George, who is in Year 13 at Longbenton High School, has aspirations to develop his passion for mathematics in the future, “After Year 13 I would like to study mathematics at a top university like Cambridge or Warwick. I would like to obtain an Integrated Master’s degree in order for me to do a PhD and go into research. I like the idea of research as I would like to contribute something to the study of mathematics.” George is currently thriving on the Villiers Park Educational Trust Tyneside STEM Scholars Programme where he is proud to be among the next generation of innovators and thinkers.
The oldest of three siblings, George will be the first person in his family to attend university and his motivation and talent are to be admired. Initially, however, George found school frustrating, “In high school, I was placed in average ability sets for all of my subjects. This was frustrating as I wanted to be in the top sets and I was working hard to achieve that. My hard work in school and at home paid off in my final years as I was moved up into top sets for all of my subjects except maths, ironically. I continued to work hard after being moved up as I wanted to be the best and I was very competitive. I wanted to prove to my teachers and peers that I was ‘smart’ and that I could achieve the very best marks. Despite being held back in maths, due to the top set being too far ahead, I still worked hard to achieve my A* in my maths GCSE.”
George was selected to join the Scholars Programme when he was in Year 12 and his potential was realised by his school, family and Villiers Park. “When I was selected for the Scholars Programme, I was excited but also nervous. I was excited by that fact that I was being given these exclusive opportunities, like the Inspiring Excellence Programme residential course and STEM workshops, and that someone had seen potential in me. This also gave me more confidence in my ability at school as I knew that someone had faith in me to do well. I was also nervous as I didn’t exactly know what being a Scholar entailed and what extra commitments I would have as a result.”
George has noticed an increase in his self-confidence and organisational skills while being on the programme, “I have become better at talking to people and working in groups effectively. I think I have also become more organised and level headed due to the sessions with my Learning Mentor.”
In Year 12, George attended the Mathematics Inspiring Excellence Programme course. The five-day residential, shared with like-minded people and led by inspirational tutors, immersed him in the subject he is passionate about. George believes the course fuelled his curiosity for maths, “I have become more confident in my maths ability due to the Inspiring Excellence Programme and more experienced in giving presentations. I have also become more inquisitive as the course gave me an insight into topics which my A-level does not cover.”
Alongside maths and academia George has many other interests, “Outside school I am a member of a local basketball club called Newcastle East Griffins. I enjoy training and playing competitively on the weekends. I am also a member of the Air Training Corps. As a Cadet Flight Sergeant, I am responsible for running the parade nights and teaching Air Navigation to cadets, which has a high mathematical content. I have taken part in a range of activities like flying, shooting and the Duke of Edinburgh Award.”
For George, being a Scholar enables him, and his peers on the programme, to have the best opportunities. He said, “Studying at a top university gives students the opportunity to fulfil their potential and become leaders in their chosen fields. Villiers Park helps to bridge the gap for students who want to study at university by enhancing vital skills, supporting them with their application and much more. This ensures that capable students are given the best opportunity for a successful future.”
George has recently been chosen as the Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet for Tyne and Wear, holding the rank of Cadet Flight Sergeant. On being honoured with the position, George said, “I was ecstatic when I found out that I was chosen. I was also amazed that I had been chosen out of all the other applicants for such a prestigious role. I am looking forward to getting my No.1 uniform, which only Lord Lieutenants are entitled to wear, at the award ceremony in March 2017.”
