KING’S Ely Sixth Form leaver, Tessa Hawes, is off to Loughborough University after achieving the A Level results she needed.
Tessa, 18, achieved an A* in English Literature, an A in Religious Studies and an A in Psychology. Her chosen degree is English Literature.
Tessa, who joined King’s Ely Acremont Pre-Prep in Reception, said: “I’m not entirely sure what I want to do career wise yet, but maybe criminal journalism or a barrister. I am going to see where my degree takes me!”
Speaking about her time at King’s, Tessa said: “I have enjoyed all of the opportunities that King’s has offered me, but I think I will miss all of the concerts that I have participated in the most. The ‘Night at the Movies Concert’ was such a special experience for me, as it was a sort of finale to my time at King’s and a good way to say goodbye. The feeling you get from being part of a bigger picture I don’t think can ever be replicated.”
Tessa plays the Cello at Grade 7 and has been a popular member of our Orchestra and our Spikes cellists group, playing in countless concerts over the years. She has also starred in some school productions, including when she played Bill Sykes in the Year 8 play, Oliver, which she says was a “great challenge”!
Tessa said: “During my time in Senior School and Sixth Form, I have been lucky enough to represent the school as a Prefect and also Head of Withburga House, and although I did not see my House as much as I would have liked due to Covid restrictions, I still enjoyed leading various events like our charity event (Withburga’s Walk around Europe), which took place during one of the lockdowns.
“Similarly, I have enjoyed being a member of the school’s 1st Hockey and Cricket teams, which has helped me to channel my competitive nature! King’s has also given me the opportunity to debate for my House in competitions, in which I found my love for writing and delivering organised arguments. This has led me to look into careers in law for the possible future.”
When asked what our online teaching provision was like during the recent lockdowns, Tessa said: “The online teaching was not too different to being taught in person as we followed the same structure and had as much support. By having lessons through Microsoft Teams we were never left to fend for ourselves and although it was strange not to have face-to-face contact with your classmates and teachers, you never felt like you were alone.”
Tessa added: “I feel I have been very well supported during my time at King’s. I remember in Year 11 I struggled particularly with Maths and my Maths Teacher, Mrs Mellor-Read, would give me extra tutoring lessons every Friday to help me. All of my teachers have been supportive in so many ways; whether it be helping with writing personal statements or simply offering some words of wisdom.
“The teachers at King’s know every single pupil individually and therefore can tailor support to each student’s individual needs. No one gets overlooked and this is especially useful in Sixth Form as you need the encouragement when starting the next chapter of your life.”
Congratulations Tessa, good luck in Loughborough and keep in touch!