. 11 Ethan Alumni sports star Pinnock signed for £3 million at Brentford FC

Ethan practising ahead of a Reigate Now at home in the Championship College match

Ethan was a key member of the College’s Men’s 1st Team in 2009- 2010. He showed exceptional skill as a player and his performances What did you enjoy about College and When did you start playing football and were instrumental in us winning two consecutive League Reigate Alumni Ethan Pinnock attended Shirley High School what were your favourite subjects? what do you enjoy about the game? Championships. in before joining Reigate College in 2009 to study A I had a really positive experience of I’ve always loved playing football. I was nine Garry Holmes, Ethan’s Reigate College Football Coach Levels in PE, Psychology, Graphics and an AS in Maths. studying at Reigate College. I enjoyed the years old when I started at Millwall FC’s friendly atmosphere and appreciated all Academy. I love the competitive nature of the Ethan has forged a career as a professional footballer, but firmly believes in the the support I got from my teachers. My game, the team spirit and the great feeling of What advice would you give to importance of education and having a Plan B. favourite subject was probably Graphics. winning after a tough match. students considering a career in sport? I loved developing my creative skills and it Career History What has been the highlight of your Believe in yourself and be positive. Put was a refreshing change from my academic football career so far and what have you in the hard work but have a Plan B, so Ethan played youth football for Millwall and Dulwich Hamlet FC, before progressing courses. found challenging? that if you succumb to injury you’ll have to the senior team at Dulwich Hamlet FC. During his seven years he made more something to fall back on. What did you do after College? Gaining promotion from League 1 to the than 200 appearances and received the Player of the Year Award in his final season I went on to study Physical Education Championship with Barnsley was definitely a What are your goals for the future? at the club. In 2016 he made his England C team U23 international debut playing and Sport at Greenwich University high point and coming to play at Brentford in a match versus Estonia. He played for a season at Forest Green Rovers FC helping I really hope to get promoted to the and graduated in 2015 with a 2:1. I’d has been great. It’s a young team and there’s secure the club a promotion to the EFL, before moving to Championship team Premier League with Brentford. It was intended to train as a PE teacher or go a wonderful team spirit. Barnsley FC in 2017. disappointing to lose to Fulham in the into Sports Coaching, but then I signed as Now I’ve got a family of my own, life has Championship play-off final last season In 2019 Ethan secured a £3 million move to Premier League hopefuls Brentford FC, a Professional for Forest Green Rovers FC become challenging in a different way! It’s after two extra-time goals, but I’m hoping where his strength at centre-back has earned him a regular place in the team. This and my Football career took off. more difficult to be adaptable and move we can improve our performance this year November he extended his contract to stay with the club for another five years. around the country playing for different clubs. and break into the Premier League. 12 13 Alumni turnaround stories

Cecilia Domingos came to Adna Adam who was previously at Reigate School, did a ‘Mix On route talks to six former students who College after being at Priory School and Match’ combination of two BTEC Level 3s and an A Level. in Dorking. joined the College with low GCSE grades, but Level 3 Subjects (and results): despite this, managed to turn things around Level 3 Subjects (and results): BTEC Business (Distinction*) and go on to follow their dreams. BTEC Double Business (Distinction*, BTEC Travel & Tourism (Distinction*) Distinction*) A Level Media Studies (C) Principal, Nick Clark explains, “As a College BTEC Law (Distinction*) Adna achieved the combined UCAS points she needed to study we have a reputation for achieving excellent Cecilia is currently studying Law at International Business Management at the . results. What is often over-looked though Roehampton University and is keen to is the low starting points of some of our build a career in the Law sector. I loved my time at Reigate College. What made the difference students and just how much progress they were the facilities and my subject teachers - who were all so supportive and determined for me to succeed. The support I got make during their time with us”. through the Careers Department helped me enormously with my “Some students, who don’t qualify for Level university applications. 3 (A Level equivalent) courses are invited Tip for success: Focus, be organised and work hard from the to join the College’s Level 2 Intermediate start. Take time to have breaks from studying and look after your Programme, spending an extra year at College mental health too. before progressing to Level 3 courses. These six stories show what can be achieved with a combination of determination and the right support”. Zak Francis-Dyer went to Riddlesdown School before joining Reigate’s Intermediate Programme. He successfully re-sat GCSE English and Maths He excelled in his Level lacked confidence. I think in his first year and then progressed onto a 2 courses, including the combination of the Level 3 Programme. successfully re-sitting GCSE learning support, the Level 3 Subjects (and results): Maths, English and Biology. mature environment and I’m very thankful and grateful to BTEC Sport (Distinction*) He then went on to gain encouragement I got Reigate College. It was a lifeline to BTEC Public Services (Distinction) outstanding results for his from everyone helped me and one of the best experiences, BTEC Travel & Tourism (Merit) BTEC Level 3 courses. me discover a passion for as I really matured and developed as Business. I also discovered Level 3 Subjects (and a person. I’d set my heart on a career I didn’t do very well in my GCSEs that learning could be results): in Law but after my GCSE results I but coming to College gave me a fresh enjoyable. BTEC Double Business didn’t think it would be possible. At start and a chance to turn things around. (Distinction*, Distinction*) Louis is currently studying Reigate it was empowering to be Studying at Reigate was one of the best BTEC Applied Science Business Management made to realise that I was responsible decisions I made. (Distinction) and Finance at Brighton for my own success. My teachers Zak is currently in his second year at University and hopes to and tutors were so supportive and Portsmouth University studying for a degree Before I came to pursue a career in the encouraged me to believe I could do in Sports Management and Development. Louis Middleditch Reigate College my future Finance sector. it. He intends to make a career in the Sports who was previously at St seemed very uncertain. I sector. Bede’s School enrolled struggled with motivation Tip for success: Don’t be Tip for success: Work hard and keep on the College’s Level 2 at secondary school, afraid to ask for help. trying. All your efforts will pay off in Tip for Success: Ask lots of questions. Intermediate Programme. I doubted myself and the long run.

Harry Nash enrolled on Reigate’s Level 2 Intermediate Programme after being at Woodcote School. He made Christian Bright joined Reigate College My extra year at College gave a remarkable turnaround, gaining all Distinction*s for from the Royal Alexandra and Albert School. me a chance to get back on track his Level 3 courses and was also awarded the coveted He started at Reigate on the Level 2 Intermediate and achieve the grades I needed Principal’s Award for Law. Programme, gaining Distinctions for his Level 2 for Level 3 study. The Intermediate BTECs and successfully re-taking GCSE Maths and Programme helped me rebuild my Level 3 Subjects (and results): English Language. Christian then progressed to a confidence after my disappointing BTEC Double Business (Distinction*, Distinction*) Level 3 (A Level equivalent) Programme, where his GCSE results. During my time at BTEC Law (Distinction*) hard work secured him outstanding results. secondary school I didn’t ever Harry is now studying Law at the University of Exeter and dream of going to university, but Level 3 Subjects (and results): is hoping to become a Solicitor. BTEC Sport (Distinction*) College gave me the support I BTEC Double Business (Distinction*, Distinction*) needed to make the right choices Looking back I didn’t work hard enough at my for my future. GCSEs but I’m proud of how focused I became and Christian is now studying Sport and Exercise what I achieved at College. The academic environment Tip for success: Get organised, draft Science at the University of Surrey and hopes to and approach of the teachers encouraged me to work hard and achieve my potential. achieve his dream of becoming a Sports Physio. a timetable and structure your day to meet your deadlines. Tip for success: Decide what you want for your future and challenge yourself to be 14 successful. 15 Events for Applicants Diary Dates

The College is continuing to run a series From December 2020 of Applicants’ Events designed to help Year 11 prospective students familiarise What When Where themselves with their subject choices and get to know some of their future course Last day of term for students Friday 11th December teachers. (unless directed otherwise) Because of the pandemic, for the Review Days Monday 14th, Tuesday Virtual Meetings foreseeable future, these will be taking 15th and Wednesday via SchoolCloud the form of live webinars or meetings 16th December hosted via Zoom. Structured Learning Day Thursday 17th December For more information about the programme of applicants’ events for the Start of Spring Term Monday 4th January forthcoming academic year see www. reigate.ac.uk/applicant-events2021 Structured Learning Day Thursday 21st January February Half Term Holiday Monday 15th to Friday 19th February (back Monday 22nd)

Politics Event for Applicants This year’s programme of Events for Applicants was brilliantly kicked off, on Tuesday 24 November, with an insightful lecture by the College’s Head of Politics Nick de Souza, on the subject of ‘Is democracy about to die?’ The talk was then followed by an excellent live Zoom debate between four of the College’s Upper Sixth A Level Politics students. Support staff join forces with the Music Department to bring some Christmas cheer to their latest music video Everyone who took part was given the opportunity to vote on their stance at the end of the session. And the result? Help us grow the network, so that together 51% of participants said they believed we can help inspire and support current democracy is about to die. Time will tell! students. Sign up via the Future First website: www. Nick de Souza hosts the hugely futurefirst.org.uk/former-student/reigate- successful A Level Politics Show see college https://anchor.fm.nick-de-souza Join our group on Search Reigate College’s Alumni is a profes- ‘Alumni Reigate College’ sional network of over 2,500 former Or email Laura Troop, Alumni Officer, students who are studying or working via [email protected] in a wide range of areas.

Reigate Sixth Form College Castlefield Road Reigate Surrey RH2 0SD Tel 01737 221118 Fax 01737 222657 [email protected] 16 Join us on Facebook and Follow us on Instagram www.reigate.ac.uk