Victoria Evans, formerly a student at Greenhead from 2003-2005, is currently undertaking a Guinness World Record attempt for the fastest female to solo row the Atlantic. She is aiming to reach Barbados in less than the current world record of 49 days, 7 hours 15 minutes. Victoria is using this challenge as a platform to shine a light on continuing gender inequality in sport and to raise £50k for the charity Women in Sport, the only organisation in the UK that researches sport purely from the perspective of women and girls, and who use the insight gained to instigate change through campaigns and partnerships. All of the money raised by Victoria’s dedicated Go Fund Me page will have a huge impact in helping to drive this change.
We’re thrilled to reveal that Greenhead College alumna, Brogan Crowley, has been selected to represent Team GB in the women’s skeleton event at the Beijing Winter Olympics.
Brogan attended Greenhead College from 2010-12 and studied A Levels in English Language, Law and Physical Education, and an AS Level in Psychology. Whilst at Greenhead, Brogan competed in the Heptathlon and won the English Schools 100m Hurdles. Brogan’s motto is ‘Don’t Give Up!’, which is amazing advice and has certainly served her well throughout her sporting career. We send Brogan all our best wishes for success in Beijing!
Our very own GC Alumna, Nicole Bower, is celebrating as her heartwarming news article is published in the national press.
Her article shares the story of a 7 year old boy, Stanley, who was inspired by Marcus Rashford’s Free School Meals campaign, fighting for underprivileged children to have access to food during the holidays. Stanley, who starred in a recent advert for cadbury’s, has hand-written letters and delivered to his neighbours asking them to donate food.
Nicole, who studied English Literature, Politics and Modern History at Greenhead College from 2018-2020, is delighted to be able to share Stanley’s story and we are so proud of her success. Click here to read the full story.
Commenting on the article, Nicole, now a student at the Manchester School of Journalism, said:
“I saw a post on Facebook about the little boy sending letters to his neighbours for food in aid to help the free school meals campaign and spoke to his mum only thinking it would be a little story but the national paper ended up wanting it! Even though I don’t have a by-line I can still proudly say that I sourced, interviewed and wrote the story!”
“The advice I’d give to other students wanting to get into journalism would be just to be confident and know your stuff. This will come in really handy when wanting to interview people, even if you aren’t a employed journalist tell them that you are a journalist because anyone can actually be one, they will be more likely to speak to you then. You also have to show you are interested not just for the title but show that you are interested because you love doing it, write articles and stories on things you like, hobbies, reviews, this will all show to employers or universities that you really really want to do it. And especially, no story is too small, you never know where it might end up or who likes it!”
A huge congratulations Nicole, we can’t wait to see even more of your stories hit the headlines in the future!
Meet GC Alumnus, James Clare. James is Head of Technical & Facilities at Lawrence Batley Theatre.
Last Wednesday 30th September, Greenhead College joined thousands of other organisations around the country to light up the building red, supporting the national #WeMakeEvents campaign.
We have many alumni, including James, who have thrived in the events and arts trades and we recognise the importance of cultivating the next generation of talent within creative arts and playing our part in saving the industry.
The current Covid-19 crisis has impacted many jobs in the events and arts industries, including James’, and as part of the campaign we are reaching out to our alumni to comment on what they would be doing in their job roles right now and how they have been impacted.
Commenting on the impact of his job role, James said:
This time of year is usually our busiest, and I’d be working to coordinate all the shows coming to the theatre. I’d also be getting ready for our pantomime season in December (oh no he wouldn’t….).
Although we’re currently running a small season of socially distanced events, it’s nowhere near our usual output.
COVID may have damaged the larger industry, but it’s been lovely to see the smaller, grass-roots theatre companies taking their moment to shine and produce unique, alternative works.
If any GC alumni currently work in the events/arts industry, please email parts@greenhead.ac.uk and join the campaign!
We are excited to reveal that Greenhead College is preparing to light the building red, on Wednesday 30th Sepember at 8pm, in support of the national campaign – We Make Events.
We have many alumni who have thrived in the events and arts trades and recognise the importance of cultivating the next generation of talent within creative arts and playing our part in saving the industry.
Tom Mills, Head of Drama & Theatre Studies at Greenhead College said
‘As a Live Theatre and Music venue, as well as a hub for aspiring future creatives and artist, it is essential that we show unified support and solidarity with our colleagues and peers across the events and arts industries.
History has taught us that in times of hardship, events and the arts are our source of comfort, shared joy and community spirit. Yet history also teaches that they are always the first causality to government funding cuts.
We need events. We need the arts.’
We look forward to when we can open our doors and work with other art and events institutions across the country once more. In the meantime awareness, support and funding is essential to ensure the industries thrive again!
Emily, who studied Biology, Chemistry and Maths at Greenhead College from 2014 to 2016 before pursuing Optometry at the University of Manchester, has been announced as the winner in the Student of the Year category in the AOP Awards 2020, which is organised by the Association of Optometrists (AOP).
Emily’s award recognises her hard-work and dedication to Optometry. In her second year she was the Opsoc President where she organised study and support sessions for first year students. She is also currently the British Contact Lens Association (BCLA) representative and a Senior Student Ambassador for the university. Passionate about volunteering, Emily spends her spare time taking groups of people with disabilities on fun days out. She says:
“It’s a great way to meet new people, gain new skills and find out things about yourself. It’ll help you meet people from so many different backgrounds which will help you in your profession and beyond!”
Speaking about her award win, Emily commented:
“Winning this award proves that hard work really does pay off. It is not only my award, but an award for absolutely everyone in optometry at the University of Manchester because they are so amazing and inspiring. It’s a real honour being a representative for them and a highlight of my university journey so far, and hopefully inspires other student optometrists to get out there and give everything their best shot.”
The Awards, now in its ninth year, recognises the highest levels of achievement in UK optics. The Student of the Year accolade recognises an optometry student, dispensing optician student or pre-registration optometrist who can demonstrate initiative and drive to improve their fellow students’ participation in, and awareness of, optical issues.
“The AOP Awards shines a spotlight on the extraordinary individuals and teams who are propelling the profession forward with their knowledge, expertise, dedication and passion. This year is no different – with all the winners, and indeed finalists, giving an impressive account for optometry, I wish them every success in the future.”
Former Greenhead College Student, Roshni Parmar-Hill was announced the winner of a British Education Award in the A Level, North of England category on Thursday 30th January 2020.
The prestigious British Education Awards, held at the Hilton Hotel in Manchester, identify and celebrate individuals who have excelled within the British education system.
2020 sees the third year running that a student from Greenhead College has won this prestigious award. In 2018 former student Grace Goswami was announced the winner and in 2019 the deserving recipient was Shaun Marshall.
Commenting on the hat trick of awards, Simon Lett who is principal at Greenhead College said:
“This is astounding news for the College. To have won this award three years in succession is an incredible achievement. Our best wishes go to Roshni who is fully deserving of this prestigious award.”
Roshni, who now reads History at Cambridge University, was nominated for this award by the college following her outstanding A Level success of four A* grades in History, Philosophy, Religion & Ethics, English Literature and the Extended Project Qualification, plus her impressive participation in a number of endeavours both in and outside of college.
An elected member of Youth Parliament, Roshni passionately debated for Votes at 16 in the House of Commons which she then discussed further on National Television on the BBC’s Sunday Politics.
Roshni was also the leader of the UK delegation at the IMEP in Madrid, bringing together all member states from the EU to create a model experience of the European Parliament. Part of the FEMM committee, Roshni helped produce a resolution that is now official EU documentation. In September 2019 Roshni attended the European Parliament in Brussels for an ‘aspiring young female leaders’ project.
Other notable achievements include winning the award for Best Actress in the North West for her role of Anne Frank, being an Ambassador for Hope not Hate and her continuous voluntary work at both Oxfam and at Oldham Unity, a project to help refugees and asylum seekers when they have nowhere else to turn, providing them with clothes, food and support.
Commenting on her win, Roshni said:
‘I really can’t say that I am the winner of the British Education Awards because it wasn’t just me behind the success. This award goes to the whole of Greenhead who has empowered and inspired me to think beyond the conventional. Without the support, teaching and environment the college offered me, I would not be in the place I am today – and last Thursday proved that. Being able to celebrate with a few of the teachers that helped me in my two years at college was the greatest reward of the Evening, and I hope that what I have done has shown others that all it takes is the openness to be yourself and the ability to let others help you on the way!’
We are thrilled to reveal that former Greenhead College student Roshni Parmar-Hill has been shortlisted for a prestigious British Education Award in recognition of her outstanding academic and extra-curricular success in the A Level category.
This is the third year in a row that a Greenhead College student has made the shortlist for this award following Grace Goswami and Shaun Marshall who were both announced as the winners in 2018 and 2019’s ceremonies. Could this be a hat trick for Greenhead? We will soon find out as the winners will be revealed at the official awards ceremony on Thursday 30th January 2020.
Roshni was nominated for this award by Greenhead College following her outstanding A Level success of four A* grades in History, Philosophy, Religion & Ethics, English Literature and the Extended Project Qualification, plus her participation in a number of endeavours both in and outside of college.
Passionate about helping others and promoting equality, Roshni has relished every opportunity to do so.
An elected member of Youth Parliament, Roshni passionately debated for Votes at 16 in the House of Commons which she then discussed further on National Television on the BBC’s Sunday Politics.
Roshni was also the leader of the UK delegation at the IMEP in Madrid, bringing together all member states from the EU to create a model experience of the European Parliament. Part of the FEMM committee, Roshni helped produce a resolution that is now official EU documentation. In September 2019 Roshni attended the European Parliament in Brussels for an ‘aspiring young female leaders’ project.
Other notable achievements include winning the award for Best Actress in the North West for her role of Anne Frank, being an Ambassador for Hope not Hate and her continuous voluntary work at both Oxfam and at Oldham Unity, a project to help refugees and asylum seekers when they have nowhere else to turn, providing them with clothes, food and support.
Simon Lett, Principal of the College commented:
“We are all absolutely thrilled to hear that Roshni has been shortlisted for this prestigious award. She excelled academically during her time at Greenhead and threw herself into a wide range of extracurricular activities – she is fully deserving of this special recognition. This is the third year in a row that our College has been shortlisted in the A Level (zone 1) category for ‘Student of the Year’. Last year, Shaun Marshall was the deserving recipient of the award and in 2018, Grace Goswami was the winner. In 2020, we hope to score a hat trick and win this award three years in succession!”
Katie Mallinson studied at Greenhead College from 2002-2004. She is now a CIPR-award winning public relations and communications specialist, and proud founder of Scriba PR.
We put Katie on the spot to find out more..
What was your career aim when you were at college?
I never knew what I wanted to be, and purposely kept my options broad.
What A Levels did you study?
Business, Mathematics, Psychology and German
How do you remember your times at Greenhead College? What stands out?
The quality of teaching, and the relationships with the teachers. I also loved being part of a big community.
Can you describe your path from leaving college to founding Scriba?
On leaving college I went to Huddersfield University where I studied Business Management. Whilst on the course I was fortunate to gain a placement with a Public Relations agency in Leeds. At the time I didn’t know anything about PR but this placement shaped the direction of my career. At the end of the placement they offered me a job and there I stayed for the next 5 years. I had a burning desire to support niche, complex organisations and demystify the world of PR, and eventually decided to go freelance. Within 48 hours I had my first client and this led me to start my own business in 2013.
What are your standout Scriba moments?
It’s been a challenge, but I’ve honestly loved every minute. I think growing the team to 10, attracting clients from overseas, and building a business renowned for quality of service, passion and a strong culture, have to be highlights. We are so hard working and I am incredibly proud of the results we’ve achieved for clients. Helping to inspire nine other people to work towards the same ‘mission’ I had over six years ago, fills me with a great sense of achievement.
We’ve also recently moved into our biggest office space yet, which we have taken from a blank canvas, and it now oozes our personality as a company.
What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?
Grasp the opportunities that are offered to you, keep your eyes wide open, make the most of every conversation you have with people that you meet, and keep networking! Oh and, don’t listen to people that seemingly criticise you for smiling along the way – you can get along in business while being nice!
Greenhead College Alumna Cerys Jones studied Sociology at Durham University, where she founded the 93% club, a student-led initiative to help state-school educated students go on to study at the top universities.
We put Cerys on the spot to find out more..
When did you come to Greenhead College and what did you study?
I was at Greenhead College from 2014-2016. I studied Modern History, Sociology, and Law.
What support did you receive whilst at Greenhead?
I received incredible academic support whilst at Greenhead! I personally did not need to access internal counselling services whilst at Greenhead, but I can say that the academic support was of an exceptional standard. Without the vital support of staff at GHC I would not have believed in my own abilities and studied at Durham University.
Can you tell us about the 93% club, what it is and why you set it up?
Durham University, the same as Oxbridge and other elite institutions like Bristol, have a reputation for attracting privately educated students, and that is because they do! Arriving at Durham, I found myself suffering from imposter syndrome: constantly regarding myself as incapable of being at a top university. However, I was not the only student struggling with this aspect of Durham. 93% of students in the UK are state-educated, however, Durham’s recent academic intake had only a 63% composition of state-educated students (of which those educated at Comprehensive schools is not even disclosed). Therefore, myself and Fran Walker discovered the 93% Club at Bristol University. As such, we decided to bring our own sister society to Durham which promoted access and inclusivity of state-educated students at elite institutions.
Alongside my selected executive committee, I sought to engage with university faculty to amend university policy in order to better include state students. The 93% Club aims to help current students navigate university life and find employment after graduation. With CV advice, LinkedIn profile workshops, panel talks and more, the 93% Club aims to equip state educated students with the same skills as those who are privately educated.
What advice would you give to students from state schools who are aspiring to study at a top university?
You are just as good as your privately educated counterparts, if not better. Coming from a state school is something to be proud of, and something that you should wear as a badge of honor at top universities. Oxbridge, Durham, and other Russell Group universities do have lots of ‘posh’ students, but you are just as intelligent as them, and as such, your place at that university is just as valid. If you ever feel as though you ‘do not belong’, just remind yourself that there are thousands of other state school students who feel the same. Even if your university does not have a 93% Club, contact the society at either Bristol, Durham, or UCL and any members of the committee would be happy to help – whether personally or professionally.
Now you have graduated, what are your plans for the future, and how does the 93% club fit into this?
After graduating with a BA in Sociology from Durham, I was supposed to be undertaking a Masters in Law this September (2019). However, having been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder whilst at University, I have decided to take some time away from education and instead undertake some administration work in the local area. In the future – maybe next year – I will consider doing my Masters part time. In regards to the 93% Club, I will always be a part of the 93%. State-school pride is something I will always have, and with the 93% Club being such an intrinsic part of my university experience, I don’t think I will ever be able to leave it behind. I hope to be able to travel to various state schools and inspire other state-educated students to go to top universities, whether that be by providing insight about Durham as an institution, or by being a mentor for those who aspire to attend Durham. I want all state-educated students to understand that they are just as capable as their privately educated peers.
