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Issue 29
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 Reigate 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
IAL
ALUMNI SPEC
Alumni sports star, Ethan Pinnock,
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, again this year (see website and BTEC school sixth forms. We’re proud to be a universities.”
For example, over half term our students
even during a pandemic! story on page 5). 89 students stood out as non-selective, inclusive sixth form College,
had the opportunity to participate in He added, “It was obviously a difficult year
virtual sessions in the following areas: being particularly outstanding at A Level, and as these results indicate, our students
On Route: What advice would you for our Upper Sixth and I know some of
Architecture (WS Planning & Architecture), each receiving at least three A grades, continue to achieve at the highest possible
give to students trying to access work our students opted to defer their university
Accountancy (Grant Thornton), STEM with 17 of them receiving three or more level.”
experience?
insight day (Thales), Investment Why is our Alumni A*s.
“The vast majority of our students gained
places until next year. Whatever they
decided, I hope this year’s cohort will keep
Sam Burnett: I’d make sure you have Management (Investment 20/20) and
a good, up-to-date CV for applying for Banking (HSBC). important? Reigate College Principal Nick Clark places at their first choice universities, in touch via the Reigate Alumni, so we can
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
three separate talks with medical
The Aspire Programme is designed to three A*s, said, “Being on the Aspire Zac Carter, who was at Oakwood
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
OR: Is there anything else students NHS paramedic and an interview
at Edinburgh University, which was my Programme was good practice for
could be doing? We’ve recently uploaded interviews with an engineer from Laing Natasha Smith, who was previously
first choice.” uni essay writing. It was easy to make
with Waterman Associates (Engineering O’Rourke. at Reigate School 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
with the Careers pages of e-stream, as We hope all former students will got to know everyone really well in my
considering a STEM or Engineering related Astrophysics. She commented, “Being previously at de Stafford School went to
that’s where they’ll find all the useful consider ‘giving something back’ group.”
career and Investment 20/20 who provide part of the College’s Aspire Programme Queen Mary’s University to study English
recordings of talks and interviews with by joining the College’s Alumni.
access to 42 partner companies in the meant I researched my universities early and European Law added, “The Extended
employers and alumni. See back cover for details about
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?
at Schroders, Fidelity and Willis Towers help.” Charlotte did four A Levels, and
Amy Bartlett, who was at Warwick
SB: Many students are able to arrange Watson. was awarded two A*s and two A grades.
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 University of Law.
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
that’s had over 80,000 lockdown in May and June Literature (A)
views across YouTube, Fighter’s cover and didn’t dream it was “It seemed fitting to celebrate Black
History Month via another ‘virtual’ music 5 Psychology (B), Criminology (C) Applied Human Biology (DS*) Cardiff University, Radiotherapy & Oncology
Facebook and Instagram, has already had going to generate so much video collaboration, since it came at a time 6 Politics (C), Psychology (C) Applied Human Biology (DS*) University of Exeter, History and Politics
another collaboration, a interest.”
cover of Stevie Wonder’s over 80,000 when so many people around the country
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 Surrey Priory HC and Surrey James Academy 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. Horley 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. Bletchingley 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
Force, 3rd in English Championship GC and Surrey Surrey
6 7
Upper Sixth Fine Art students hone Alumni apprenticeship success
their drawing skills
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
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 College helped me organise. The apprenticeship I work with
learning from experienced
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: Warlingham 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
8 consultancy projects.
tasks such as drafting legal
documents.”
9
Alumni NHS heroes
With the world gripped by the Annabel Richardson
pandemic there has never been a more
Previous School: de Stafford Jessica Pinson
important time to consider a career in
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 Higher Education: Psychology, Goldsmiths University of
The NHS is the biggest employer
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
my shift, every day is different and I’ll learn something I’m very proud of the NHS and the service it provides and
the health service in England devote
new. Each day brings a new challenge, a new highlight I love being part of it. Everyone who works in the NHS is so
their working lives to caring for others.
and some lows, but above everything the reward is caring and hardworking. I love the variety of my role and the
On route speaks to some of our Alumni Clementine Snelling amazing colleagues I get to work with. I really wouldn’t want to work anywhere else.
being able to make a connection to a sick child and their
NHS heroes. families and to make a difference. If you can show care, Previous School: Reigate
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), Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust
Durham University and the children themselves, but also
University College London Hospitals
Newcastle Medical School their families, schools and other I chose the Ambulance Service
NHS Trust
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
but highly rewarding job. I could never
James Milner
Previous School: Reigate
that will set you up for a lifetime of Previous School: Ashcombe
imagine doing anything else!
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
Previous School: Reigate Paramedic Science, St
Therapy, Cardiff University
George’s University
Reigate College: 2014-2016 Biology, Psychology, Currently: Occupational Therapist (OT), Aneurin Bevan
Geography Currently: Paramedic,
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 Croydon 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 was a refreshing change from my academic
What has been the highlight of your
football career so far and what have you
Believe in yourself and be positive. Put
in the hard work but have a Plan B, so
Ethan played youth football for Millwall and Dulwich Hamlet FC, before progressing courses. that if you succumb to injury you’ll have
found challenging?
to the senior team at Dulwich Hamlet FC. During his seven years he made more What did you do after College? something to fall back on.
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 I really hope to get promoted to the
in a match versus Estonia. He played for a season at Forest Green Rovers FC helping
and graduated in 2015 with a 2:1. I’d has been great. It’s a young team and there’s Premier League with Brentford. It was
secure the club a promotion to the EFL, before moving to Championship team
intended to train as a PE teacher or go a wonderful team spirit. disappointing to lose to Fulham in the
Barnsley FC in 2017.
into Sports Coaching, but then I signed as Championship play-off final last season
Now I’ve got a family of my own, life has
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.
joined the College with low GCSE grades, but in Dorking.
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 University of Surrey.
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 I didn’t do very well in my GCSEs
Level 3 Subjects (and a person. I’d set my heart on a career
that learning could be but coming to College gave me a fresh
results): in Law but after my GCSE results I
enjoyable. start and a chance to turn things around.
BTEC Double Business didn’t think it would be possible. At
(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
Christian Bright joined Reigate College Programme after being at Woodcote School. He made
My extra year at College gave
from the Royal Alexandra and Albert School. a remarkable turnaround, gaining all Distinction*s for
me a chance to get back on track
He started at Reigate on the Level 2 Intermediate his Level 3 courses and was also awarded the coveted
and achieve the grades I needed
Programme, gaining Distinctions for his Level 2 Principal’s Award for Law.
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
Level 3 Subjects (and results): dream of going to university, but
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
Science at the University of Surrey and hopes to Tip for success: Get organised, draft
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
successful.
14 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 alumni@reigate.ac.uk
in a wide range of areas.
Reigate Sixth Form College
Castlefield Road
Reigate
Surrey RH2 0SD
Tel 01737 221118
Fax 01737 222657
enquiries@reigate.ac.uk
16 Join us on Facebook and Follow us on Instagram www.reigate.ac.uk
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