A YOUNG actor who has dazzled on stage at Priestley College has made it into one of Britain’s top performing arts schools.

Ben Cupit, from Great Sankey, was one of hundreds of hopefuls to audition for the Arts Educational School in London – only 40 were chosen.

“I was sick with nerves waiting to hear whether I had got in because theatre school has always been an important goal for me,” said Ben, 17.

Arts Educational School counts movie actors, former soap stars and countless stage performers as former pupils. In 2010 to 2011, 100 per cent of its Musical Theatre graduates had agents, and 95 per cent had work upon graduation.

To be accepted onto the BA Musical Theatre programme, Ben had to sing and complete an hour-long dance workshop before the first cut was made.

In the second round the former Penketh High pupil had to sing again during a nine-hour day of auditions that included learning a monologue from Romeo and Juliet and dualogue performed with a student from the school.

“They wanted to test how well we all take direction and constructive criticism,” he said.

Ben’s path to dramatic success was helped by his father, Nick, who set up and still runs Warrington’s leading and longest-established youth theatre, Cody’s Productions.

It was the perfect training ground for Ben whose first big role was as Gavroche in Les Miserables. When he was 14 he appeared on the West End stage for the first time as Billy Elliott’s older brother.

“It was scary because the theatre held a lot of people and it sold out,” said Ben.

At Priestley Ben has starred in Too Darn Hot and is next appearing in We Will Rock You.

His Performing Arts Extended Diploma at Priestley College has covered all manner of disciplines including Shakespeare, Bollywood dance, Greek drama and ballet.

“I have to thank my tutors at Priestley and my dad because they have kept encouraging me all the way,” he said.

Sarah Graham, Head of Performing Arts at Priestley, said: “Ben has been a tremendous asset to College, performing with great charisma on stage while also supporting Priestley’s efforts to encourage other boys to take up performing arts.”

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COMPUTER whizzes took under two minutes to install the components of a PC and boot it up in a recent challenge.

Priestley’s BTEC IT students competed in challenges over a fortnight before a grand final of the pairs who found they could build computers the fastest.

In a race against the clock, Jonathan Kerfoot and Sam Baron installed the power supply, memory, hard disc, graphics card and power cable before booting up their PC in just 1 minute and 49 seconds. Each received a £20 shopping voucher as a prize.

Head of IT Linda Seymour said: “Their time was definitely one of the best we have had in this annual challenge.

“Part of the challenge is knowing where all the components go and the other is connecting them accurately.”

The runners-up in the PC Pitstop Challenge were Dan Leach and Hatef Younesian in 2 minutes and 31 seconds and third place went to Mark Smith and Kofi Wong in 2 minutes and 45 seconds.

Priestley’s IT Level 3 course covers a unit on computer systems where students have the opportunity to upgrade a pc and the competition builds on these skills.

Other units include communication and employability skills for IT, digital graphics, computer animation, communication technologies and developing computer games.

Linda said: “Activities such as the PC Pitstop Challenge are just a fun way to test what the students have been learning about on their courses.”

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PRIESTLEY College’s rugby team has won the North West Conference after completing the season unbeaten.

Priestley won all eight league matches racking up big victories over Warrington Collegiate, Winstanley, Oldham, St Helens, Carmel, Cowley, Wigan & Leigh.

Ben Walker, who captained the team with his twin Luke, paid tribute to the team’s younger players.

“The 16-year-olds came through and really stepped up,” said Ben, who is 18 and studying BTEC Sport.

Ben and Luke Walker

“We trained hard and got to know one another and as soon as we started playing like mates we started to win.”

In their first match together – a pre-season friendly – the team were defeated, but learnt from the loss.

In winning the U19s College Rugby League NW Conference, Priestley scored 219 points and conceded just 78.

Among the star performers throughout the season were Danyal Rasool, Luke Walker, Ed Chamberlain, Ross Young and Miguel Panis.

Ben Walker, a former William Beamont pupil, said: “A week after that loss in the friendly we went into the league and haven’t lost since.

“Everyone has worked hard and had a lot of enthusiasm so I think we deserve the success we’ve had.”

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Performing Arts students were inspired by a visit to watch a number of shows in London

PRIESTLEY students have travelled all over Europe and to America during recent visits organised by the College.

Art foundation students headed to Berlin looking for inspiration for their final major projects and found it in abundance during their four-night stay.

The visit took in various disciplines including fashion, modern art and architecture. There was even a chance to visit the Computer Games Museum.

“We travel to Berlin because of the diversity that is on offer there,” said Tutor Steven Lane. “It was a successful trip because we found new galleries to visit and the city unfolds a bit more each time we visit.”

Sport students made what has become an annual pilgrimage to sunnier climes when they travelled to Club La Santa.

They took part in water sports, track events, cycling and racket sports at the Lanzarote destination.

Language students headed to Paris and experienced the rich heritage of art at Musée d’Orsay, saw the Eiffel Tower at night and visited Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur to see the basilica and local street artists, an area which features in the film ‘Amélie’.

They also went to the Père la Chaise cemetery to see the tombs of Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf and other famous people including Jim Morrison.

Health and Social Care students went to Disneyland Paris to attend three seminars linked to their studies. The talks covered communication, meeting people’s needs and fundraising at a leading cancer charity.

Sport students headed to La Santa

It wasn’t all work and no play, however, as students also enjoyed Disneyland with one celebrating a birthday while out there.

“One of the best things that came out of it were the new friendships students made with people who are on different courses to themselves,” said Tutor Ruth Eatock.

Performing Arts students have travelled to New York and London in recent weeks.

The 16 who went to London – who are all studying BTEC Performing Arts – saw ‘Wicked’ at the Apollo Victoria Theatre and ‘Woman in Black’ at the Fortune Theatre off Drury Lane.

Sarah Graham, Head of Performing Arts, said: “The students were able to analyse effective performance techniques which they will then aim to incorporate into their own assessed performances of ‘We Will Rock You’ in May and ‘Footloose’ in June.

“It is an aspirational visit which aims to inspire them to become better performers.”

Language students soaked up the beauty and culture of Paris

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Some of the students who were praised for their efforts in the mock press conference

A REPRESENTATIVE from the Ministry of Defence hosted a mock press conference at Priestley College with students taking on the roles of Prime Minister and journalists.

Andy Gillman MBE – from the MOD’s Education Outreach Programme – staged the news event which gave Public Services students the diplomatic scenario of a war in Dacan and asked them how they would deal with it?

“It was an interesting way to challenge the students and ask them to think seriously about how they would tackle a potentially disastrous situation,” said Colin Whittaker, Curriculum Manager for Professional Studies.

Andy provided background to the diplomatic problems in Dacan and asked teams to consider how they would respond if they were the British Government.

Each team voted in a Prime Minister while others became Defence, Home and Foreign Secretaries with another representing the United Nations.

In the press conference they were quizzed by other students on their plans and strategies for dealing with various aspects of a conflict involving British nationals.

“Everyone embraced their roles and received an insight into what politicians have to consider in these situations,” said Colin.

The MOD’s Education Outreach Programme involves more than 40 military and civilian staff across all ranks and grades who volunteer to mentor students.

It has been run by civil servant Andy Gillman since 2002 and aims to instil lifelong skills in young people.

This skill development is achieved through a combination of initiatives including MOD mentors helping students on particular courses and hosting ‘taster’ visits to Whitehall. These help students improve their job prospects through training and having an insight into the workings of a major employer.

A number of Priestley College students will be heading to Westminster this year as part of their Professional Studies course.

As well as the BTEC Level 2 and 3 Public Services programmes there are many other courses on offer at Priestley that prepare students for life in public services including economics, law, travel and tourism.

For more details see our prospectus.

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A STUDENT has realised her dream to be accepted into the top college for nannies in the world.

Abby Mellis, who is studying childcare at Priestley College in Warrington, will be going to Norland College in September.

“I’m so happy because this is something I have been working towards since I was 13,” said Abby, of Appleton Thorn.

“I’ve volunteered at nurseries, babysat for family and been an au pair in France to get the experience I needed so I am over the moon to have made it.”

Abby will be studying at Norland College in Bath where students still wear the respected uniform and receive the very best early years education and training.

Norland has been running courses since 1892, boasts its own Norland Diploma qualification and is recognised internationally as the best in its field.

Nannies who have studied at Norland often go on to work for celebrities and are therefore trained in safe driving at high speeds and self defence to prepare them for potential future scenarios.

However, Abby’s plan is to work with a family for a few years before setting up nurseries that specialise in care for children with learning difficulties.

She has dyslexia and has received extra support at both Cransley School, Priestley and from her mum that has helped her achieve her goal.

“I have received a lot of support so I appreciate the difference that can make to a young person,” she said.

“It will be a very rewarding thing to do and I have always wanted to work in that field.”

Abby, 17, has been studying BTECs in Children and Young People’s Workforce as well as Children’s Play, Learning and Development at Priestley College, combining them with AS Levels in Graphics and Business.

Now she is looking forward to taking on the challenges she will face at Norland College.

“I’m looking forward to all aspects of the college from the work to wearing the uniform,” said Abby.

Bev Devlin, Head of Health and Education at Priestley, said: “This is a very prestigious opportunity and one that we are very proud that Abby has attained her place.

“The qualifications that she has studied at Priestley and her experiences with children have served her very well. We wish her well in her continued studies at Norland.”

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TWO former classmates have become arch rivals on the rugby pitch after making their debuts for Warrington Wolves and Saint Helens.

James Laithwaite and Anthony Walker, both 21, studied BTEC Sport at Priestley College and played together for the college rugby team.

Now they are set to clash in the Super League after renewing their contracts with Wolves and Saints and making their debuts for the clubs.

“We’re good mates, but it will get serious when we play against one another for the first time in the Super League,” said James, from Penketh.

It’s a match Anthony will be looking forward to. For although he was a Wolves fan growing up in Newton, there will be no divided loyalties when the clubs clash.

“It’s the match I really want to win,” said Anthony, a former Woolston High School pupil. “I always wanted to play for Wolves, but that changed when I put the Saints shirt on for the first time.”

Despite being fiercely competitive the friendship that started at Priestley College remains intact.

They left with triple distinctions and their friendly rivalry has helped push them on to greater things.

“James was chosen for England under 18s and that just spurred me on to want to do the best I possibly could,” said Anthony.

James, an ex-Penketh High School pupil, plays in the back row for Warrington while Anthony, a former swimming champion, is a prop for St Helens.

They have already clashed in the reserve league so there are no secrets when they play, which can help in pre-match tactical talks.

“I obviously know Anthony well, but in our team talks we tend to focus on opponents’ strengths more than their weaknesses,” said James.

Dani Toward, who taught James and Anthony, said it was inspiring for the college’s current crop of players – who recently won the North West Conference – to see former students reaching such heights in their sport.

“James and Anthony prove you can be competitive on the pitch while being friends off it and that is a great example to set,” she said.

“It is a great honour for the college to have two former students doing so well and they are a credit to Priestley.”

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James Davies with magistrates Jean Scott, Tony Clark and Linda Bloomfield.

MAGISTRATES have praised a student who has built a website promoting the good work they do in the community.

James Davies, who studies a BTEC in IT and a media course at Priestley, was asked to take on the project for North Cheshire Magistrates who regularly work with the college’s students on a variety of projects.

Magistrate Jean Scott said: “We met with James and he put our ideas into this wonderful format. The purpose of this website is not so much to promote what we do in the Magistrates Court but what we do as magistrates out in the community.”

James, 17, has been building websites since he was 13 and is currently working on an ecommerce site for Bruce The Bed King and another website for a Warrington bowls team.

The former Birchwood High School student met magistrates to discuss their ideas and took the same approach as he does to all his website work.

“They need to look simple and appealing, but not so simple that they look unfinished,” he said.

James was praised by the magistrates, Tutor Alasdair Reid and Principal Mike Southworth for his professionalism and commitment to his latest website project.

Warrington Magistrates Community Team works with schools, colleges, clubs and businesses in the area to explain the court system. One of their key messages is for young people, reminding them of the consequences of a criminal record.

“Young people, in particular, often don’t understand that they can have a criminal record from the age of 10 that lasts for life and what the consequences of that can be for them,” said Jean Scott.

The Warrington Magistrates Community Team website is www.micncheshire.org.uk and you can follow James’ blog at www.james-d.co.uk

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Students did their bit for Comic Relief and filmed the fun for all to see! Check out this video to see how it went. The video was filmed and edited by students Jake Brinksman, Anna Brown, Devon McManus, Amy Nesbitt, Sam Osborne and Emma Wylie.

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Courtney Dean photographed on a recent trip with Priestley College to La Santa

A WATER polo player is hoping to represent her country in the World Championships in August.

Courtney Dean, who studies A2 PE at Priestley College, is already working with national coaches in Manchester and is aiming to make the squad for the U20s in the international competition.

“That’s definitely my short term goal,” she said.

Courtney, 18, is already training before and after college most days to maintain her level and position in the sport.

Her passion for water polo started by accident after her brother, Conor, asked her to fill in at Warrington Swimming Club when she was just eight.

Coaches spotted the keen swimmer’s talent and by 11 she had made the regional squad and was playing in Manchester.

“I enjoyed swimming, but I am more of a team player so it really suited me,” said Courtney.

Since the London Olympics water polo has received more funding and is becoming a more disciplined and professional sport.

A team of 20 players is expected to be selected to train full-time and be paid for their efforts.

For Courtney the goal is to follow in the footsteps of her idol – Warrington’s Hazel Musgrove who trained with Courtney’s coach Alan Boyle – and keep her place on the senior development team.

She has already competed in World and European championships across Europe, including in Russia where she experienced celebrity status.

“We were treated like we were famous there because it is one of their main sports,” said Courtney.

“Everybody was asking for our autographs and a camera crew was following my mum around. At one point we even had security looking after us.”

Nigel Howells, Head of Sport at Priestley College, said: “It is great to hear about Courtney’s success, which is well deserved given her dedication to the sport.”

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JUGGLING a maths equation can be tough enough, but try doing it while juggling five balls at the same time.

That’s what Dr Colin Wright did during a talk to AS Maths and A2 Further Maths students at Priestley College.

In an entertaining lecture, the maths and juggling whizz explained how his subject has a far-reaching impact in all walks of life.

“We asked Dr Wright to talk to the students because he is so entertaining and informative,” said Tutor Steve Nixon.

“He gave them an insight into maths that was different to the classroom.”

Dr Wright – also a unicyclist, fire breather and doctor of pure mathematics (Cambridge University) – delivered his talk with intermittent demonstrations of juggling.

Most impressive, however, was when he discussed complicated subjects such as space time theory, synchronous patterns and negative numbers while performing his circus trick.

The lecture was thought-provoking, but also full of humour that drew many laughs from nearly 40 enthralled students.

At one point his words were spoken so quickly they were almost as blurred as the juggling balls as he explained ‘if they’re easy to catch they’re easy to catch’ over and over at an increasing speed.

Dr Wright’s message was clear, maths is fun!

His method showed that with lateral thinking, maths and some imagination, juggling tricks can be accurately described by a simple series of numbers.

“The students really enjoyed his talk and were amazed as much by his maths as his juggling,” said Steve.

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YOUNG designers showcased their work and volunteer models strutted their stuff at Priestley College’s annual catwalk show.

Now in its sixth year the show provides an opportunity for art and textile students to see their work on the runway while also raising money for charity.

Money raised by ticket sales – estimated at more than £440 – will be going to the Teenage Cancer Trust and the college’s education fund.

“The show is a way for the students to showcase their work,” said Tutor Emma Lingard.

“This year their inspiration came from memories, organic structures, the urban environment, architecture and the recycling of materials.”

Designs by Priestley’s A Level Textile and BTEC Art and Design students were on show and hair and makeup was done by Mc2 in Stockton Heath.

The students’ creations used traditional methods and materials as well as some more unusual ones such as plastic, wood, wire and paper.

They created everything from bodices to dresses in all manner of styles and colours.

“All the pieces were experimental, but we encourage that at this stage because it is a good time for the students to be learning about materials and different techniques,” said Emma Lingard.

The Teenage Cancer Trust will receive a donation towards its efforts to build specialist hospital units that improve the quality of life and chances of survival for young people with cancer.

Priestley’s education fund supports young people who need help paying for their education.

Those who attended the fashion show also heard from Sian Day of the Teenage Cancer Trust and College Deputy Principal Matthew Grant about the education fund.

“We felt it was important students heard more about the causes they were supporting,” said Emma.

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NEW courses for adult learners in Warrington will cover everything from computing to punctuation.

Priestley College’s next adult learning programme begins this month and will cover basic computing, website design, painting, digital photography, maths and English.

Many of the courses are free and are being held in Dallam, Bewsey, Sankey, Fairfield, Howley, Latchford, Orford and Longford.

If you are 19 or older you can enrol now by calling 01925 524455 or go to http://www.priestley.ac.uk/adult-courses/ for more details.

There will also be free taster courses in centres around Warrington in the week beginning May 20 as part of Adult Learners’ Week.

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Dan Brown pictured during London Fashion Week with Mollie King from The Saturdays.

A YOUNG stylist who studied at Priestley College is making a name for himself in the world of fashion.

Daniel Brown was contacted by bloggers in New York and Paris after a photoshoot he styled appeared on the front cover of international magazine 62^nd Floor.

“It was my first front cover and generated international interest,” said Daniel, from Runcorn.

“It’s so important at my age to build contacts within the industry and I really feel I am starting to do that now.”

Daniel studied media, fine art, business and graphic design at Priestley, finishing with As and Bs in all his subjects.

While studying his A Levels he also completed a month-long internship at the world famous fashion house Alexander McQueen after impressing them with a strong portfolio generated from work he had produced at college.

His project showed how he would promote London Fashion Week – including print experiments developed from pattern and shape – proving he had what it takes to make it in the business.

“They looked at my portfolio, shook my hand and said they’d see me in January,” said Daniel, 20. “It was an amazing opportunity to learn from people in fashion that I found incredibly inspirational.

“The experience was a foundation from which I was able to develop and take inspiration. Having completed the internship I knew then that styling was something I was very keen on pursuing.”

Dan Brown styled model Abby Clee at Nevs Models, London.

He has since gone on to style a number of editorials and campaigns working with photographers such as Adam Peter-Hicks and assisting stylist and fashion editor of Fantastic Man magazine Julian Ganio.

His latest shoot will be for Client magazine, a British menswear publication that describes itself as ‘unconventional’.

Along with photographer Joseph Sinclair, Daniel will be responsible for sourcing the clothes from designers and casting the models.

“As a stylist it’s important to go for as many looks as possible that are relevant to the brief and I enjoy telling a story with clothes,” he said.

Daniel is also currently working with friends and stars of Desperate Scousewives, Amanda Harrington, Debbie O’Toole and Gill O’Toole, who founded Scouse Boutique in 2012. They hope to collaborate and pursue projects promoting the boutique including photoshoots and event launches.

As well as working on demand, Daniel is completing a fashion degree at Middlesex University and hopes to complete a Masters Degree in New York.

For now, though, he is based in London – the men’s fashion capital of the world – with aspirations of one day becoming a fashion editor himself.

“Right now I am working seven days a week, but I love what I do,” he said. “I really enjoy putting my name to something that I am proud of and, for me, the best thing is seeing your work in print and on the magazine shelves.”

You can follow Daniel Brown on twitter at www.twitter.com/daanbrown and his website www.DANYULBROWN.co.uk

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Beth Roberts shows off the Priestley app.
Picture by Luke Hayes.

A PHONE app that helps support for Priestley College students has so far been downloaded more than 1,000 times.

The app, which provides lesson alerts, exam timetables and attendance records, has proved a hit with 1,433 downloads so far – 70% of the college’s students.

“It has been popular with students who have told us they can’t think of any new functions they would add to it,” said Lead Systems Developer Lee Dyer, who helped develop the app.

“It’s been a very positive move and hopefully the students are seeing the benefits.”

Priestley’s Student Council requested the app saying that was how many students would want updates on vital college news.

Chris Turner, who studied Computing, Electronics and Maths A Levels at Priestley, was asked to help with the design.

The former Penketh High student led on the project and is currently studying Computer Science at the University of Manchester.

“As a former student I am best placed to know what the current intake at Priestley would want from it,” he said.

“What we have developed is something I could have benefitted from as a student and will hopefully make a difference to thousands of others over the coming years.”

Among the functions offered are a five-minute alert for next lesson, timetable details, UCAS information and their personal attendance record shown as a percentage.

Up-to-date information about exams is also posted to the app so that students know exactly what room they are in and what seat they will need to take.

Developments in the next version of the app will include a personal diary for logging homework as well as a college calendar with events and term times.

Lee Dyer said a number of other colleges had been impressed with Priestley’s app and wanted to learn more.

“We had a meeting with other IT departments and they were impressed with the functions ours offered,” he said.

“The main goal of the app is to provide another way of supporting our students and making their time at College as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.”

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Some of the jewellery created by the Wireworks team.

YOUNG entrepreneurs shared their business ideas at a meeting of minds held at Birchwood Park.

Priestley students were among those who attended the Young Enterprise Warrington Area Board Final to represent their company Wireworks.

The team made a presentation to local businessmen and discussed the merits of their idea of creating jewellery from wire, a product that played a vital role in Warrington’s history.

“The students said they had acquired skills while working on the project that would be with them for life,” said Professional Studies Tutor Debbie Booth.

“They all took on the project as an enrichment activity alongside their usual studies and showed real creativity in developing their products.”

During the young enterprise event Wireworks were praised for their professionalism and innovative products.

Eight students – who are all studying BTEC Business Studies – made up Wireworks, but it was Joseph McGurty who developed the idea and technique for making the jewellery from watching youtube clips.

Alan Hunter, formerly of ICI, and Nick Mullins, from Rock Oil, helped mentor the Priestley team.

The students were Joseph Mcgurty, Chloe Hatton, Aimee Walker, Alex Leslie, Saabah Mohammed, Georgina Harrington and Charmie Valdez.

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Leanne Howlett performing in Priestley College’s production of Too Darn Hot.

A PERFORMER who has been a regular face on stages around Warrington has won a place at one of the world’s top theatre schools.

Leanne Howlett, who studies performing arts at Priestley College, has been accepted into Laine Theatre Arts, which classes Arlene Phillips as one of its patrons.

“My mum arranged dance classes for me when I was three to help me because I was so clumsy,” said Leanne, from Woolston.

“I don’t think either of us thought it would lead to this, but it has gone from being a hobby to something I want to pursue as a career.”

Audiences will have seen Leanne perform in several shows at Priestley College including Too Darn Hot and last year’s Christmas Show. Next she will be seen in the college’s version of We Will Rock You coming soon.

She is currently studying a Performing Arts BTEC, but has also perfected her craft with Kate Simmons Dance in Bridge Lane, Woolston.

To be accepted into Laine the 18-year-old had to take part in ballet and jazz workshops as well as impress with her singing and acting skills.

“It was incredible to be surrounded by so many talented people,” said Leanne, a former Woolston High School pupil.

Laine combines its heritage with up-to-the-minute performances that are often scouted by theatre managements, directors, casting agents and choreographers.

Many of its alumni are starring in the West End or are working in television, film and recorded media. Some have established an international reputation.

Leanne will be studying the Foundation in Musical Theatre and every week will be required to complete fitness work, four ballet and four jazz classes, two contemporary dance, singing and acting classes as well as a musical theatre workshop.

“I’ve really pushed myself at Priestley because I knew I wanted to go on to do something like this,” said Leanne.

“College has given me more opportunities to be at the front of performances, which has been great for my confidence.”

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Tony Green showing off some of his work to the students.

A FASHION designer who has worked in Paris and London has shared his experiences with Priestley College’s art students.

Tony Green, who studied at St Martin’s in London, spoke to more than 70 art and design students before giving them advice on their project work.

In his talk Tony explained how college was a good place to develop a style and said universities were looking for individuality in potential students.

“It’s good to develop your own personality because universities are going to look for someone who has their own identity,” he said.

For the past two and half years Tony has been working in Paris with Sonia Rykiel, who entered the fashion world after designing soft sweaters in the 1960s and making the front cover of Elle magazine.

Her team spotted Tony’s work while in London and liked his ‘loose and unfinished’ style. He worked on their main line and enjoyed the fun nature of their methods.

Tony has now returned to England and has worked with designer Felicity Brown as well as on his own projects.

During his talk he advised Priestley students to include lots of drawings in their portfolios to help them secure a university place.

“Universities like to see lots of illustrations and it is also worth thinking about different ways to present them within your portfolio,” he said.

Priestley College offers a number of different art and design courses including textiles and graphic design. For more details see the website www.priestley.ac.uk

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Charlie Brittlebank and Ashley Carley.
Picture by Luke Hayes

TWO Warrington students have been awarded university scholarships that will help them gain a global perspective on life.

Charlie Brittlebank and Ashley Carley, who both study at Priestley College in Warrington, impressed their universities so much they made it onto a very short list of students to receive the honours.

King’s College London has awarded Charlie, from Grappenhall, the £7,500 Desmond Tutu Scholarship to help support him through his studies.

The former Lymm High School pupil is one of only four who made the grade this year from 600 applicants.

Charlie, who is 19 and will study International Relations at King’s, said: “I want to work in international human rights and gay rights and possibly work in south Africa where there is a real battle to be fought.

“I realised during my time as Vice President on the college council the importance of getting people involved and fighting for a cause and that is something I want to continue to do in my career.”

Charlie currently studies A Levels in English Literature, English Language and History at College as well as Priestley’s prestigious Graduate programme, which helps assist high achievers in securing places in top universities.

To receive the scholarship, Charlie had to explain why being educated at King’s would help him to make a difference to society.

Sam Javed, of the Student Funding Office at King’s, wrote to Charlie to say he had demonstrated ‘academic excellence and academic potential’.

“This scholarship recognises not only your past achievements but also our belief that you have the capacity to thrive in your studies here with us at King’s,” he wrote.

Ashley Carley, from Sankey and a former Penketh High student, will head to the University of Sheffield after completing her A Levels in Biology, Chemistry, History, English and the Graduate programme.

The 18-year-old has received the global scholarship, which will see her spend a summer in either America, Australia, Asia or Canada at one of Sheffield’s partner universities.

Ashley, who volunteers at St Rocco’s and works with disabled children at Warrington Youth Club, hopes to pursue a career conducting research into neurodegenerative diseases. She will study Genetics at university.

“Helping people through science is my ideal career,” she said.

Both students thanked tutors Mark Salmon and Fran Evans for their support during their time at Priestley College.

They said: “Mark and Fran have pushed us to aim for things we would never have gone for without them.”

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PHYSICISTS from Priestley College put themselves to the test in the British Physics Olympiad.

Ryan Roberts, George Davidson, Thomas Diakun, who are all 17, and 18-year-old Jun Yan Chan sat the one-hour first paper in college.

Ryan earned a merit and Jun a bronze medal and both were invited to sit a second exam in the competition.

All students had to answer a series of questions that tested how they could apply their knowledge to real life challenges.

Topics covered included mechanics and nuclear energy and the idea was to see how they could apply what they had learnt to new situations.

The group – who are aiming to go on to study degrees in chemical engineering, maths and natural sciences – said the experience would help them when applying for university.

Tutor Deborah Pressage added: “The Olympiad is a great experience for our students because it tests them on issues outside of the curriculum.

“Many use it in their university applications as it is an example of how they are able to think outside the box, which is something universities really value.”

The British Physics Olympiad aims to encourage the study of physics and recognise excellence in young physicists through four competitions. It also gives the participants practice in answering open-ended and unstructured questions, as seen at higher levels of study.

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