From a Level 2 course to A-Levels
Current AS Levels student Sarah Chantry is studying Maths, Biology and Chemistry but her commitment to studying doesn’t stop there. Before joining the Sixth Form Centre at Chesterfield College she also completed a Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Course alongside her science GCSEs so she could apply for her desired A-Levels. Demonstrating excellent commitment to her studies, her childcare tutor saw Sarah’s academic ability and put her forward for A-Levels. An impressive approach to learning, but again Sarah’s thirst to learn doesn’t stop there!
University to study Veterinary Medicine
After Sarah finishes her A-Levels she wants to go to university to study veterinary medicine. She has started looking at universities, attending webinars and looking at the 10 veterinary schools across the country. So what kind of experience would help Sarah prepare for a life working with animals? How about life on the farm?
Sarah took it upon herself to organise 8 weeks of volunteering over the summer
- 2 weeks on a pig farm
- 1 week at a stables
- 1 week at a sheep dairy
- 2 weeks in a vet clinic
- 2 weeks at a zoo
Plus volunteering locally in Sheffield and managing her part-time job. Seriously, Sarah has some impressive energy levels!
At the time of writing, Sarah is undertaking two weeks of work experience on a farm in Wiltshire. She is getting up early to milk cows and to help weigh and feed the pigs ready for the birthing season. Sarah’s work experience doesn’t end here, she will be doing 6 more weeks of volunteering after her two weeks on the farm to get as much experience of the industry as possible before starting her A-Levels in September.
Sarah explains, “I’ve done a week so far and I still have a week to go. I really like just being outdoors and getting plenty of exercise, rather than being stuck in the house studying all the time. Helping out with the milking has been my favourite experience so far. The pigs are great too, they are so intelligent. We have been feeding the pigs, weighing them and scanning the sows, it’s like a handheld ultrasound, pretty cool.
“I’m living on the farm for a week as the placement is 2.5 hours away from home. They have made me feel so welcome by letting me stay in a cottage, eating organic food at the pub three times a day for free which is amazing of them.”
“It’s really hard to find pig farm placements, so I hope to get back in contact with the farm whilst studying at university. Everyone is so nice and I love how passionate they are about animal welfare and that all the animals are raised organically and outside.”
Sarah told us that the owner of the farm is Helen Browning, the Chairman of the Soil Association. This is a great additional experience for Sarah as she can put her biodiversity knowledge into practice and learn further skills and knowledge from such an expert in the field (literally!). Sarah explains, “Helen is currently experimenting on the farm to see how she can increase bio-diversity. She is trialling agroforestry in a pasture, using trees to give cows shade. The trees absorb methane and nitrogen from the cows.”
What are your plans after college?
Sarah says, “To be honest I don’t know where I want to go with my career exactly. I am leaning towards conservation for sick and injured wildlife or vet skills to conserve wildlife, working in a small practice or farm vet. This work experience has certainly cemented my choice to work with animals however and as I’m really interested in science, veterinary medicine combines both topics.”
What has been the best thing about college this year?
Sarah explains, “Having such expert tutors in their subject, my Chemistry tutor has a PHD, my Biology tutor worked in research for years and my Maths tutor went to study Maths at university. You can ask questions out of pure curiosity and they can give you informed answers with their extra expertise in that area.”
Have you felt supported during lockdown?
“Absolutely. The college has still maintained good communications through Microsoft Teams with the tutor which has allowed us to get engaged. My APS tutor Adam has been a reference for me which allowed me to get my part-time job. He is also helping with our personal statements and reading drafts which is fantastic support.”
What is your advice for people coming to our sixth form next year?
“Start revising from day one. More generally, if you are not sure what to do, it doesn’t matter if you spend four years doing vocational courses and spend more time trying to figure it out. Don’t rush into anything, it’s a big decision that impacts your whole life. It is better to take more time.”
We are so impressed with Sarah’s ambition, drive and commitment to what interests her. She is going to have such a busy summer travelling the country but what an amazing experience and opportunity. Her CV is going to look great! She is certainly ‘sowing the seeds’ of her future success! (Sorry).
