Emily Thompson, Author at Greenhead College

27 students secure coveted places at Oxbridge Universities

Posted on February 2, 2024February 20, 2024 by Emily Thompson

We are thrilled to reveal that 27 students have secured offers to study at the prestigious Oxford and Cambridge Universities.

This is an exceptional achievement following a rigorous application process, involving admissions tests and multiple interviews, competing for coveted places against a worldwide field of applicants.

Offers have been made in a range of disciplines including Computer Science, Law, English, Chemistry Biological Natural Sciences, Economics, History, Modern Languages, Mathematics, Archaeology, Experimental Psychology, Physics and more.

Bella Craig, who came to Greenhead College from Salendine Nook High School, secured her offer to study French and Spanish at Oxford University said:

“For future applicants, I’d say to believe in yourself, believe that anything is possible and be open and honest on your personal statement.”

Laura Verdina, who came to Greenhead College from Dixon’s City Academy, secured her offer for Cambridge University to study Biological Natural Sciences said:

“The support at College is really great, I had a mock interview for my subject before my actual interview and that really helped me be prepared and understand what it might feel like to go through an academic interview.”

Greenhead College remains to be the leading state educational institution in the North of England for Oxbridge success. Aspiring students benefit from a dedicated Oxbridge Support Enrichment Programme, comprising of masterclasses, mock interview workshops, dedicated Oxbridge admissions tutors, residential visits, and practice admissions tests.

Richard Pember, Oxbridge Coordinator at Greenhead College commented:

“I’d like to offer my congratulations on behalf of the Oxbridge Team at Greenhead. We have an incredibly talented team who support the students in small group sessions to help them through the application process. We’re immensely proud of the 27 students who received offers; it’s an amazing achievement. Competition becomes more acute year on year, and for Greenhead to remain the most successful school or college outside the South East is a reflection on our wonderful students and staff.”

Congratulations to the following students:

Name	University	Discipline	Previous School
Aaron Crosbie	Cambridge	Computer science	Royds hall
Abdullah Aziz	Oxford	Law	Halifax Academy
Akshat Kothari	Cambridge	Engineering	Trinity Academy Halifax
Anna Bentham	Cambridge	HSPS	Thornhill Community Academy
Bella Craig	Oxford	Modern Languages	Salendine Nook High School Academy
Ben Cooper	Cambridge	Engineering	Beckfoot School Bingley
Brook Seed	Cambridge	Natural Sciences Bio	King James’s School
Elizabeth Kay	Cambridge	History and Modern Languages (French)	Horizon Community College
Emily Oliver	Cambridge	Law	Holmfirth High School
Emma Nelson	Cambridge	English	Holmfirth
Esther Boutle	Oxford	Law	Ossett Academy
George Selby	Cambridge	Architecture	Whitcliffe Mount
Harry Cross	Cambridge	History	Netherhall Learning Campus Highschool
Haydn Clifton	Cambridge	Archaeology	Penistone Grammar School
Izzy Rouse	Oxford	Physics	Horbury Academy
Jacob Lord	Cambridge	Biological Natural Sciences	Holmfirth high
Jeremy Stocks	Cambridge	Mathematics	Honley High School
Julia Millington	Cambridge	Economics	Heckmondwike Grammar School
Laura Verdina	Cambridge	Biological Natural Sciences	Dixons City Academy
Leela Beth Guha	Cambridge	History	Calder high school
Megan Coleman	Oxford	Chemistry	Whitcliffe Mount
Mia Yates	Oxford	Biochemistry	The Mirfield Free Grammar
Miriam Lomas	Cambridge	History	Holmfirth High School
Nina Rainbow	Oxford	Biochemistry	North Halifax Grammar School
Rowan Harrison-Walker	Oxford	Mathematics	Ryburn Valley High School
Sam Franks	Oxford	Philosophy, Politics and Economics	Rastrick High School

Greenhead welcomes leading industry figure, Chris Tams as Guest Speaker

Posted on January 30, 2024January 30, 2024 by Emily Thompson

Last week, students from our Music, Film Studies and Business courses had the pleasure of listening to leading industry figure, Chris Tams deliver a talk about his career as Director of Membership and International at the British Phonographic Institute (BPI).

Organised through ‘Speakers for Schools’, Chris’s talk covered various topics including more information about the work of the British Phonographic Institute, which is the Trade Association for Record Labels in the UK accounting for 85% of all sold music in the UK, its work organising the BRIT Awards, how they manage their clients, how they track music growth and trends and more.

It was a really insightful talk and incredibly worthwhile for our students with a keen interest in the music and tech industry and how it runs behind the scenes.

Thank you to Chris Tams for taking the time to come into College and to Speakers for Schools for helping organise the event.

A2 student Nick develops app for RSPCA

Posted on January 26, 2024February 20, 2024 by Emily Thompson

A bespoke app, created for the RSPCA by A2 student Nick Marshall, has been commended by the charity and will be launched to the public later this spring.

Nick, who is hoping to go into a career in Software Engineering, developed the majority of the ideas for the app during the College’s Step Into Your Future week in June 2023, alongside his peers, but has since taken the development of the app further, working closely with the RSPCA representatives to get a full understanding of what features they required. After months of hard work (alongside his studies), Nick reached the final goal, a point where the local RSPCA have now taken delivery of the app and are now in the stages of rebranding it for an official release.

When asked about the features the app has, Nick said “The app has been designed to allow for better and easier communication between the local RSPCA and its supporters and volunteers. It features an updates tab, where users can be notified of things happening within the local RSPCA, an events tap where users can view upcoming events and all the event information, a maps tab to allow users to see nearby RSPCA branches, and an animals tab where the RSPCA can post photos of animals that either need a home or are being rehomed.”

Fay Gibbons and Lauren Moore from the RSPCA have both showered the app with praise, stating “We’ve launched it in-house with our staff and volunteers who think it’s amazing and you’ve really opened up our eyes to this new communication tool that can seriously benefit our charity!”

They have even published an article on their website publicly thanking Nick for his hard work on the app – https://www.rspcahalifaxhuddersfieldbradford.org.uk/news/thank-you-nick-greenhead-college-huddersfield/

A very worthwhile use of Computer Science skills and a great way of networking with a local business and the community, all while building up a portfolio. Excellent work Nick!

RSPCA App – Updates pushed out to subscribers

Greenhead College launches Higher Education Extension 2024

Posted on January 18, 2024January 18, 2024 by Emily Thompson

The first of 5 twilight academic sessions for the Higher Education Extension Scheme took place at Greenhead College last Tuesday 9^th January.

As a hub for the scheme, we were delighted to host the event which welcomed students from Greenhead College as well as other schools/colleges in Kirklees and Calderdale.

The Higher Education Extension is a collaborative programme between Cambridge University and various Colleges across the UK with the aim of building subject specific knowledge on a topic that isn’t on the A Level syllabus, widening their knowledge, building confidence in their own abilities, raising aspirations and helping develop skills necessary for undergraduate study.

15 different subject talks were delivered by Greenhead College staff and Leeds University in a range of disciplines including Architecture, Biology/Medicine, Business & Leadership, Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics, English, Geography & Environmental, History, Law, Maths, Modern Foreign Languages, Physics/Engineering, Politics and Psychology.

The next event will take place on Tuesday 6 February.

Student Success as Donnell signs for Huddersfield Town Football Club

Posted on January 11, 2024January 11, 2024 by Emily Thompson

We’re delighted to share that A2 student Donnell Garrick has signed for Huddersfield Town Under-19s Football Club following the successful completion of his trial period.

This is both an incredible achievement and opportunity for Donnell, who was scouted for the club whilst playing in the FA Youth Cup for semi-professional team, Emley AFC.

Donnell currently studies A Levels in Biology, Chemistry and Physical Education at Greenhead College and, until his signing, was an integral member of the Greenhead College Football Team. Whilst he is now ineligible to play for the College, he still supports the team every Wednesday.

Head of Academy Recruitment Lee Mellor commented: “Donnell has applied himself very well during his trial period with us and has earned this longer opportunity with us. He’s clearly got talent, but now the hard work with our coaches begins for him daily!

Following the completion of his A Levels in the summer, Donnell will then sign a one-year professional contract with the club.

Congratulations, Donnell, on your remarkable success. We are excited to see where your football career takes you.

Greenhead College presents ‘Twelfth Night’

Posted on November 17, 2023November 29, 2023 by Emily Thompson

Our Drama department are proud to present our annual College production ‘Twelfth Night’.

This year, the production will take place in Greenhead Park’s Conservatory Cafe.

The show will take place from the 11th – 14th December, starting at 6.45pm with the Park Cafe open for refreshments from 5pm.

Tickets are £8 Adult, £5 Students / Concession and are available to purchase via Wisepay.

📍Greenhead Park Conservatory, HD1 4DT
⏰ 6.45pm

7 Film Studies students accepted onto prestigious British Film Institute Programme

Posted on November 6, 2023February 20, 2024 by Emily Thompson

Congratulations to a group of our Celluloid students on their successful applications to the prestigious British Film Institute Academy, a competitive and highly sought after academy for aspiring film makers.

Heidi Butterworth, Freya Jacks, Amaani Ali, Harry Holbrook, Finn Boyle, Anna Robinson and Grace Ford were all successful in gaining places onto the Leeds and Bradford BFI Academy Programmes, allowing them the opportunity to explore a range of different aspects to film making including directing, filming, editing and sound, and to work with industry-standard kit and professional mentors from the industry. The students will also gain an additional qualification equitable to a GCSE and a pass to all films in this year’s Leeds International Film Festival.

A huge well done to all 7 students on this exceptional achievement.

Philosophy Trip to London

Posted on October 26, 2023November 6, 2023 by Emily Thompson

“Civilisation is not to kill human beings, not to destroy things, not to make war. Civilisation is to hold mutual affection and to respect each other.” —The Most Venerable Nichidatsu Fuji.

One of the highlights of this year’s trip to London was our visit to the Battersea Peace Pagoda. In a turbulent world, where war sadly is a tragic reality for many. The Peace Pagoda serves as a beacon of hope and a stark reminder of the need, more than ever before, for world harmony and peace.

As part of the 1984 Greater London Council Peace Year, the Pagoda was offered to the people of London by Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Order by its founder the Venerable Nichidatsu Fujii, a close friend of Mahatma Gandhi. Nipponzan Myohoji is a relatively small and unknown peace movement with a few thousand followers worldwide, of monastics and lay people, that emerged from the Nichiren sect of Japanese Buddhism. Since 1947, the movement has been constructing Peace Pagodas all around the world including Europe, Asia, and the United States to promote world peace.

A Peace Pagoda is a Buddhist stupa, which in Indian means ‘heap’ and contains relics of the Buddha, resembling in shape an upturned begging bowl and folded monastic robes and a stick. The Battersea Peace Pagoda is a two-roofed structure, made of concrete and wood and has on each of its four sides four large gilded bronze sculptures of the Buddha depicting a key event in his life.

On our visit we met up with Reverend Gyoro Nagase who helped to construct the Pagoda and who the serves the Pagoda daily, living close by in his temple in Battersea Park itself. Reverend Gyoro kindly gave us a brief talk on the movement which primarily involves its followers chanting a mantra; Namu Myōhō Renge Kyō and beating hand drums while whilst undertaking peace walks throughout the world promoting peace and non-violence. On 9 August, Nagasaki Day, Reverend Nagase will go on a Peace walk from Westminster Abbey to the Battersea Pagoda to commemorate all the victims of war. As we left, we reflected on the words of Mahatma Gandhi:

“The moral to be legitimately drawn from the supreme tragedy of the bomb is that it will not be destroyed by counter-bombs, even as violence cannot by counter-violence. Mankind has to get out of violence only through non-violence. Hatred can be overcome only by love.”

Students comment about the trip.

“Great experience not only for learning but socialising with classmates.”

“Really fun and educational.”

“Helpful in consolidating knowledge and very enjoyable.”

“Very interesting people and places.”

Limited Course Availability

Posted on September 10, 2023October 12, 2023 by Emily Thompson

There’s still time to enrol at Greenhead College, one of the top Sixth Form Colleges nationally!

We currently have limited places available in a range of courses and are holding an enrolment session on Monday 11 September 2023.

If you are a recent school leaver and would like to join our Greenhead College community, then come along to the College on Monday 11 September between 8.30 and 10.30am to discuss your options and enrol (no need to book, just turn up!).

All students must have achieved at least 2 grade 6’s at GCSE with a minimum grade 4 in Mathematics and English Language. You must also meet the subject entry requirements for your chosen courses. You can find these on the individual subject pages here – https://www.greenhead.ac.uk/courses-apply/our-courses.

Please come along with your original GCSE results slip and a valid form of ID (passport, birth certificate, driving license, deed poll etc). If you are not a UK citizen and have not been resident in the UK for more than 3 years, you must also bring your proof of residency along with you.

This is your last chance to enrol at Greenhead College this academic year, and with the grand opening of our new building and our 50 year anniversary right around the corner, it’s an opportunity not to be missed! Here is what our recent student leavers said about their time at Greenhead – https://www.greenhead.ac.uk/what-our-students-say. Please share with anybody who may be interested.

If you have any questions relating specifically to enrolment, please direct message the College’s Facebook or Instagram account for a response today (Sunday 10). Emails to the College will not be responded to until Monday 11 September.

Greenhead artwork to feature as part of Oxfam’s Climate Justice Campaign at Glastonbury Festival

Posted on June 6, 2023June 6, 2023 by Emily Thompson

We’re excited to reveal that we have been selected to feature at Oxfam’s Climate Justice Campaign at this year’s Glastonbury Festival.

In 2022, Greenhead College supported the Oxfam Climate Justice Postcard campaign where students and staff wrote postcards to the Climate Negotiators at COP27 in a bid to encourage them to commit to climate justice.

Following this, we are proud to reveal that we were chosen as one of 25 schools and colleges nationwide to produce a large banner for display in the interstage zone at this year’s Glastonbury Festival, forming part of Oxfam’s campaign.

Before half term, our A Level Art and Design students worked together with Greenhead Alumnus Jakob Morris from @Morris_Arts, a student from Chelsea College of Arts in London to produce the banner.

Head of Art, Rachel Lumb said: “It has been a great experience for our students working on a large-scale and powerful banner for such an epic festival.”

The issue relating to Climate Justice they have concentrated on is that of gender.

The UN indicates that 80 percent of people displaced by climate change are women and girls. Natural disasters and heightened conflict due to climate disasters increase competition for resources and leave women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals at risk of displacement, in addition to violence and food insecurity.

They wanted the image to be that of strength in the face of adversity which women always have to develop. We didn’t want the woman to depicted as a ‘victim’ but an image that instils feelings of hope and change. The woman featured on the banner is a survivor of drought but also hopefully a survivor of climate change and the inherent injustice and an aspiration of hope.