Denmark Road supported my academic and personal development since year 7 to align with and facilitate my future aspirations. I studied A-Levels in Economics, Maths, and Biology and am now studying Land Economy at Cambridge.
What stands out to me is the sense of community that develops within the year groups and between students and staff. This has always provided an encouraging learning environment where peer support is a fundamental part of our studies, super-curricular exploration, and applications. Personally, the opportunities provided from the start of year 7 to build confidence and communication skills through group projects and class presentations have been the most significant and I now have the ‘futures’ role on our student leadership team. This has involved speaking to parents and prospective students, teachers, and the senior leadership team to offer support and ensure that student voice is heard with the aim of creating a dynamic and diverse school environment. Our in engagement in the BOOST program has also begun to create an inter-year group support network for the new year 7 cohort.
Moving into year 13, I had guidance from my tutor, teachers and the sixth form team in finalising my UCAS options and personal statement. This was coupled by the comprehensive ‘edge’ programme in Year 12 within which I entered various essay competitions, attended university outreach events both in person and online, and explored my subject through books and digital courses. Fully engaging with the opportunities presented, as well as seeking out my own by participating the Sutton Trust, ‘Apply: Cambridge’ and ‘Uniq’ programs created a foundation for my UCAS application.
Being surrounded by driven, supportive peers and continuous opportunities for exploration throughout my Denmark Road journey has given me a foundation of discipline, motivation, and skills on which to build my further education and future career.
