Alumni
Class of 2020
Lucy Allely
Subjects studied at Sixth Form:
English Literature, History, Biology
Post Sixth Form next steps:
Studying English at the University of Northampton
What are you doing now?
I am reading books ready for when university starts, baking and exercising more! Then reading some more! I had a part time summer job as a tearoom assistant at Boughton House over the Easter and August break.
An experience from KSA that has helped you?:
Being a school librarian in Year 8 and helping the younger years develop their reading skills during Sixth Form definitely helped boost my confidence of one day becoming a teacher.
Advice for KSA students:
Never be afraid to ask for help, the school was always very understanding and good at listening. When it comes to GCSEs and A Levels start revising earlier rather than later, it saves you from stressing out too much. Lastly, make sure you give yourself time to socialise with friends too.
Annabel Sherratt
Subjects studied at Sixth Form:
English Literature, Psychology, Biology
Post Sixth Form next steps:
Studying Law with Criminology at the University of Lincoln
What are you doing now?
During lockdown I have completed courses related to my university course on platforms such as futurelean to help me get a head start. Also I've practised playing the piano and coding to develop those skills.
An experience from KSA that has helped you?:
The end of Year 12 when we were given taster sessions for particular courses. I attended the law one which I enjoyed, confirming my choice to study Law.
Advice for KSA students:
Keep going over work that you have completed to solidify what you've learned and if you are struggling don't be afraid to ask for help.
Charles Norsworthy
Subjects studied at Sixth Form:
History, Biology, Business
Post Sixth Form next steps:
I am going to Lincoln University on an unconditional offer to study Accounting and Finance BA Honours for 3 years and an additional placement year.
What are you doing now?
I am currently in quarantine and plan on doing some reading into the course material for my uni course to ensure a comfortable start when my course begins.
There are online courses that I can take to give me extra qualifications for my Accounting course that I plan on doing over the quarantine period, but I have yet to start.
An experience from KSA that has helped you?:
There’s never really been one moment but a gradual progression and change in personality for me, I was rather the shy student at the beginning of school and still was to a degree by the end of year 11, it was only really towards the end of year 12 and throughout year 13 that I really developed my personality and increased my confidence through friendship groups and general progression of responsibility from work over the years.
I could just as easily say that help was from the staff and teachers at the school over the years teaching life skills and being there for students when needed.
Advice for KSA students:
Any advice that I would give to students would be to not be scared to reach out to others if in need, teachers, or friends. I would also encourage students to get involved with extracurricular activities, especially if entering sixth form, a good recommendation is Mrs Farrar’s fitness sessions after school, I thoroughly enjoyed them and made some good memories in the process
Amrita Bains
Subjects studied at Sixth Form:
Health and Social Care, Computer Science, Media Studies
Post Sixth Form next steps:
West Midlands Ambulance Service Call Assessor
What are you doing now?
During the extended break I have taken up a new hobby of cycling. As well as this I have been cooking new foods, baking desserts and reading books. I also completed my Call Assessor training and have begun working for the West Midlands Ambulance Service.
An experience from KSA that has helped you?:
Having the opportunity to attend the careers fair was beneficial as it helped me decide what career path I wanted to choose.
Advice for KSA students:
Make use of the support that is available to you and leave plenty of time for revision.
Charlie Noble
Subjects studied at Sixth Form:
Business Studies, English Literature, Fashion and Textiles
Post Sixth Form next steps:
Studying Business Management at Buckinghamshire New University
What are you doing now?
During the extended break I am researching my course more thoroughly and starting the reading for my coursework. In the summer I plan to get back into horse riding.
An experience from KSA that has helped you?:
I completed my work experience in school. This helped me in many different ways but also significantly helped me choose the university course I am doing. KSA has also given me many other opportunities, for example going on international trips and participating in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award.
Advice for KSA students:
Take advantage of the opportunities given to you.
Karina Deptula
Subjects studied at Sixth Form:
English Literature, Psychology, Chemistry, Polish
Post Sixth Form next steps:
I have been offered a position at Barclays on their Technology Degree Apprenticeship Programme
What are you doing now?
My plans for the summer were to travel around Europe visiting family as well as creating as many memories as possible with my friends before we all go our separate ways. Lockdown has given me the opportunity to take a much needed break from everything as well as pick up extra shifts at Tesco and doing all the things I have been putting off, such as reading, organising and decorating. Once restrictions have lifted I still plan to make the most of the time I will have with friends.
An experience from KSA that has helped you?:
The best experience was that no matter how much I doubted myself and broke down everyone had faith in me and helped me to get where I wanted to be.
Advice for KSA students:
Be prepared for it to get tough, but with a little help and determination it will all be worth it in the end.
Leon Mal
Subjects studied at Sixth Form:
Computer Science, Business and Media
Post Sixth Form next steps:
De Montfort University studying Business Management
What are you doing now?
I am using my extended break to develop my project for computer science. I have also been learning how to code in more depth in order to achieve a higher grade in my project. My plans over the summer were to find work experience that would give me an idea of what I will be doing after I get my degree. Meanwhile I was to continue working at Morrisons and build my customer service skills further.
An experience from KSA that has helped you?:
Throughout KSA I have experienced many different situations that have helped me. One of these was socialising and communicating with other people that you may not be familiar with. For example at KSA I have worked in groups with people I do not know as well and I have been able to build my skills and work together as a group.
Advice for KSA students:
Although it may be hard to choose a career path it's essential to have a plan and know what you are working towards because, without this, you will struggle to stay motivated.
Class of 2019
Amarjot Hayer
Subjects studied at Sixth Form:
Maths, Physics, Chemistry
Post Sixth Form next steps:
Heading to Imperial College London to study mechanical engineering
What revision techniques did you use?
Lots of past papers in timed conditions.
An experience from KSA that has helped you:
My summer in Kenya on the CAMPs trip was a highlight and taught me lots of life skills. Also, the time teachers spend helping you when you need it.
Advice for KSA students:
Work hard every day.
Chloe Whysall
Subjects studied at Sixth Form
English Literature, Media, Psychology
What are you doing now:
I am joining the Navy and have my entrance exams in October. While I wait to complete them, I will be working.
An experience from KSA that has helped you:
Having the opportunity to be Head Girl meant that I was challenged to talk in front of others and improve my confidence. Also building strong relationships with staff and peers.
What revision techniques did you use?
Revision cards; mindmaps; past papers; asking teachers for help, even if you think the question is small.
Advice for KSA students:
Revise more than you think; don’t be afraid to ask for help; make sure you are certain about what you want to do next – make sure it’s right for you.
Tom Leversha
Subjects studied at Sixth Form:
Maths, Physics, Chemistry
Post Sixth Form next steps:
University of Leicester to study Astrophysics
What revision techniques did you use?
Flash cards and lots of past questions.
Advice for KSA students:
Do lots of exam questions and ask lots of questions.
Josh Pegler
Subjects studied at Sixth Form:
Media, Drama, History
Post Sixth Form next steps:
University of Nottingham to study American Studies and History
What revision techniques did you use?
Revision timetable, revision cards, timed exam practise.
An experience from KSA that has helped you:
I will miss how together the academy is and how supportive the members of staff are.
Advice for KSA students:
Start revising early!
Josh Handford
Subjects studied at Sixth Form:
Maths, Chemistry, Physics
Post Sixth Form next steps:
Swansea University to study Chemical Engineering
What revision techniques did you use?
Lots of past papers.
An experience from KSA that has helped you:
I can’t just pick one – the whole experience has been great.
Advice for KSA students:
Print out past papers and keep coming back to the questions you get wrong.
Annastacia Short
Subjects studied at Sixth Form:
PE, Psychology, Business
Post Sixth Form next steps:
University of Loughborough to study Sport and Exercise Science
Highlights of being at KSA:
My highlights are all linked to friends – spending time with them and being with them all the time.
Advice for KSA students:
Revise earlier!
Beth Allan
Subjects studied at Sixth Form:
Biology, Chemistry, PE
Post Sixth Form next steps:
I will begin my Veterinarian course in April at the University of Nottingham
What revision techniques did you use?
A combination of mind maps, revision cards, past papers and YouTube videos all helped me to prepare for my exams.
Highlights of being at KSA:
I have made lots of good friends at KSA and will miss the teachers and the support they gave me; the school has a lovely atmosphere.
Advice for KSA students:
My advice to students studying their A Levels next year would be to put the work in early on and don’t stress!
Ishan Tailor
Subjects studied at Sixth Form:
Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Further Maths
Post Sixth Form next steps:
I will be starting at University of Southampton in September studying Aeronautics and Astronautics
What revision techniques did you use?
I mostly completed lots of past papers but I also worked with friends to complete notes and challenge each other.
Advice for KSA students:
A Levels need you to do more work than you first think. If you have time – you need to do more work!
Class of 2018
Sam Blackman - Liberal Arts curriculum at Harvard
Subjects studied at Sixth Form:
Chemistry, Physics, Maths Further Maths
Additional subjects - Further Maths (AS, Self-taught), Economics (AS, Self-taught Macro)
Post Sixth Form next steps:
Harvard, Major undecided (Possibly Developmental and Regenerative Biology, or English)
What are you doing now:
I am at Harvard, currently studying the Liberal arts curriculum. I am hoping to be involved in KSA things still and work on writing short films in my spare time.
An experience from KSA that has helped you:
Overloading. I wouldn't recommend it. Before I did it myself I thought I'd be fine, I wasn't, I'm learning from it still even now.
Advice for KSA students:
Ask for help, listen to advice, the staff are there to help.
Also do things you love as much as you can, don't let it rule your life, but you deserve to be happy, even when you're working hard.
Mohammed Zannatun Naim Sheikh - Physics Degree
Subjects studied at Sixth Form
Physics, Chemistry, Maths, Further Maths, Italian
What are you doing now:
Masters of Physics - Durham University
An experience from KSA that has helped you:
Interacting with people in a variety of situations, which helped me build up confidence and improve my ability to communicate effectively.
Advice for KSA students:
1. Talk to the staff. Be nice to them. They are what makes this academy such a nice working environment.
2. Teachers are there to help you, not stop you from improving. Never underestimate the wealth of experience that they have, and what they can help you with. They are people, like all of us. Do not fear to approach them and ask them questions.
3. Understand that once you have learnt something, that is not the end of the road. Think about it this way. Once you open a door, many more become available for you to open. This doesn't only apply to education, but also most things you'll encounter out there. So, make sure to open those doors.
4. Studying is fundamental. But what is even more important is the will to learn. Do remember, studying and learning are different in many more ways than you can possibly imagine. Once you understand that, you will unlock your full potential.
5. Enjoy your time at the academy.
Mollie Evans - Apprenticeship
Subjects studied at Sixth Form:
Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics
Post Sixth Form next steps:
Quantity Surveying Apprenticeship - part time study at London South Bank University
What are you doing now:
I am currently working at Equals Consulting, a cost consultancy firm based in London. I attend university once a week in order to obtain my RICS chartered surveyor status.
An experience from KSA that has helped you:
The support of all the staff at KSA really helped develop my confidence and communication skills. The amount of interview preparation was really beneficial to my progress.
Advice for KSA students:
Make sure you explore all of your options carefully. Think about the subjects you are passionate about but be mindful of your future goals.
Danny Clark - Police
Subjects studied at Sixth Form:
Sociology, Media Studies, English Language
Post Sixth Form next steps:
I joined Northamptonshire Police Special Constabulary
What are you doing now:
I am working for the NHS as Admin and Clerical staff 5 days a week as my day job, and working as a Police Constable in my spare time until applications for a full time position opens up.
An experience from KSA that has helped you:
KSA had allowed me to develop myself confidence and helped cement the career path I’ve always wanted to take, every teacher had encouraged me along the way and I couldn’t have asked any more of them.
Advice for KSA students:
As common as it may sound just stick at it, education isn’t for everyone but working hard at KSA will allow you to progress onto something that you really enjoy much more.
The grades I achieved at KSA allowed me to apply and successfully study for the job I’ve always wanted, what you want to gain in the future will eventually come around.
Each test paper and good grade you achieve, even in a subject you don’t always fully enjoy, is a stepping stone to get to where you really want to be in the future. The grades you earn go a long way.
And finally it’s not forever, when people told me that I would miss school I really didn’t believe them, but now after almost a year of being away I would happily go back and re-do 6th form all over again. So enjoy it while you’re there and be respectful to the teachers that want to help you.
Lee Baker - Natural Sciences
Subjects studied at Sixth Form:
Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Further Maths
Post Sixth Form next steps:
University of Durham
What are you doing now:
Degree in Natural Sciences
An experience from KSA that has helped you:
Attending after school sessions allowed me to ask questions that I didn’t get to ask during class, allowing me to get a broader understanding.
Advice for KSA students:
Any experience is good experience, and only through experience will you grow. Give everything a go if you can. It’ll make you into a more wholesome character and give you something to write on your CVs. Don’t make the mistake that I made by not doing that!