Congratulations to Leo, who recently returned to the College to receive his Arkwright Scholar’s badge and certificate from Mrs Stotesbury. Arkwright Engineering Scholarships are awarded to high-calibre 16 year old students through a rigorous selection process during Year 11.
The scheme supports students through the two years of their A levels with a combination of summer courses, financial rewards to nurture engineering interests, and, most importantly, matches the scholars with industrial mentors.
The vocation of the Smallpeice Trust, which runs the scheme, is to encourage and stimulate high-ability pupils to consider Engineering and Technical Design as a career.
Throughout Year 11, Leo worked on a STEM project in Computer Programming for his application. He designed and compiled the alpha version of a rocket launch game, learning valuable C# programming and game developing skills in the process. Leo says that, throughout the process, he learnt a great deal about problem-solving and the tenacity and committed approach required.
Leo was grilled by an interview panel and received the wonderful news last month that he would be awarded a scholarship.
The virtual award ceremony was held online with Sir Julian Young, President of the Institution of Engineering and Technology, addressing scholars in a very inspirational speech on current challenges in the profession and careers aspirations.
Leo studies Maths, Further Maths, Computer Science and Physics at A Level. He intends to apply to Cambridge to study Engineering and specialise in Aerospace Engineering to be able to contribute to Space Exploration. His scholarship is sponsored by RAF Cadets. We can’t wait to see what he is going to do next and wish the best of luck to our current Year 11 Arkwright Nominees, who are hard at work on their project this term.
