FORMER Head of School, Oliver Hutchinson, is off to the University of Edinburgh in a few weeks’ time to study Mechanical Engineering.
Oliver, from Fulbourn, near Cambridge, is among 75 per cent of King’s Ely Sixth Form students who achieved all A* to B grades in their A Levels this year.
Oliver achieved an A* in Maths, an A* in RM (Resistant Materials) and a B in Physics, securing him a place at the University of Edinburgh to study Mechanical Engineering.
Oliver has been at King’s Ely since joining King’s Ely Junior in Year 5. His love for all things STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) was identified early on and was nurtured throughout his time at King’s Ely Junior through specialist teaching and vital cross-phase teaching with STEM teachers at King’s Ely Senior.
As Oliver progressed into and through King’s Ely Senior, the nurturing increased, as did the specialist focus and curricular and extra-curricular opportunities, which is when his passion for Engineering quickly shone through.
In October 2017, Oliver was invited to attend the Young Furniture Makers’ Exhibition in London by the Furniture Makers’ Company. The event celebrated the best student work from across the country, including pieces from school, college and university students, all of whom wish to forge careers within the UK furniture industry.
Oliver said: “I would recommend King’s Ely to anyone, especially if they have learning difficulties because, from my personal experience, the support that the learning support department provides is unlike anywhere else. I have really enjoyed my time at King’s Ely and I am thankful for the skills the school has provided me with over the years.
“What I found particularly helpful in the Sixth Form was the support that the teachers gave with regards to university applications, making sure we had all the information and that there were always tutors to talk through your options.”
Like the majority of King’s Ely students, Oliver took full advantage of the plethora of extra-curricular activities on offer alongside his studies, including Athletics, Cross Country and Ely Scheme, including trips with the school’s Climbing Club, the most memorable of which he says was bouldering in Fontainebleau, France.
Oliver hopes to pursue a career in automotive design, particularly the mechanical aspects of design, after completing his degree.