KEVICC Courier Winter 2021 Lockdown

Kennicott Sixth Form Kennicott Alumni Update What was your experience of Kennicott like? Before I arrived at Kennicott I had been struggling with feeling academically inspired and motivated, but the teachers at Kennicott were so brilliant and engaging I began enjoying learning more than I had done for years. I developed great relationships with my teachers, who always had their doors open to listen to any issues I encountered. Without their support I would never have been able to achieve the grades I did and go to my first-choice university. During my time at the sixth form I also did brilliant things outside of my A-levels. I was able to get work experience and host a show on the local radio station, which was suggested to me by the sixth form. I also self-published a poetry anthology while at Kennicott as part of one of my courses, which has been invaluable to me doing Creative Writing at University and joining my University’s publishing society. Kennicott was the best sixth form experience I could have had, both encouraging me in my academic goals and my personal, creative goals. How did you prepare for uni/how were you supported through the application process? I found the application process relatively easy, as easy as UCAS can ever really be! I felt we were given huge amounts of support in the process of choosing and applying to courses, there were lots of resources available. I was given a lot of support when it came to writing my personal statement, multiple members of staff talked to me about writing it and proofread it for me. Compared to the horror stories I’ve heard at University I had a great experience applying! What inspired you to study your chosen course? I always knew I wanted to study Literature at University and my English teachers at Kennicott kept me on track and passionate throughout my A-levels. My love of American Literature in particular comes fromboth the literature I enjoy readingandmy fascinationwithAmericanculture. Duringmy English Literature A-level I was encouraged to lean into that lovewhenwritingmycoursework,whichabsolutelyconfirmed to me that it was what I wanted to study at University. As for the Creative Writing part of my course, I actually changed my specific course to include Creative Writing after I had arrived at the university. I never would have had the confidence to pursue Creative Writing without my time at Kennicott, where I was encouraged in my creativity every step of the way. It helped that I had a self-published anthology of my poetry when I approached the University about tweaking my course, for sure! How are you finding uni life and would you have any advice for younger students aspiring to go to uni? Uni life is everything I hoped it would be! I’m involved in publishing, radio presenting and other societies and I’ve made some amazing friends in the last year. My advice to future students is that you should pick something you love, and make sure that whatever Uni you’re interested in has societies and clubs that you’re passionate about as well. Also don’t stress about academic perfection, universities like passionate and well-rounded students not perfect ones! Abigail Green Class of 2019 Page 26