Where to next, Year 11?

With their GCSEs almost over, our Year 11 pupils are looking ahead to life after Priory – obviously tinged with sadness at going but excitement at the next stage of their education.

We spoke to a number of our pupils about their immediate plans for the future.

Jake L has his career mapped out.

“I want to go to the GCHQ – the Government Communications Headquarters. In short, it’s ethical hacking for the Government!

“I have always had a thing for computers and I want to help people and keep information safe.

“I am going to Cardinal Newman College next to study A-Levels in Computer Science, Maths and Physics and then maybe apply for a degree apprenticeship at GCHQ.

“I have enjoyed my time at Priory. I did the Astronomy GCSE last year and got a Grade 5 and that was good as it’s an extra qualification to do.”

Chloe aims to go to Runshaw College and study A-Levels in Biology, History and Criminology.

“When I was younger, I wanted to be an actress and I have been in all the school shows, including Matilda, Mary Poppins, Legally Blonde and High School Musical.

“I have enjoyed having the chance to be part of these in Priory – they have all been good productions.

“I am not sure about an actress now so I am thinking about becoming a forensic scientist. I love all the true crime documentaries.”

Ronnie said: “I want to become a joiner and am currently looking for an apprenticeship. I made a bench with my dad last year and it’s something I enjoyed.

“I came to Priory in Year 8. I like all the teachers and have taken part in extra-curricular activities such as football.”

Jake S fancies making his millions as a property developer.

“My uncle does it and so it’s something I want to do but I know you have to start with some money to build your business and I am still working on that!

“I am going to Newman College to study Maths, Economics and another A-Level which I haven’t decided on yet as it depends on my GCSE results.

“I have had a good time at Priory, made lots of friends and the teachers have been good.”

Talented musician and artist Agnes will pursue a career in science.

Agnes plays the piano to a high level, taking part in UK competitions, and is a fantastic artist, recently designing Priory’s new-look House logos (more to come on this in a later newsletter).

However she loves chemistry the best – and that’s where she feels her future lies.

“I have thought about becoming a doctor but it’s very competitive and chemistry is my favourite subject so I think I will be better suited to a laboratory job.

“I am going to LUSoM (Lancaster University School of Mathematics) to study Maths, Further Maths, Biology and Chemistry A-Levels. I wanted to do Geography as well but they said five was too much!

“I have enjoyed Priory. The facilities are brand new and that’s why I chose to come here. I have also had a lot of opportunities to develop my music, I have played the piano in assemblies, and also entered art competitions.”

Chittara is keen on engineering but is also thinking about a career in quantum mechanics.

“I have also thought about quant training which is using maths algorithms to find out how trading works. There are a few options – it’s the same journey to a point and then I can choose which way I want to go.

“I will either go to LUSoM or Newman College and study four A-Levels – Maths, Physics and then either Economics, Chemistry or Further Maths, depending where I go to.”

Thomas aims to be an engineer but is still deciding which route to follow.

He said: “I may go to Preston College and do automotive engineering or Runshaw College and do electrical engineering.

“I like to know how things work, I have always had a curious mind.

“My twin brother Archie is here too and he is going to Cardinal Newman to do Law or Business – we are very different people.

“My grandad and step-dad were engineers so I think that’s why I want to go that way.

“The teachers have been helpful at Priory and it’s a good environment, I have made loads of friends.”

Hannah will go to Runshaw College to study Psychology, Criminology and Business.

She said: “I want to be a psychologist as I like to look into people’s minds and help them understand themselves.

“I have liked the teachers at Priory. Mr Bedford has helped me in Chemistry and Ms Beswick has been helpful too.”

Will can see pound signs!

“I am going into joinery at Preston College, then I want to build my own houses and open up my own business. I want to be a millionaire by the time I am 30!”

The last day for Year 11 is on Monday, 16 June.

After their last core subject exam in the morning, pupils will head out to the Priory gardens for shirt-signing followed by an awards presentation in the Assembly Hall.  Pupils will leave immediately after the presentation, at approx 12.45 pm.