Peter Hall
Peter’s Advanced Level results were absolutely outstanding. He got A*s in History, English Literature, Politics and Extended Project as well as an AS Level in Music Technology and an additional A Level in Critical Thinking. He hopes to eventually become a journalist and is now at Liverpool University studying English and History.
Peter took a full part in College life and particularly enjoyed the Model United Nations Conference at Birmingham where he represented the United States and won an award for being the best dressed delegate!
Commenting on his time at QE, Peter says:
"The work at QE is challenging. There is more independence and more independent study than at school and you’ve got to be organised. I valued the teaching and support of staff, particularly the planning and help with university applications. My advice to prospective students is to make sure your subjects are balanced in terms of exams and coursework and to use your time well in College. Make new friends, enjoy the social side of QE but use your study time in College productively."
Sophie Craggs
Sophie has just left QE with excellent A Level results in Politics, Law, Graphics and AS Levels in Citizenship and Psychology. She is now enjoying a gap year before going on to university to read Law. Sophie recommends QE to others and feels that the excellent teaching and support from staff at QE made a real difference to her. She also thoroughly enjoyed sport at College and the social life!
Sophie comments:
"There’s so much on offer and it’s good to get involved as much as possible. I loved being part of the girls’ rugby team and had two brilliant weekends at the universities of Bath and Nottingham representing QE and the North East in the British Colleges’ Sport Championships. I also played football for the College and took part in the mock elections before the General Election. Being a student at QE is special. You have fun, make new friends, have great teachers and, if you work hard, get great results."
Hannah Johnson
Hannah left College in summer 2010 and has just gone into her second year at Sheffield Hallam University where she is studying History. At QE she took History, Applied ICT and English Literature at A Level and also gained AS Levels in General Studies and Film Studies.
A highlight of her time at College – and a very moving experience - was taking part in the Lessons from Auschwitz programme where she visited the infamous Nazi concentration camp in Poland with young people from all over the UK.
Hannah enjoyed studying at QE and feels that she was well prepared for university. She says:
"QE was a great experience. I did so much, learned so much and benefitted from the atmosphere. The relationship between students and staff is relaxed but purposeful. Lessons are interesting and you learn to be independent, ready for the next stage in your life. There are high expectations of students and, if you want to be successful at QE, my advice is make the most of all opportunities, attend all lessons, be punctual and revise hard for exams."
Matthew Johnson
A Level Geology, Biology, Chemistry and AS Biology, Science in Society and General Studies were the subjects Matthew chose to take at QE. As well as his academic studies, Matthew got involved in other activities such as the ‘Breaking Down Barriers’ event which promotes equality and diversity and enjoyed College trips to London. He is now at Hull University reading Environmental Science with a view to working for the Environment Agency.
Matthew says:
"I met lots of people from different backgrounds and had a fantastic two years at QE. There’s a good work ethic and a great atmosphere around the College. There are more study facilities than at school and the work is challenging but highly rewarding. You’ve got to be organised and take advantage of all the opportunities the College has to offer. If you want to be successful you should balance work and play carefully – hard work brings rewards."
Sarah Powell
Sarah left College after three years of study at QE. After completing A Levels in Law, Textiles and Business Studies she progressed to the one year BTEC Course in Foundation Studies in Art & Design. Her ambition is to work in the fashion industry and she is now at Central Lancasher University studying a degree in Fashion Promotion. Sarah really enjoyed her time at QE.
She comments:
"There are loads of nice and unique people at QE. I am so pleased I came to College as there are so many opportunities. I particularly enjoy Textiles and being involved in the Alternative Fashion Show in the Supplementary Programme was exciting – just a fantastic experience!
My advice to new students is that deadlines are there for a reason and they need to realise this and stick to them."
Emily Churlish
"No uniforms, no bells, free lessons, first name terms with teachers. You are treated like an adult and are expected to make the most of your time and study independently."
This is how Emily sums up QE.
At College, Emily studied A Level Archaeology, Psychology and English Language and AS Level History and General Studies. She is now in her second year at Sunderland University reading a degree in Psychology and intends to specialise in Forensic Psychology.
Emily comments:
"QE is a great College. The teachers are supportive and enthusiastic and ensure that you make the most of your time and do the best you can. I enjoyed College and took advantage of the Supplementary Programme to further my interest in Creative Writing. If you want to fulfil your potential, attend fully, take the help on offer and revise for exams early."
Matthew Johnson
Matthew gained excellent A Level results in Chemistry, French, maths and AS Level Spanish. He has just started his third year at Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh studying on their specialist course interpreting and translating French and Spanish. Matthew's ambition is to become an interpreter.
He thoroughly immersed himself in life at QE. He took beginners' German, Russian and Italian in the Supplementary Programme, played sax in the College's Big Band and played the piano at College Open Events, also accompanying the choir.
Michael comments:
"QE is a very exciting College - it was a fun two years. It's such a fab place to study and excellent preparation for university."
Izzy Shahab
Izzy loved her time at QE as it gave her the opportunity to develop as an individual, extend her interests and ideals. She was a member of The Student Association Executive and gained much from being involved in the Model United Nations and The Mock Election Campaign. She also showed a local councillor.
Izzy‘s A Levels were in Politics, English Literature and Maths and she took AS Level Economics in her first year. She is now at Keele University reading International Relations and hopes to have a career in Human Rights within the United Nations.
She says:
"There’s so much choice at QE – choice of courses, choice of activities. I did such a lot and got loads of help. The levels of trust and support, be it exams or university choices and applications, are incredible. One of the highlights of QE was visiting Washington DC with the Politics Department - absolutely amazing!"
Thoryn Haylett
Thoryn is now in his second year at York University studying Physics. His ambition is to ultimately gain a PhD and to become a fully fledged research scientist. His A Levels were in Maths, Physics and Chemistry and he took AS Level Philosophy and General Studies in his first year. He was elected President of The Student Association and played a full part in College life.
Thoryn says:
"QE is more relaxed than school and it's a great learning environment. It’s a place to make new friends and find out who you are but, you’ve got to work hard and be switched on from the start. My advice is to use all the resources available and to make good notes – notes that you can revise from! If you get it right at the beginning, you’ll do well."
Hannah Marshall
Hannah gained so much from College. It changed her life and she took advantage of so many opportunities, making a massive contribution to sport in the College and in the wider community through her voluntary work. She studied A Level PE, Biology and Leisure Studies at QE and is now at Northumbria University doing Applied Sports Science and Coaching. Her aim is to become a PE teacher.
Hannah was one of the first National Ambassadors for British Colleges’ Sport being appointed to the prestigious position after a rigorous selection procedure. She promoted sport in the College and the community, playing football for the College and helping to coach Spraire Lads and Lasses. She gained the Community Sports Leaders’ Award and was heavily involved in the Step into Sport programme, the culmination of which was her being chosen to be a volunteer at the Blind Football World Cup.
Hannah says:
"I’ve had the best time ever! I’ve loved the sport, playing football and volunteering. There’s so much to do but you’ve got to get your head down and work hard in class and outside of lessons. The staff are great and are there to help you. My advice to prospective students is to get involved in as much as possible. The more you put in, the more you gain."
Michael Boylan
Michael has just left College after taking A Level Biology, Chemistry and Physics; in his first year he successfully completed AS Level History and General Studies. He also did First Aid through the Supplementary Programme and ran specialist health care careers groups that brought outside speakers into College. His ambition is to eventually follow in family footsteps and become a doctor. He is now at Glamorgan University studying Medical Sciences.
Michael is full of praise for the College and has no hesitation in recommending it to others. He says:
"QE prepares you for Higher Education and employment and gives you opportunities to develop yourself and become more dynamic. Staff are massively interested in you and so supportive; careers guidance is fantastic in giving you direction and helping you make life-changing decisions. QE has been an excellent experience. However, it’s easy to fall behind with work and it’s so important to seek and heed advice. There are so many experts at QE and you can find help on any topic from a multitude of people. Come to QE – you won’t be disappointed."