Shapwick School

Jessica Rees left Shapwick School’s Sixth Form in July 2009 after completing her National Diploma in Art & Design course with an impressive three distinctions. Jess, who is 18 years of age, is currently studying for a BA (Hons) in Photography at Falmouth University.

Jess initially joined Shapwick Senior from a large comprehensive school in South Wales and found Shapwick offers a more focused and individual approach.

Jess spent three days at College and the remaining two days working at Shapwick. Her National Diploma course was fairly small with 23 fellow students.

Jess flourished in the Sixth Form and found her time with Shapwick staff in the Sixth Form Workroom was very helpful. “I was well supported in the 6th form”. Jess could also use all of the art facilities within Shapwick Senior for her college coursework, such as the dedicated Dark Room.

During her first year at college Jess also gained a grade A for A-level photography which she studied at Shapwick.

The jump from Shapwick Senior to Sixth Form is both exciting and daunting for many students. Jess noticed real changes. “I have spare time, but it is mostly taken up with working on my projects so it’s a good job I enjoy the work so much!”

Jess was a boarder at Greystones House. “I have made some good friendships with the other girls during my time at Shapwick. We enjoy going to the College parties together and help each other with our college work”.

Emma joined Shapwick School as a boarder at the start of Year 9 and progressed through the school becoming a prefect as well as becoming thoroughly positive student.

Emma completed her BTEC National Diploma in Public and Emergency Services in July 2009 and is currently continuing her studies at Bridgwater College to Foundation Degree Level. Her ultimate aim is to join the Army and become either a Troop Commander in logistics support or in Gunnery Artillery Logistics.

“I was born on Guernsey and grew up on the island of Sark which is part of the Channel Islands. When we moved to Sark I guess I became a ‘Sarky’!”

“Sark is a beautiful island in the middle of nowhere. One of the features of the island is that all motor vehicles are banned. Mum was working on horse drawn carriages for the tourists during the season whilst she was expecting me. I was born in November and when the Summer season started again Mum took me out with her. So I guess I have always been at ease around horses and carriages”

“I’ve been a carriage driver for 2 years now and its real responsibility. The carriages weigh up to half a tonne and can carry up to 11 people. The tourists can see over the hedges and see Sark’s beauty.

“If I had to give advice to new college students I would say be ready for lots of work! Try to develop enough confidence to ask questions and ask teachers to repeat stuff or slow down. I’ve done that and I know other students on my course have appreciated it. The use of my ‘Study Buddy’ or my ‘Study Slave’ as I call her is very important.”

“Also I think pupils should know that you get to make friends with lots of people who are on different courses and working at different levels, not just kids on your course.”

“The most enjoyable aspect of the course is definitely the external lecturers who come in and talk to us. I loved meeting the Exmoor Search and Rescue Team and finding out about their work. We also met with Fire and Rescue services. On one occasion I took part in a Road Traffic Collision (RTC) simulation to help train people in the emergency services.”

“We also had a week with the Army and I achieved a certificate in I.T. in Signals. We did some basic soldier work like drill, radio skills and map reading. I really enjoyed our day with the Royal Marines. We learnt how to construct makeshift stretchers.”

“However, the thing I most enjoyed was going to Romania in May 2009 with the Charity ‘SWEEP’ We spent 10 days delivering medication to old people’s homes, getting essential supplies to a children’s hospital specializing in T.B. We also delivered some sports equipment to schools.”

How do you make the adjustment from school to college?

It’s a big step but at college they accept you for who you are. You make friends easily. Not knowing anyone was a slight worry but I guess that would be the same anywhere. The workload is more than I expected. It shows you what the big wide world is like. I really enjoy being with people who share my interests and some of the assignments have been really enjoyable to do.

Tell us about your course and what you get up to on a typical day

I arrive at Cannington at about 9.30am, having got the minibus from Shapwick to Bridgwater College’s main campus. We have 4 classrooms in Animal Care with a large lecture hall with sitting for up to 50 students. I record the notes myself but I have the help of my ‘Study Buddy’ Kym who makes a copy for me so I don’t miss anything. This seems to work for me, and I also use the PowerPoint notes for my file.

My course is divided up into topics like Animal Welfare, Animal Handling, Biology, Business studies and Anatomy and physiology etc.

I thing what most appeals to me about my course is the hands on nature of it. We have a link with Paignton Zoo who send animals for treatment and care. We have to care for exotics like Tarantulas, a boa constrictor and a bull python. I don’t particularly enjoy the ‘creepy crawlies’ or the snakes but I admire and respect them as creatures. Feeding defrosted mice and rats to snakes is not my idea of fun! Although tortoises are ok. However, I’ve learnt not to wear certain perfumes whilst dealing with iguanas when the females are in season, because, they can become very agitated, and can whip you with their tails!

What are the best aspects of your course and why?

I enjoy the practical handling and feeding of the animals. I love learning different things about all animals, particularly the cuddly ones. I recently won the prize for Student of the Year caring for small animals. I’m very proud of that. I’m doing work experience for 240 hours this year at Tor View Kennels near Meare. That will involve cleaning, exercising, feeding and grooming. I have also worked in a retirement home for elderly animals. This will give me great practical experience.

Where do you see yourself in a couple of years?

I’ll be in Australia opening my own business! I intend to run my own dog grooming business and kennels. When I finish my course I’m doing a 6 week course in dog grooming.

What advice would you give pupils at Shapwick who were thinking of going to Bridgwater College?

Expect the work load to be quite intense. Don’t panic, as Shapwick tutors and college tutors can help you with your work. I think you mature much quicker at college; I’ve grown up a lot more. I also want to do my work more, because its something I’ve chosen to do. I feel it’s for me.

The social side is good we get enrichment through sport, trips to films, ice skating, I had a great trip to Crufts at the NEC in Birmingham. We can also go for parties organized by the college at The Palace about once a month.

But the best advice I can give is that support is crucial. Shapwick staff are great at breaking the work down into easier chunks. Make the most of them. Also, I’d say choose a course YOU want to do not what your friends are doing. You’ll see plenty of them as well as make friends with people on your course.