Alfie achieved the A-Level grades that he needed to study History at Durham University.

Alfie joined King's Ely Prep in Year 8 from a school in the United States.

Alfie studied History, Religious Studies, and Politics for his A-Levels. He also completed an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), titled: 'What is it that has made Porsche so distinctive and why has no other car brand succeeded in the same way?'

We caught up with Alfie after he received his A-Level results to find out more about his King's experience and what his next steps are...

Alfie, what career path do you plan on pursuing?

I would like to go either into a Politics-related career, such as a think tank, or possibly Law, but I am not certain yet. I plan to try out some different placements over the next couple of summers and see what I enjoy the most. 

What is the quality and style of teaching like at King’s?

The quality of teaching at King’s was very good. Studying three essay subjects, I thought I would struggle more with managing them, especially with the amount of content, but my teachers were always able to help me with this. For example, if I had a particularly heavy week in terms of essays set, my teachers were able to be flexible regarding when I had to hand them in and they met with me to give feedback, which was very helpful. I also really enjoyed a change in relationship with my teachers in Sixth Form, which saw more collaborative relationships, as we were working together to improve the content and quality of my work. I got on well with all of my teachers and felt that they really had my best interests at heart and tried to help me improve, through support sessions and being willing to talk through anything I was struggling with during free periods, at breaks and at lunchtimes. 

What else did you participate in during your time at King’s?

I was fortunate to have a leadership role in being Head of Wilkinson House. I think this was hugely beneficial for me to grow and develop during my time at King’s. I really enjoyed getting to know the boys in the House and I got on well with many of them. My organisational skills massively improved, as I was involved in helping organise events and getting the House ready for various competitions. I also think my social skills really improved in having closer relationships with both staff and pupils who I did not previously know. This was especially prevalent in public speaking, which I had to do at least once a week in House Assemblies, which had previously been very daunting. An absolute highlight of my time at King’s was being Head of House during House Song and House Ensemble this last year. 

I also really enjoyed my role of King’s Scholar with greater involvement in the Cathedral-aspect of King’s. The Scholars' Service became a highlight of my year, as well as having more involvement in important services. I also enjoyed speaking/reading in a couple of Cathedral Services, which I think also helped me grow in confidence. 

I was a member of the Christian Union, which I thoroughly enjoyed. We had weekly meetings with a bible talk or study, and then conversations about what we had read. Through that, my faith developed and I also gained great friendships with other pupils, as well as getting to know staff with whom I would not have otherwise had much to do with. That was really enjoyable and meant that I had a slightly different relationship with them, which added another pastoral element to my time at King’s. Overtime I also began to do some more leading within the Christian Union, such as helping run a lunchtime session for people who might have been interested in Christianity which I was able to bring some of my friends along to. This was a great experience as well.

I was involved with An Other Club, which is a History and critical thinking group, and this really helped me develop a greater interest in my subjects, as we looked at areas not focused on in the curriculum. It also helped me grow in confidence to engage in academic conversations and be willing to have a debate. 

Do you feel that you have been well supported pastorally at King’s?

Yes, in a number of ways. In Wilkinson House, I was more engaged as Head of House with the Housemasters I had during my time at King’s, and they were always willing to have a conversation and help me with any issues I was having, as well as helping me manage my time with studies alongside the leadership role I had. 

My Tutor was hugely helpful, and she always noticed if I was stressed or not my normal self during more busy times especially. This was really useful as she was always willing to have a chat and help sort anything out that I needed help with. For example, if I just had too much on she helped me work out what things I should prioritise and generally made sure I got the most out of my time at King’s. 

I had close relationships with a number of my teachers who went above and beyond to make sure that I was doing the best I could, both in their subjects, and helping me with UCAS and EPQ tasks, as well as advising me on my future options and capacities. 

What will you miss most about King’s and what did you enjoy most during your time here?

I think I will miss time with my friends the most. I developed great friendships dur my time at King’s. My best times were having conversations and fun with them. So, although I will stay in contact with many of them, I will miss seeing them every day. 

In what ways do you think King’s is unique or special compared to other schools?

I think the integration at King’s is very unique. I was able to develop friendships with many different people in different areas of school life. This is particularly prevalent in the Sixth Form where everyone is mixed together in the Old Palace building.