During her time at Arnewood, Mara was awarded the national “Salters Advanced Chemistry Prize 2012” for her work on “Making and analysing crystals” as part of her A-level research. Mara then moved to Imperial College in 2012 where she made the Dean’s List in every year of her BEng degree. She then topped of her undergraduate years by receiving the award for the best BEng thesis project in Bioengineering as a member of the Almquist Lab, along with receiving the Department’s 2015 Centenary Prize. Mara then received an EPSRC PhD Scholarship through the Department of Bioengineering to continue her research into manipulating epigenetics using nanotechnology-based strategies as an approach to healing diabetic ulcers.
My time at Arnewood holds many positive memories, although I was only there for two years; joining for sixth form from Priestlands. I loved the feel of the smaller Sixth form as opposed to a large college, where teachers knew me and were able to support me and my peers more individually and help us achieve our best. I received A* in all my A Levels (maths, chemistry, biology) and my EPQ, and an A in my German AS Level, and felt that I was pushed to succeed by all my teachers in all those subjects. I was also very well supported during the process of my medical school application. Prior to my interviews, the school arranged two sets of mock interviews for me and the other two students applying for medicine, with a doctor and ex-staff members, which was invaluable. Despite not having studied at The Arnewood School, I was honoured to be selected as Head Girl, which I consider a true privilege.
Since finishing Arnewood I have had the opportunity to work on some cutting edge technology while fulfilling several different engineering roles and project management responsibilities. From conducting research on biological exposure modelling of RF radiation to the development of submarine combat systems and deployable networks for the RAF. I have found that the underpinning knowledge I learned at Arnewood really helped to set me up for further studies and a career path in engineering.
“The teaching and support at Arnewood helped me to finish Sixth Form with A*AA which set me in good stead to pursue a career in the competitive legal field. After completing an industry placement year during my law LLB undergraduate degree, I am pleased to have secured a training contract with a London-based law firm and will begin my career as a solicitor after completing the Legal Practice Course. I have maintained a connection with Arnewood and my A-level law and psychology teacher, Mrs Sheppard, since leaving Arnewood and was so excited to share my training contract news!”
Since leaving The Arnewood sixthform in 2017, I have completed a Costume BA Honours degree. I was inspired to choose this course through the help and support of my Art based teachers. Through out my degree, I found by taking part in teaching and charity based activities that teaching was the path I would love to take. Due to this change of heart, I have since started my PGCE year as an Art teacher to be completed in July. Another reason for wanting to become a secondary school teacher was the dedication and support that my A Level teachers gave me, which has led me to want to help other students. Thank you so much for everything you have done to help me get to where I am.
“I really enjoyed my time at the Arnewood Sixthform. Having such supportive teachers and small classes definitely made the jump from GCSE to Alevel a lot smoother. The common room had a friendly feel to it and it was really nice to have more independence than in lower school! I studied Philsophy, Religion and Ethics, English Literature, Psychology, Maths AS and EPQ. I finished with grades I was proud of and have gone on to study Philosophy at the University of Birmingham! The Sixthform supported me in my university application and helped me to continue onto further study at degree level.”
