22nd August 2022
A-level Results Day at St Brendan's Sixth Form College was such an exciting day. A positive buzz lit up our College grounds as parents/carers, teachers and support staff celebrated and supported all those receiving results. We enjoyed every minute of hearing about the grades our students have achieved along with finding out what their next steps are. We spoke to a group of students who will be studying within the medical industry and it was a joy to hear how the teachers and facilities at St Brendan’s have helped them level up to pursue their passion within medicine! With a record number of students going on to study Medicine, Mental Health Nursing, Children and Adult Nursing, Radiography and Physiotherapy, here is what some had to say about how they found their love for medicine.
Medical Students:
Damaris studied Chemistry, Biology, Psychology along with an EPQ. Damaris attained four As at St Brendan’s and is now going on to study Medicine and Surgery at Lancaster University.
“I have been looking at studying Medicine for as long as I can remember, it has always been an aspiration of mine. I have always enjoyed helping others and believed that I can use my teamwork and leadership skills within a career in medicine. Medicine at Lancaster University which is a 5-year course in which students learn through problem-based learning. The course also includes early clinical placements with patient contact. The staff at St Brendan's were really helpful throughout my application process to study Medicine. I received lots of support from the BioMed department in writing my personal statement, which helped me to receive 3 interview offers.”
Helena (left) studied Biology, Chemistry and Geography. Helena achieved two A*s and an A at St Brendan’s and will be studying Medicine at Sheffield University. Eloise (right) studied Chemistry, Biology and Maths and will be studying Medicine at Birmingham University after receiving three A*s at St Brendan’s.
Helena: “I initially wanted to be a vet but after studying at St Brendan’s and joining the BioMed society, I realised how much I love working with people. Medicine combines my love of science and empathy, whilst also making a huge difference to patients’ lives that will give me a sense of fulfilment every day. At the moment, I’m interested in working in general practice because I’m an advocate for reducing disparity and I’d love to be people’s first point of contact with the health service. I received so much support from the staff at St Brendan’s. Every one of my subject teachers in both year 12 and 13 contributed to me becoming a more well-rounded person and some even went out of their way to assist with my medical application. My Biology teacher met with me weekly during interview season to boost my confidence and helped with my personal statement – I don’t believe I would have an offer without her. The leader of the BioMed society organised for an intensive-care doctor to do a mock interview with us, something that gave me so much confidence at a time when I almost gave up on my application.
Eloise: “I wanted a career that was centred around people and the patient-centred approach in medicine as well as the ability to make an impact on someone’s life no matter how small made it the ideal career for me. I have been particularly interested in surgery so I am looking forward to learning more about this area of medicine. I will be studying at Birmingham Medical School, the years 1 and 2 primarily consist of learning about the structure and function of the human body. This includes the effect of disease, medical treatments, and anatomy via prosecution. It also has GP placements from as early on as week 2 as one of the most important skills of a doctor is being able to communicate effectively with patients not just learning the knowledge. I started a medical society at college, one of the biology teachers helped me to do this providing me with ideas and allowing me to use his classroom. My chemistry teacher read through my personal statement to add improvements in her own time. These also helped us with applying to medicine whilst gaining interview experience. Also my biology teacher was constantly supporting me by asking about my application, providing interview and personal statement help even with her very busy timetable.”
Oscar studied Biology, Chemistry and English Language. Oscar received his four A*s last week and will be studying Medicine at Southampton University.
“I wanted to further my education in medicine after seeing the impacts it can have on people through volunteering and work experience and meeting so many inspiring professionals in the field. The course begins with foundational knowledge of anatomy and physiology, then gradual building in of placements with research projects, intercalating, home and abroad electives and an assistantship at the end of the 5th year after final exams. There are too many people to thank, without whom I definitely wouldn't be in this position including all my teachers and the BioMed team from St Brendan's who have been super supportive throughout and helped create lots of opportunities for us - I can't thank them enough.”
