Past pupils return to share valuable advice

Past pupils returned to Ripon Grammar School to offer our sixth form students words of wisdom, advice and reassurance

PAST pupils returned to Ripon Grammar School to give current students the benefit of their advice on life after leaving school.

From volunteering and working in hospitality to inter-railing and travelling in South-East Asia, many students were keen to share their experiences of taking a gap year.

Others were able to give advice on a wide range of university courses, from aerospace engineering to astrophysics, biological science, chemical engineering, dentistry, economics, history, international relations, languages, law, maths, mechanical engineering, medicine, philosophy, psychology, theology, theoretical physics, politics and veterinary medicine.

Topics covered included everything from living away from home, how to pick and apply for the right university course, what to do if you don’t get the results you expect, managing budgets and entering the world of work.

One of the key messages to those students struggling to decide what they want to do following A-levels was not to put yourself under too much pressure: “It’s OK not to have a set plan yet, not everyone has it all figured out,” said Ruby Hall, who is working at Grantley Hall and Fountains Abbey before travelling in her gap year.

Ruby Chan, studying economics and finance at the University of Bristol, advised students to consider taking a gap year: “I travelled in Southeast Asia and Australia. You

get to see things and learn general life skills which you wouldn’t if you went straight to university, you could do it after university, but that time may never come.”

Alex Gilhooley, studying theoretical physics at the University of York, agreed: “I wish I’d taken a gap year, it felt like there was such a push to go straight to university. It would have been better to have a breather and use the opportunity to develop as a person.”

Isobel Bean who is earning money through four jobs – working as a bar tender, animal trainer, groom and in a village shop – to earn money during her gap year before taking up her place to study zoology at Newcastle University, advised students not to worry: “They will work it out. People worry they will drift during a gap year, but you regulate yourself.”

Alice Simmerson, studying politics, philosophy and economics at the University of Oxford, said: “My advice is to keep pursuing the things you are excited about, choose the university and courses that excite you.”

Grace Ströer-Jarvis, studying physics at the University of St Andrews, said: “Studying at university is nothing like studying at A-level. It is different, the understanding is different. To spend all day thinking about physics and maths is all-consuming, make sure you have solid hobbies too.”

Head of sixth form Terry Fell said he was delighted to welcome so many wonderful former pupils back to school to catch up on their exciting news and experiences of life beyond school.

“Particularly kind was their willingness to share that experience and advice with our lower sixth formers who are on the threshold of starting to form their own plans and aspirations beyond school, and our upper sixth formers who are now just months away from following in their footsteps.”

Other top tips from our past pupils:

“When it comes to results, don’t worry too much. Many universities accept a lower grade.”

“If you are in a flat at university, stay in the kitchen a for a fair amount of time on the first day as this is where people will be coming and going. You’ll also probably make friends at sports clubs and societies as opposed to lectures, so make sure you sign up for as many as are reasonable.”

“Keep in touch with friends, you’ll feel lonely to begin with.”

“Try something new. Many university clubs have really high class coaches, including those who have coached at Olympic level.”

“Revise as early as possible as it takes the pressure off.”

“Look at all your available options and focus on what you want, not what other people want for you.”

“Start preparing for medical school interviews early, as soon as you send off your application. Balance your time effectively as you don’t want to burn out – applying to medicine can be very stressful.”

“Start doing extra-curricular and super-curricular activities early to make a competitive application, so you can focus more on A-levels in upper sixth.”

“Gap years are good for earning lots of money before starting university, which is very helpful. Get your student finance sorted out online as soon as possible and update your CV, which will save you a headache later.”

“Revise hard for your A-levels and don’t just assume you will get the grades to go to university.”