KING’S Ely Sixth Form leaver, Molly Whymark, is off to the University of Leeds after achieving the A Level results she needed.

Molly, 18, achieved an A* in Textile Design, an A* in Fine Art and an A* in Photography. Her chosen degree is Graphic and Communication Design.

Molly, who joined King’s Ely Acremont Pre-Prep in Year 1, said: “Once I have completed my BA degree, during which I would like to build on the existing contacts I have and add more made during my year working in industry, I would like to join a leading marketing team. I am yet to determine which specific area of design and communication I would like to specialise in, but my current preferences include web design and online advertising. Whilst being excited at the thought of gaining experience working in the creative industries and developing my interpersonal skills, I am also interested in studying for an MA in Art Psychotherapy in the future.”

Speaking about her time at King’s, Molly said: “During my 13 years at King’s, I took part in as many of the activities on offer as possible. Sport featured heavily throughout my time at King’s – from learning to play Hockey in Year 3, all the way through to representing the school First Team in Hockey, Cricket and Netball throughout the Sixth Form. My love of Netball and commitment to the sport was spotted from a young age and I was put forward for County whilst at Junior School. I was fortunate to captain several teams alongside my studies and look back with fond memories of my time on the courts with friends, playing both home and away fixtures with great spirit.

“King’s also gave me many opportunities to develop my singing. From being in the Year 5 and Year 6 Girls’ Rock Choir to singing in King’s Voices in Year 7 and 8 and throughout King’s Ely Senior. In Year 7, the Choir visited Belgium and I found a new head for heights at the theme park we visited, as well as discovering a creative interest in the statues and artwork around the cities. I have thoroughly enjoyed every musical opportunity at King’s and see it as a very special aspect of life at the school.

“For me, the most personally satisfying co-curricular area was the outward bounds side of school. I became a Pupil Instructor for Ely Scheme in Year 11 and pursued the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme through to Gold in my final term at the school. Through my experiences at school, I was selected to become a Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme Ambassador for Cambridgeshire and have enjoyed making films for the web and speaking to other young people interested in joining the scheme. My formative experiences gained at school in hill walking, expedition skills and navigation have become what I think will be life-long pastimes and hobbies for me.

“Finding the courage to lead and building the skills required to work within diverse teams were all rehearsed in sport and on scheme expeditions. Those experiences helped me achieve posts of responsibility at King’s and I look back on being a Deputy Head of School and a Prefect with happy memories of the rewards we achieved through being part of a positive and compassionate team of young leaders. I particularly value the fundraising and charitable work I was able to complete despite the lockdowns.”

Speaking about the teaching at King’s, Molly said: “Naturally, the teachers I bonded with best were those who I identified most closely with. Recently, the creative talent of the team in the Art School and the nurturing and aspirational atmosphere they created around us led to me achieving outcomes I can be proud of. Feeling like an individual who is respected for who I was becoming was uplifting during the pandemic years at school. My Tutors helped me develop a sense of self and offered me just the right guidance at crucial times, and enjoying the House system led me to feel a deep sense of belonging at the school.”

When asked what she will miss most about King’s, Molly said: “The people, the constant encouragement and my adventures beyond the classroom.”

Congratulations Molly, good luck in Leeds and keep in touch!

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